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I love experimenting with make ahead breakfast ideas and these egg muffin cups definitely make the cut. They are an easy breakfast option that are full of protein and easy to customize. Egg Muffins are the perfect breakfast option for busy mornings. They are naturally low-carb/keto too! Ingredients (Makes 6-7 servings) 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil or other oil for high heat cooking 2 cups chopped veggies (I like a combination of bell peppers, spinach and onion but use whatever you like) 1 cloves garlic minced salt to taste 6 whole eggs 1/2 cup of grated cheese Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a standard non stick 12-slot muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in oil, peppers, and onion. Saute 5-7 minutes, or until peppers are tender. Add in spinach cook for an additional 2 minutes. In the last 30 seconds, add in minced garlic. Season with salt and remove from heat. Let cool slightly. Crack eggs into a large 4 cup measuring cup and whisk together. Stir in cooked veggies and cheese. Pour the egg/veggie mixture evenly into the prepared muffin pan. Fill each muffin with about 1/3 cup. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are firm to the touch and eggs are cooked. Cool slightly and serve immediately! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 days. These may also be frozen. To reheat, pop them in the microwave until warm. Flavor combinations to try: Tomato, onion and cheese Mushroom and spinach Feta cheese and spinach Bacon, cheese and tomato Peppers, onions and cheese #glutenfree #healthingeating #lowcarb #keto

I'm always looking for easy ways to incorporate more veggies into our meals. Well, this flavorsome and intriguing bright-green soup is it. I love this Cream of Spinach Soup because it's creamy, rich and so easy to make. Dinner will be ready be ready in 30 minutes. Ingredients 1 Tablespoon refined coconut oil or butter 1 pound baby spinach, washed 1/2 onion, roughly chopped 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock Small grating of nutmeg Salt and pepper 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half Directions Heat Dutch Oven to medium heat. Add onions and saute and until the begin to soften. Add the spinach and stock in a saucepan, and turn heat to medium high. Bring to a boil, and lower heat so mixture barely bubbles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is tender, about 8 -10 minutes. Turn off heat, add nutmeg and a sprinkling of salt and pepper, and let cool at least a few minutes. Use an immersion blenders to carefully purée the soup. Add cream, and, over medium-low heat, reheat gently, stirring occasionally. When soup is hot, adjust seasoning, serve and enjoy. Chef's Note: If the soup is too spinachy for your crowd, you can add a few tablespoons of cream cheese while you are reheating (step 5). Cube the cream cheese before adding to the soup so that it will incorporate more easily. #keto #glutenfree #healthingeating #lowcarb This recipe was inspired by the New York Times Cream of Spinach Soup by Mark Bittman.

Dr. Axe and Jordan Rubin share the top essential oils, supplements, foods to eat and natural treatments to use to relieve pain and reduce inflammation naturally, effectively and safely. Neck pain, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, arthritis, a tear in the joints and so many other conditions can cause chronic pain and inflammation. Here’s what they want you to know: You don’t have to live with chronic pain forever, and you don’t have to turn to conventional pain-killers that carry side effects and the risk of addiction. My husband and have had great success reducing joint pain with a low inflammatory diet and supplements. If you are struggling with chronic pain you will find valuable information in this video. Chronic Inflammation at the Root of Most Diseases + How to Prevent has more terrific information from Dr. Axe on inflammation. #healthyliving #naturalalternatives

Nothing is easier or more delicious on a hot summer day than this simple salad. 5 ingredients, 2 of which are pantry items and you are ready to eat. The mellow, slightly licorice flavor of the fennel pairs perfectly with the peppery arugula. I use organic fennel and arugula. 1 fennel bulb thinly sliced 2 cups arugula ½ lemon olive oil salt Thinly slice the fennel. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on the fennel, add a pinch of salt, mix together. Squeeze ½ a lemon on top, mix again. Add the arugula and mix again – that’s it. EAT! You may want to add more olive oil or lemon to taste. #healthyeating #vegetarian #keto #glutenfree #recipes #homemade #foodlover #healthylifestyle #lowcarblife #salad

