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Personal care products have become a $50-billion industry in the United States. You are seduced on a daily basis by the intoxicating aromas, flashy packaging, and enticing promises of everlasting youth these products offer. But what is the real cost of applying these products to your body? If I were to tell you that your personal care products could be putting you at risk for hair and skin damage, immunological problems, damage to your eyes, and possibly even cancer, would you pay a little more attention to their ingredients? The growing awareness of chemicals in the foods you eat has led many of you to begin reading labels. If you are doing this as part of your regular shopping routine, I commend you, and you will likely live longer for it. But what about the products you are smearing all over yourself? Eye makeup can be absorbed by your highly sensitive mucous membranes. Hair sprays, perfumes and powders can be inhaled, irritating your lungs. Lipstick is licked off and swallowed. Sunscreen and lotions are absorbed through your skin. Shampoo can run into your eyes or your baby's eyes. Laundry detergent, in small amounts, comes in contact with your skin via your clothes. In 2004, a six-month study was done about personal care product use. More than 10,000 body care product ingredients were evaluated, involving 2,300 participants. One of the findings was that the average adult uses nine personal care products each day, containing 126 different chemicals. The study also found that more than 250,000 women, and one out of every 100 men, use an average of 15 products daily. Are these products as safe as the labels would have you to believe? With the sheer multitude of chemicals out there, it would be impossible to cover them all in one report. But I have covered most of the significant players, and you can find those articles using the search engine at the top of this page. This report will focus on a compound called sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS/SLES), a very common chemical used throughout the cosmetic industry. A great deal of misinformation, myth, and rumor surround SLS/SLES, and I would like to discuss what is really known about this chemical and its potential risk to you. What You Put ON Your Skin Can Be More Dangerous Than What You Eat Putting chemicals on your skin or scalp, such as getting a hair dye, may actually be worse than eating them. When you eat something, the enzymes in your saliva and stomach help to break it down and flush it out of your body. However, when you put these chemicals on your skin, they are absorbed straight into your bloodstream without filtering of any kind, going directly to your delicate organs. Once these chemicals find their way into your body, they tend to accumulate over time because you typically lack the necessary enzymes to break them down. There are literally thousands of chemicals used in personal care products, and the U. S. government does not require any mandatory testing for these products before they are sold. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that one out of five cosmetics might be contaminated with a cancer-causing agent. This nonprofit public-interest research group is known for making connections between chemical exposure and adverse health conditions. The United Nations Environmental Programme estimates that approximately 70,000 chemicals are in common use across the world, with 1,000 new chemicals being introduced every year. Of all the chemicals used in cosmetics, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reported that nearly 900 are toxic, and that estimate might be low. (3) Many of the same poisons that pollute your environment are also lurking in the jars and bottles that line your bathroom shelves. We all risk becoming a toxic waste dump from the products we use, the foods we eat, and the environment in which we live. Why Worry About Your Skin? Your skin is much more than a wrap to keep you from sliding down into a puddle of formless bio-goo. It is your body's largest organ. You might not be aware of the many protective functions your skin serves. Consider that your skin: Protects your internal organs from injury and infection and is your primary and most important defense against infections. Helps eliminate wastes through perspiration. Assists your immune system by providing a protective barrier to viruses and bad bacteria, thus preventing infections. Provides a friendly habitat for good bacteria. Helps maintain body temperature by controlling heat flow between you and your environment. Seals in moisture, maintaining your body's delicate fluid balance. Produces vitamin D, which is crucial for your health. Sends sensory feedback to your brain because it is rich in receptors, such as hard/soft and hot/cold, so that you can react to dangerous conditions around you. Your skin is vital to your health, yet many people fail to take care of it. Because your skin has the ability to absorb much of what you put on it, informed choices are critical to optimize your health. You should give your skin the same thoughtful care you give your diet, because much of what goes ON you ends up going IN you. Choose Your 'Natural' Cosmetics Carefully There are no federal regulations for beauty products; anyone can claim their product is "natural" or "organic." A label with the word "natural" does not mean the product contains only natural or organic ingredients. According to the Organic Consumers Association, whose current "Coming Clean Campaign" aims to clean up the organic personal care product industry, the word "organic" is not properly regulated with personal care products as it is with food products, unless the product is certified by the USDA National Organic Program. In fact, some "organic" beauty products contain only a single-digit percentage of organic ingredients. Some brands use ingredients that were simply derived from natural sources but are highly processed and contain synthetic and petrochemical compounds. When it comes to the labeling of cosmetics and body care products, it's kind of a free-for-all. In an OCA report released on March 14, 2008, at least one toxic, cancer-linked chemical was found in over 40 percent of products that call themselves "natural." Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Ammonium Laurel Sulfate (ALS) Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant, detergent, and emulsifier used in thousands of cosmetic products, as well as in industrial cleaners. It is present in nearly all shampoos, scalp treatments, hair color and bleaching agents, toothpastes, body washes and cleansers, make-up foundations, liquid hand soaps, laundry detergents, and bath oils/bath salts. Although SLS originates from coconuts, the chemical is anything but natural. The real problem with SLES/SLS is that the manufacturing process (ethoxylation) results in SLES/SLS being contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product,5 which will be discussed in more detail later. SLS is the sodium salt of lauryl sulfate, and is classified by the EWG Cosmetics Database as a "denaturant, surfactant cleansing agent, emulsifier and foamer," rated as a "moderate hazard." Similar to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is sodium laureth sulfate (short for sodium lauryl ether sulfate, or SLES), a yellow detergent with higher foaming ability. SLES is considered to be slightly less irritating than SLS. Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) is another surfactant variation commonly put into cosmetics and cleansers to make them foam. ALS is similar to SLS, with similar risks. SLS goes by other names, including: Can 16,000 Studies About SLS Be Wrong? According to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews, research studies on SLS have shown links to: Irritation of the skin and eyes Organ toxicity Developmental/reproductive toxicity Neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology, and biochemical or cellular changes Possible mutations and cancer If you visit the SLS page on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) website, you will see a very long list of health concerns and associated research studies. In fact, you will also see their mention of nearly 16,000 studies in the PubMed science library (as well as their link to that list) about the toxicity of this chemical. There are clearly grounds for concern about using products containing this agent. Yet skeptics abound, claiming that these concerns are overblown and unfounded. It's no wonder that consumers are completely confused about just how much risk this chemical poses. Since most of the research studies are done on SLS itself—not on products containing it—the EWG states: "Actual health risks will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility." Many of the studies on laboratory animals have involved applying SLS directly to the eyes of the animals and feeding them straight SLS. As would be expected with ANY chemical, eating it or putting it in your eyes would be bad news! Even natural substances applied in high concentration (for example, cinnamon oil or oregano oil) can have harmful effects. But high levels of SLS intake, either orally or through the skin, are not ordinarily experienced in normal cosmetics use—it's the gradual, cumulative effects of long-term, repeated exposures that are the real concern. And there is a serious lack of long-term studies on ALL of the chemicals in these products—so we don't really know what the long-term effects are. It's not just repeated exposure to one chemical—it's the combined effect of thousands of little chemical exposures, day in and day out, that is of concern. Sorting through the evidence is even more complicated when research findings are exaggerated and misquoted, and then circulated around the Internet as if it were fact. The Green Study Debacle A huge source of misinformation arose from a gross misinterpretation (or misrepresentation) of a study done by Dr. Keith Green of the Medical College of Georgia, Department of Ophthalmology, which looked at the uptake of SLS by eye tissues. Paula Begoun (aka "The Cosmetics Cop") explains on her website how the Green controversy occurred. Dr. Green investigated SLS uptake into the eye, but he did NOT study the effect of SLS on vision, nor did he study children or cataracts. However, his findings were misquoted by anti-SLS zealots, to the point that he spent years trying to set the record straight about his findings and conclusions. Dr. Green found that SLS is rapidly taken up and accumulated by eye tissues, where it is retained for up to five days. He also found that SLS uptake is greater in younger rabbits than in adult rabbits, and that SLS causes changes in some eye proteins. However, someone quoted him as writing (in a report to the Research to Prevent Blindness conference): "SLS is a systemic that can penetrate and be retained in the eye, brain, heart, liver, etc., with potentially harmful long-term effects. It can retard healing and cause cataracts in adults, and can keep children's eyes from developing properly." Of course, this statement went far beyond the reaches of his study—and he denied ever saying it. The controversy that ensued led to a whole slew of articles and statements, based on this misinformation, that have done nothing but add to the confusion about SLS and fueling both sides of the issue. Dr. Green later stated in an interview