Plastic bags, wraps, and films can’t be recycled in your curbside recycling bins. So please don’t put plastic bags and wraps in your curbside bin if your recycling program says NO. But please DO recycle them. It’s easy. Here’s how… More than 20,000 retail locations across the country – such as large grocery chains, home improvement stores, Walmart, Target, etc. – provide collection bins for these plastic bags and wraps, usually in the storefront close to the main entrance. Since you picked up your grocery or shopping bags at these stores, why not just return them on your next trip? Many people collect them over time, along with dry cleaning film, wraps from paper towels, newspaper delivery bags and more, and then stuff them into the storefront bins. When these bags and wraps get recycled, they are turned into new products, such as backyard decking, fences, playground equipment, pipes… and even new plastic bags. Any package that you see with the How2Recycle Store Drop-Off label can be recycled this way. Click here to enter your zip/postal code below to find retail stores, municipal recycling centers and private recyclers in the US and Canada that accept plastic bags and film packaging. Of course, the best choice for the environment is to reduce your use of all bags and packaging. Shop with reusable bags and look for products with minimal packaging. #plasticfree #ecofriendlyliving #reuse #recycle Portions of this post are reposted from: Plastics Make it Possible How To Recyle Photo is reposted from National Geographic

Over tourism in major attractions around the world is a big problem. Crowds can cause damage to historical monuments, ruin local neighborhoods and make the travel experience overall unpleasant for everyone involved. Over tourism and overcrowding isn’t just an issue in places like Venice and Rome, though. It’s occurring right within the U.S. National Park system, as long lines of cars wait for hours to enter destinations like Yellowstone and the overabundance of travelers cause damage to both landscape and infrastructure. If you plan to visit a U.S. national park this year and want both a pleasant travel experience and to avoid contributing to this major issue, here are seven national parks to visit to avoid the crowds. Indiana Dunes National Park The newest national park in the system, Indiana Dunes National Park, is easily accessible as it lies just south of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. The pristine scenery is lined with high-reaching sand dunes, but the dunes aren’t the only spot of interest in this ecologically diverse landscape. There are also lush woods and prairie. Beyond hiking, swimming, camping and other activities, the free-entry park, with its unique ecosystem, is also a fantastic location for birding. North Cascades National Park In Washington State, North Cascades National Park offers just as much dramatic scenery and sweeping mountain vistas as some of the other, more popular national parks. And just like Indiana Dunes, this park is easily accessible from a major city, with Seattle only being three hours away. Boating, fishing, hiking and camping all await amid the more than 300 glaciers. Lake Clark National Park And Reserve When you think of national parks in Alaska, your mind probably immediately goes to Denali or Kenai Fjords, but what about Lake Clark? Lake Clark National Park and Reserve is in southwest Alaska. The jaw-droppingly gorgeous slice of wilderness is spotted with crystalline lakes, rough mountain peaks and even a volcano or two. Note that while there aren't any road connections to Lake Clark, it is accessible via a short flight from Anchorage. The wildlife is just as vast and potentially dangerous as the landscape itself, but that shouldn’t keep visitors away. If you have plans to visit Alaska at all this year, Lake Clark is a must for your itinerary. Dry Tortugas National Park If your national park daydreams also feature some sun and sand alongside history and the great outdoors, then you could always head to the Caribbean where, yes, it is possible to find an uncrowded destination. At Dry Tortugas National Park, you can snorkel above the coral reefs, island hop and even lounge about in the sand. The park is made up of seven islands 70 miles west of Key West and is home to Fort Jefferson, an 1800's masonry fort. Virgin Islands National Park Not too far away, Virgin Islands National Park doesn’t receive too many more visitors, partially because of decreased tourism numbers following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. However, the U.S. Virgin Islands are on the rebound so you’ll want to visit this national park soon before it becomes crowded once again. The park encompasses approximately 60 percent of the land on Saint John. It's also home to aquamarine waters filled with interesting marine life like sea turtles, lush tropical forests, sugar plantation ruins and spectacular views. Isle Royale National Park Back in the Lower 48, Isle Royale National Park sits surrounded on all sides by Lake Superior. The largely isolated island is an introvert’s dream, far from civilization and a great getaway for back-country camping, hiking, boating and even scuba diving. The beautiful park, however, is only accessible via ferry, seaplane or private watercraft, so don’t expect to drive there. Once you’re within the park’s confines, though, you can find more than 150 miles of hiking trails, 36 campgrounds, guided boat tours and even multiple inland lakes. Congaree National Park In South Carolina, Congaree boasts the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeast. The diverse landscape is best seen either via the boardwalks that crisscross through the marshes or by boat. You can rent canoes and kayaks and take to the creeks with ease, navigating the marked canoeing trails as you enjoy the calm waters. Beyond the fascinating ecosystem, Congaree National Park also offers a little historic intrigue. The floodplain has existed on human record for more than an astonishing 13,000 years. It has proved useful to everyone from prehistoric natives to escaped slaves, Spanish explorers to Revolutionary War soldiers. Summary As you can see, there are plenty of options available if you want to visit a destination that isn't overcrowded but still has much to offer. Additionally, many of these destinations are near major cities or other areas of interest, so getting to them isn't going to be a journey unto itself. Which of these will you visit next? This article is reposted from Forbes.com #outdoorliving #hiking #nature #fitness

An interesting “germ study” conducted in 2011 by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) asked 22 families to swab 30 everyday household items and submit the swabs so they could be measured for levels of yeast, mold and coliform bacteria (a family of bacteria that includes salmonella and E. coli.)1 While many people assume the most germ-infested spot in the home is the bathroom, the NSF study showed that most of the top 10 germiest items are found in the kitchen, with pet food bowls coming in at No. 4. My guess is that in most cases of homes with grubby pet bowls, dogs and cats are fed kibble (which, needless to say, I never recommend). Those pet parents may not realize that while dry food doesn’t leave the same obvious mess behind as canned and raw or fresh food, it’s just as likely, and even more likely in some cases, to be contaminated with salmonella, E. coli or other types of bacteria. So while the bowl may look clean after your pet eats his dry food, to safeguard the health of human family members, it’s just as important to wash kibble bowls, as it is to wash bowls used for moist diets. It’s also important to recognize that healthy dogs and cats have a much higher tolerance for bacteria in food than humans do. In fact, their digestive systems are specifically designed to deal with considerable amounts of both familiar and foreign bacteria — the type of bacteria they would encounter when eating wild prey. There are two reasons carnivorous pets can handle a heavy bacterial load: stomach acid and bile. Their stomachs are naturally so highly acidic there aren't many organisms that can survive it. Dogs and cats also produce a tremendous amount of bile, which is both anti-parasitic and anti-pathogenic. If the stomach acid doesn't kill a pathogen, chances are the bile will. How Often to Wash Your Pet’s Food and Water Bowls The experts recommend washing food bowls after every meal, regardless of what type of diet you offer your pet. Food bowls should be washed with hot, soapy water after each meal, and water bowls should be wiped dry before refilling, and thoroughly washed every couple of days or more often as necessary. Not only does leftover food attract its own bacteria, but the microbes that normally live in your dog’s or cat’s mouth and saliva can be transferred to leftover food and moisture in the bowl, creating an ideal environment for growth. The list of potential food bowl pathogens is a long one. According to Dr. William Burkholder from the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA: "What kind of bacteria grow in the bowls depends on factors like the environment, exposure and oral hygiene of the animal, but possible examples include Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella multocida and different species of Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Enterobacteria, Neisseria, Moraxella, Bacillus and, less frequently, Salmonella and Pseudomonas."2 Some of these bacteria pose a potential danger to family members, especially to the very young, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands with soap and water after handling your pet’s food, and also pet food bowls. Is Bleach Good for Cleaning Pet Bowls? The NSF suggests that if you hand-wash your pet’s bowls, you should also place them in a solution of half a teaspoon of household bleach in 1 gallon of water and let them soak for about 10 minutes once per week. I disagree. Bleach is a caustic and potentially toxic chemical agent that isn’t necessary as long as you carefully wash your pet’s bowls after each meal with hot, soapy water, rinse them thoroughly and allow them to air dry. As you’re rinsing, run your hand around the bowl, inside and out, checking for any little food chunks you might’ve missed, and ensuring there’s no slimy feel to the bowl. An alternative to hand-washing is to put the bowls in the dishwasher, but since most pets eat twice a day, you’ll either need to run your dishwasher a lot, or you’ll need a large supply of extra bowls. In my opinion, there’s no need to wash your pet’s bowls or serving utensils separately from human dishes, but many people do. The Type of Pet Food and Water Bowls You Use Is Important Plastic food and water bowls are probably the most popular with pet parents, but I’m not a fan. While plastic bowls are inexpensive and convenient, they’re also impossible to thoroughly sanitize, and in addition, as the plastic begins to break down it can leach toxic chemicals into your pet’s food and water. Bacteria and oils can also get trapped in the peeling plastic, potentially causing skin irritation or worse. Some dogs and cats can develop allergies to the dyes and materials in plastic bowls, and they’ve also been linked to tear staining. In addition, aggressive chewers have been known to gnaw their bowls into small pieces and swallow them. I recommend stainless steel, porcelain or glass food and water bowls for your pet, but even those options have some disclaimers. BPA-free plastic bowls can be used in a pinch when you’re traveling with your furry family member or in other temporary situations, as long as you clean it thoroughly after each use and replace it at the first sign the plastic is degrading. Buying 18-gauge stainless steel is important, and preferably through a company that has done third party purity testing; it’s shocking, but even stainless steel has proven to be contaminated, as demonstrated by the Petco metal bowl recall several years ago. Some porcelain can contain lead and others are not approved for food products, so make sure you buy good-quality porcelain made for food use from a company you trust. Pyrex or Duralex glass bowls are my favorite, as they’re durable and nontoxic, unlike other cheaply made glass products that may contain lead or cadmium. Coming in at No. 7 on the Top 10 Germiest List: Pet Toys Also in the NSF’s top 10 list of germiest household items are pet toys, which were found in the study to be a source of coliform bacteria (including staph bacteria), yeast and mold. As is the case with pet food bowls that don’t appear dirty, often your pet’s toys don’t, either, which is why it’s really important to remember to wash your hands after playing with your pet or moving her toys around. Not long ago a television station in Grand Rapids, Michigan featured a segment on bacteria on dog toys.3 The station worked with a laboratory to measure the contamination on toys belonging to one of the news reporter’s dogs, a Toy Poodle named Henry. They tested only soft toys, and the bacteria counts were so high they had to dilute the samples just to analyze them! Chances are the massive amounts of bacteria on your own dog’s toys won’t bother him in the least, but there’s a possibility a human family member could become ill after handling a dog toy if they don’t wash their hands thoroughly before touching their face, putting food in their mouth, etc. Hard (e.g., plastic) toys can be cleaned with hot soapy water, rinsed and allowed to air dry. Again, I don’t recommend using bleach or any chemical cleaner or disinfectant — especially with something your dog will be licking and chewing and carrying around in his mouth. Soft toys can be thrown in the clothes washer with other laundry. Washing your dog’s toys regularly (once a month is a reasonable guideline) also gives you the opportunity to check their condition and toss the ones that are breaking down or falling apart. This article was reposted from Mercola Healthy Pets #healthypets #petbowls #petadvice #animalwellness

No one likes when their best friend is feeling under the weather. Since your pup isn’t able to tell you exactly what is wrong, it is even more upsetting and often scary. If you’re anything like most of our readers, avoiding harsh medications for your pup is high up on the priority list. Finding holistic alternatives may prove to be less complicated and require fewer trips to the vet than you may think. Therefore, we’d like to introduce you the herb you didn’t know you were missing: Olive Leaf for dogs. What is Olive Leaf for Dogs? Olive leaf is a natural supplement that stimulates the protective cells of its consumer’s immune system. Due to the magnitude of ailments that it aids, olive leaf has the well-suited nickname, “Nature’s Antibiotic.” Olive Tree Olive leaf originates from the subtropical tree, Olea europaea, or in layman’s terms, the olive tree. While primarily found in Mediterranean regions, it also thrives in comparable climates like those of California and Argentina. As a powerful antimicrobial, the olive leaf contains antibacterial, antifungal, as well as antiviral properties, all which boost the immune system and make olive leaf an incredibly potent antioxidant. Oleuropein The main active ingredient, Oleuropein, aids in fighting against pathogens and provides olive leaf with its natural, therapeutic abilities. Seeing that we can’t force our dogs to consume leaves, scientists developed a way to reap the health benefits of Oleuropein through the extract of crushed up olive leaves, or simply, olive leaf extract. Olive Leaf Extract Olive leaf extract is available for purchase as a liquid, powder, capsule, and dried leaf tea. Making the extract at home is relatively simple if you have access to olive leaves. Assuming you do, simply: Wash and thoroughly dry the leaves. Next, lay the leaves in the sun until they are extremely dry and brittle.Then, blend the leaves in a food processor.Additional supplements, such as grape seeds, can be added for an extra boost.Once the leaves are thoroughly ground, they can be made into capsule form, used as a powder, or mixed with water. Olive leaf extract provides your pets with the protection they need to fight off ailments early on making it vital for your fur baby’s health and wellness. Olive Leaf Extract Benefits As previously mentioned, Oleuropein, the primary active ingredient of olive leaf extract, has quite an impressive resume. Oleuropein stimulates the immune system of dogs and cats and aids in attacking infections and stoping illnesses before they develop. Let’s take a look at the number of health benefits that come along with Nature’s Antibiotic. Natural Antibiotic Olive leaf extract treats urinary tract infections, kennel cough, oral infections, among others. This natural extract is capable of deactivating pathogenic strains of bad yeast and bacteria without harming the good strains that your dog needs to fight off future illness. Anti-Inflammatory Properties Inflammation is a significant part of both chronic and degenerate diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb may protect against cancer, heart issues, and nerve damage. Olive leaf for dogs and Oleuropein also help decrease discomfort and swelling in dogs with joint problems. Additionally, it can help reduce symptoms of arthritis as well as chronic pain. Antifungal If your dog has ever had smelly breath, skin, or ears, he or she may have an overgrowth of candida yeast. These smells are so common that they are often overlooked, despite the fact that they can lead to serious issues. Olive leaf extract, specifically the Oleuropein agent, acts as an antifungal and helps rid your dog of candida overgrowth. Antiparasite The immune boosting properties of the extract are also thought to aid in the management and prevention of Lyme Disease. Additionally, olive leaf for dogs serves as natural flea prevention, proving to be much safer than typical chemical-based flea medications. Antioxidant Olive leaf extracts paired with elenolic acid (an important component of the extract that is considered a marker for the maturation of the olives),  help to prevent chronic diseases, including cancer, by blocking free radicals. Also, the extract allows for a natural way for pets to deal with allergies, both airborne and dermatological. Antiviral The antiviral properties of the olive leaf, along with calcium elenolate (an antiviral agent that forms from the acid hydrolysis of elenolic acid), enable it to enter the infected cells, repair them, and prevent spreading to other parts of the body as well as easing symptoms of the virus while healing. Some pet owners combine olive leaf for dogs with a colloidal silver supplement to target specific viruses. Digestion Issues Oleuropein olive leaf extract aids in solving digestion issues and preventing infections and irritations. It also helps rid the body of toxins. Lowers Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure While the natural extract helps lower both blood sugar and blood pressure, if your dog is currently on medication, please check with your vet before eliminating or adding anything to your pet’s routine. Skin Irritations Demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange are skin conditions that develop when a dog’s immune system is unable to keep mites under control. Oleuropein boosts the immune system and aids in healing and prevention. Olive Leaf Extract Dosage Most commonly, olive leaf extract comes in capsules and powder form. It can be added to your pet’s food and has a taste that most dogs tend to enjoy. Be sure always to buy olive leaf extract that is certified organic. As a general supplement guideline: Small dog – 1/4 teaspoon daily Medium dog – 1/2 teaspoon daily Large dog – 1 teaspoon daily Olive leaf glycerite is the extract in liquid form and has the same healing qualities as olive leaf for dogs powder, yet it may have a shorter shelf life and be more susceptible to contamination. Regardless, the primary active ingredient Oleuropein continues to support the immune system. Specific ailments will have different suggested dosages so be sure to do your research depending on the needs of you pup! For instance, when treating candida yeast, up to 500mg twice a day in capsules or powder form is safe for a 50-pound dog. Smaller or larger dogs will require an appropriately adjusted dosage. Olive Leaf Extract Side Effects When treating candida yeast, it is important to start slowly and gradually build up to the full recommended dose. Some dogs may encounter yeast die-off symptoms, known as Herxheimer reaction, which can cause flu-like symptoms. Treating yeast infections with olive leaf extract requires a significantly higher dosage and should be carefully monitored. In uncommon occurrences, vomiting and diarrhea may develop as a side effect. If your dog begins to vomit or is having digestions issues, it is encouraged to discontinue using the extract. Pregnant and nursing dogs should also not use the herbs. Pet owners should always monitor their dog when introducing anything new into their diet. Dogs are highly sensitive and rare reactions can be impossible to predict. However, olive leaf extract is natural and has proven to be incredibly safe, differing greatly from the antibiotics received from a veterinarian clinic. The Dark Side of Antibiotics One of the most important and comforting aspects of holistic healing is knowing exactly what you are putting in your body. Leaving the veterinarian’s office with a bag of pills that you’re unfamiliar with or don’t fully understand doesn’t instill much confidence in caring for your pup. However, perhaps the most unsettling issue is that many of these pills are nothing more than a generic antibiotic which masks the true, underlying problem. Regardless of whether your dog has a urinary tract infection or an ear infection, more often than not, the same antibiotic is prescribed and antibiotics are not harmless. While antibiotics may quickly help your dog get back to feeling normal again, they can cause irreversible damage including but not limited to: Permanent harm to your dog’s gut health. Permanently killing off the good bacteria that is necessary for a healthy immune system. Permanent digestive health issues that even probiotics cannot resolve. A significantly lowered ability to fight off future infections. Again, this damage is permanent. Lasting forever. Living Up to its Nickname – Nature’s Antibiotic Olive leaf extract has one of the longest and arguably most significant historical usages of any herb used today, and it’s no question why. There’s a reason why Oleuropein has kept scientists in awe for over 100 years. The fact that one herb has the potential to combat cancer, prevent arthritis, and lower blood pressure is extremely impressive! The world of pet antibiotics is a relatively unfamiliar topic for most pet owners, and the unknown is a scary place to live. As we discussed, antibiotics can also have a terrifying array of permanent adverse effects on your four-legged child. So, if we’re able to avoid it, why wouldn’t we? As the expression goes, “When you know better, you do better!” Every day, more and more information is surfacing on natural forms of health treatment. From coconut oil and neem oil to aromatherapy, trips to the drug store are becoming less necessary for both humans and our pets. The more we open our minds to the world of holistic dog health, the happier and healthier our companions will be. This article was reposted from Simple Wag #healthypets #petadvice #animalwellness #holisticpets #natural

This homemade BBQ Sauce is sweet and tangy. This sauce is great on pork chops, chicken dishes, wings and more! Most store bought BBQ sauce is loaded with sugar. Making your own sauce is easy and allows you to control the amount of sugar. Ready in 15 minutes Ingredients 1 cup unsweetened ketchup (canned tomato sauce will work here too) 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for low-carb and keto use Swerve Brown Sugar) 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos. 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or pink Himalayan salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) INSTRUCTIONS Place all the ingredients in a pan over medium low heat. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until thickened. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months TIPS FOR HOMEMADE BBQ SAUCE Make sure to use smoked paprika, not regular paprika. Smoked paprika adds a special element to the sauce. Store your BBQ sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze your sauce for later use. Try Frank’s Red Hot sauce for just a touch of spice. If you’re heat adverse, you can easily omit it. Photos reposted from Dinner at the Zoo #recipes #homemade #foodlover #healthylifestyle #lchfdiet #ketoliving #lowcarblife #glutenfree

If you sniffle, sneeze, rub your eyes and blow your nose every spring, then you're aware you have seasonal allergies. But did you know your dog or cat can also spend the spring season feeling miserable thanks to pollen and other environmental allergens? You may not realize what's going on with your furry family member, because allergies in pets typically show up as a condition called allergic dermatitis, which is irritation or inflammation of the skin. Rarely, a pet (especially a cat) will develop symptoms similar to those of an allergic human, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and coughing. It's important to note there are only two types of allergies: food and environmental. Food allergies create year-round symptoms in pets, whereas seasonal environmental allergy symptoms flare intermittently depending on when triggers bloom, blossom and grow. Sensitivities to dust mites or fleas are environmental triggers that can be year-round, depending on your pet's exposure. Itching and scratching and hot spots, oh my! A dog or cat with seasonal allergies is usually very itchy, scratchy and a bit irritable because he feels miserable. He might bite or chew at just one or two areas of his body, or he may itch from nose to tail. Chances are you'll see him rubbing his head or body along your carpet or couch in an attempt to relieve the unbearable itching. And make no mistake — it is unbearable. As the itch-scratch cycle progresses, the skin becomes inflamed and tender, setting the stage for secondary infections. There might be areas of hair loss, or open or crusty sores. He might also develop hot spots (cats get them, too), which are areas of inflamed, infected skin resulting from an overgrowth of normal bacteria. Pets with seasonal allergies often have problems with their ears and feet, in particular. The ear canals become itchy and inflamed, and sometimes develop yeast or bacterial infections. Symptoms of an ear infection include scratching at the ears, head shaking, hair loss around the ears and a bad smell or discharge coming from the ears. Because dogs and cats sweat from the pads of their feet, when they go outside, allergens cling to their damp paws. Those allergens get tracked back inside and all around your home — especially in areas where your pet hangs out — and are a major source of itchiness. Allergic pets often lick or chew at their paws and toes. The excessive licking and chewing can trigger a secondary yeast infection, so if your pet's feet start smelling musty, or like cheese popcorn or corn chips, chances are he's developed yeasty feet. Recommendations for pets with allergies The following are commonsense, all-natural steps you can take to help ease your pet's discomfort when she's dealing with seasonal allergies. 1. Rinse your pet regularly and do daily foot soaks and eye rinses — The first thing you can do is help rid your pet's body of allergens. Pets who go outside regularly collect millions of allergens. It's just commonsense to rinse them off, which can provide immediate relief for irritated, inflamed skin. When it's time to actually bathe pets (when they're stinky, dirty or have a skin infection), I recommend using only grain-free and pH-balanced shampoos. Because oatmeal is a carbohydrate and carbs feed yeast, I don't recommend oatmeal shampoos. Follow up with a lemon juice or vinegar rinse to help manage yeast infections. If your pet has been prescribed a medicated shampoo, rebalancing the skin's microbiome is a wise idea: mix a teaspoon of probiotic powder in a quart of water and pour over your pet from the neck to the tail, rub in and towel dry. Foot soaks are a great way to reduce the number of allergens your pet tracks into the house and spreads all over her indoor environment. Daily eye rinses can also be very effective for pets who are pawing at their eyes. It's very important that you not use human medicated eye drops. There's a great all-natural over-the-counter eye drop that's made by Halo Pets that can reduce eye irritation and inflammation. Colloidal silver is also a great way to safely disinfect your pet's face and delicate areas around the eyes. 2. Minimize indoor allergens — Another thing you can do to help your allergic pet is reduce allergens and toxins around your home. Vacuum all carpets, rugs and upholstery, clean hard floors, and wash pet and human bedding in natural, fragrance-free detergent a minimum of once a week. Don't use dryer sheets. Keep the areas of your home where your pet spends most of her time as allergen-free as possible. Use nontoxic cleaning agents instead of traditional household cleaners. During allergy season, keep windows closed as much as possible, and change the filters on your heating or air circulation unit often. Invest in an air purifier to remove allergens inside the house. Also consider covering your pet's bed with a dust mite cover that can be frequently washed to help reduce allergen contamination that she may be bringing in from outside. I also recommend eliminating all chemical air scenting products such as plug ins, scented candles, room sprays and pet odor sprays that contain toxic ingredients. 3. Give natural antihistamines — There are supplements I routinely prescribe to pets with seasonal allergic issues starting with quercetin, which is a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihistamine properties. I call it "nature's Benadryl," because it's very effective at suppressing histamine release. Bromelain and papain are proteolytic enzymes that increase absorption of quercetin, making it more effective. I like to combine bromelain and papain with vitamin C and quercetin, because they have a great synergistic effect. Herbs such as stinging nettle, butterbur, sorrel, verbena, elderflower and cat's claw have a documented history of helping animals combat seasonal allergic responses. Plant sterols and sterolins, which are anti-inflammatory agents, have also been used successfully to modulate the immune system toward a more balanced response in allergic patients. Locally produced honey contains a small amount of pollen from the local area that can help desensitize the body to local allergens over time. Usually the best place to find local honey is at a farmer's market or neighborhood health food store. Check with your veterinarian about the right dose for your dog or cat. 4. Address the diet — One of the first things I do for a dog or cat with allergies is review their diet and check for leaky gut syndrome. Often dysbiosis, which is also called leaky gut, is the reason seasonal allergies get progressively worse from one year to the next. Your pet's gastrointestinal (GI) tract has the very important job of deciding what nutrients to allow into the bloodstream, and which to keep out. The job of the GI tract is to allow nutrients in while keeping allergens out. When the gut starts to "leak," it means it's allowing allergens into the bloodstream. Often medications, especially antibiotics and steroids, cause leaky gut syndrome. Any pet on routine drug therapy should be assessed for a leaky gut. Another trigger for leaky gut is a processed diet containing genetically modified ingredients. There's a canine dysbiosis test from Texas A&M GI lab you can use to check for this condition, but even better, have your pet's microbiome assessed through AnimalBiome. They also have a biome restoration program that can dramatically improve pet's quality of life that suffer from atopy. Pets with allergies should be transitioned to an anti-inflammatory diet very low in grain content. It should contain no soy, corn, rice, wheat, organic whole wheat, tapioca, peas, lentils, chickpeas or potatoes. By eliminating extra sugar and carbohydrates in the diet, you'll also limit the food supply for yeast, which can be very beneficial for allergic pets. It's also important to offer your pet clean, pure drinking water that doesn't contain fluoride, fluorine, heavy metals or other contaminants. 5. Supplement essential fatty acids and lauric acid — I recommend boosting the omega-3 fatty acids in your allergic pet's diet. The best sources of these fatty acids come from the ocean, including krill, salmon, tuna, anchovy and sardine oil, and other sources of fish body oils. I also recommend coconut oil for allergic pets because it contains lauric acid, which has natural antifungal properties that can help suppress the production of yeast in the body. Omega-3 oils combined with coconut oil can modulate or even suppress the inflammatory response in allergic pets. 6. Consider a desensitization protocol — If you've tried the above suggestions with limited success, I recommend helping your pet's immune system quiet down through desensitization. This can be achieved through a technique called Nambudripad's AllergyElimination Techniques (NAET) performed by practitioners trained to treat dogs and cats, or through sublingual immunotherapy. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a relatively new variation on allergy injections to treat atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) in dogs, cats and horses. SLIT is common in Europe and is used to treat respiratory and skin allergies in people. Sublingual immunotherapy is given orally, which is much easier on both you and your pet than injections. I've had good success using a sublingual product called regionally-specific immunotherapy, or RESPIT®. I like it because it doesn't rely on testing to determine what your dog or cat is allergic to. It uses a mixture of the most significant regional allergens instead. If you decide to use sublingual immunotherapy, it's important to know that most pets require an "immediate relief" protocol (including therapeutic bathing, herbs and nutraceuticals that reduce inflammation), in addition to beginning a desensitization protocol of any kind. Desensitizing pets is one of the best long-term solutions for managing allergies, and sublingual immunotherapy is a needle-free option. 7. Refuse all unnecessary vaccines, pest preventives and veterinary drugs — Because allergies are an exaggerated immune system response, it's important to avoid unnecessary vaccines and veterinary drugs, including chemical pest preventives, all of which interfere with the performance of the immune system. If your pet is taking medication regularly or has taken a long-term course of medication in the past, talk to your veterinarian about instituting an intermittent detoxification program to help the body eliminate harmful byproducts and drug residues. Important: seasonal allergies often progress to year-round allergies Allergic reactions are produced by your pet's immune system, and the way her immune system functions is a result of both nature (genetics) and nurture (environment). I often see some variation of the following history with allergic pets: A young pup or kitten, maybe 4 to 6 months old, begins with a little red tummy, itchy ears and maybe a mild infection in one ear. His regular veterinarian treats him symptomatically — often with a round of unnecessary antibiotics — to appease the owner. Believe it or not, this is enough to set the stage for leaky gut. The following year as soon as the weather warms up, the pet is brought back to his regular vet with very itchy feet, another ear infection and a hotspot or two. Again, the vet treats the symptoms (sadly, often with steroids) until the weather turns cold and the symptoms disappear. Year three, the same pet suffers from May through September with red, inflamed skin, maybe some hair loss, more hotspots, frequent ear and skin infections, and a tendency to chew his paws or scratch until he bleeds. By year five, all the symptoms have grown significantly worse and the animal's suffering is now year-round. This is what commonly happens with seasonal environmental allergies. The more your pet is exposed to the allergens he's sensitive to, the more intense and long-lasting his allergic response becomes. That's why it's extremely important to begin addressing potential root causes at the first sign of an allergic response, no matter how mild it appears at its onset. This article was written by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker and is reposted from Mercola Health Pet #healthypets #petadvice #animalwellness #holisticpets #natural