with Paula Begoun: "There is no part of my study that indicated any eye development or cataract problems from SLS or SLES and the body does not retain those ingredients at all." He also said that he did not even look at the issue with children, and later claimed his findings were so insignificant that he no longer had any interest in further researching the subject. In spite of Green's later statements dismissing the importance of his findings, there are legitimate concerns about SLS and its systemic effects—based on multiple other studies. The fact that one study's findings were misrepresented doesn't mean the risks aren't real. Naysayers are fond of citing the Green study debacle but NOT mentioning the other evidence of potential health risks of SLS. Real Dangers of SLS—Rumors Aside A number of studies report SLS being damaging to oral mucosa and skin. This is not at all surprising since SLS is actually used as a skin irritant during studies where medical treatments for skin irritation require an intentionally irritating agent. A study at the Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University in New York in 1997 examined SLS in mouthwash. They found that SLS in mouth rinses caused desquamation of oral epithelium and a burning sensation in human volunteers. A study appearing in Exogenous Dermatology confirmed SLS to be a very "corrosive irritant" to the skin—irritation which persisted in research subjects for 3 weeks. SLS exerts its damage by stripping your skin of protective oils and moisture. SLS is associated with increased aphthous ulcers (canker sores) due to the denaturing effect and irritation of the oral mucosa. Swallowing SLS will likely lead to nausea and diarrhea and is even used as a laxative in enemas. So be careful not to swallow much of your toothpaste if it contains SLS. According to Judi Vance, author of Beauty to Die For, SLS can cause cellular DNA damage. In an article for ConsumerHealth.org, she states that a dental association in Japan tested the effects of SLS on bacteria, finding it to be mutagenic. She also states that hair follicles are significant transporters of harmful chemicals into your body. Links Between SLS, Ethylene Oxide, 1,4 Dioxane, and Cancer The evidence linking SLS to cancer is a bit challenging due to the paucity of scientific studies. However, carcinogenic effects are quite possible when you consider that SLS/SLES is often contaminated by two known carcinogens: Ethylene oxide (which is what the "E" in SLES represents). A return to the Skin Deep website for ethylene oxide reveals a rating of "high hazard," which appears as an impurity in thousands of personal care products. It is used to "ethoxylate" SLS and other chemicals, to make them less harsh. 1,4 dioxane, a byproduct of ethylene oxide, also receives a "high hazard" rating from Skin Deep and is associated with an even longer list of common personal care products. On the CDC site, 1,4 dioxane is described as "probably carcinogenic to humans," toxic to the brain and central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. It is also a leading groundwater contaminant. To avoid 1,4 dioxane, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) recommends avoiding products with indications of ethoxylation. To do this, look for the following suffixes in the ingredient list: "myreth," "oleth," "laureth," "ceteareth," any other "eth," "PEG," "polyethylene," "polyethylene glycol," "polyoxyethylene," or "oxynol." For example—sodium laureth sulfate. Both polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80 are also often contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, according to Dr. Samuel Epstein. The FDA continues to take the stance that the levels of 1,4 dioxane in body care products are too low to be considered harmful.15 But given that there are products available that have NO 1,4 dioxane, why take a chance with your health? Your best bet is to purchase products that are certified under the USDA National Organic Program, and if those aren't available, select products whose ingredients you recognize—and can pronounce! SLS and Nitrosamines SLS has also been linked to nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are potent carcinogens that cause your body to absorb nitrates, which are known to be carcinogenic as well. According to one article by Greenfeet,16 at least one study linked SLS to nitrate absorption. The Greenfeet article states: "A study cited in the Wall Street Journal (November 1, 1988) linked SLS to cataracts and nitrate absorption (nitrates are carcinogens—or cancer causing substances). Apparently, this absorption occurs when the SLS becomes contaminated with NDELA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine) during processing. This contamination comes about as a result of SLS coming into contact with any number of chemicals including TEA (triethanolamine), which is a commonly used ingredient in shampoos as a detergent." So, the SLS combines with the TEA, resulting in NDELA, which is a nitrosamine and a recognized carcinogen. The biochemistry is very complex due to the "chemical cocktail" that is your shampoo or hand wash. When these chemical ingredients come into contact with each other, all sorts of molecular bonds begin to form and new and unintended chemicals are produced. Unfortunately, some of these unintended chemicals are nitrosamines. As the above article points out, there is no way the FDA can possibly test all of the combinations of chemicals available, in every unique blend. So, while the individual ingredients may be considered safe, once you mix them up into a brew, all bets are off. Just because SLS doesn't contain nitrogen, doesn't mean it can't GET a nitrogen from the chemical soup and bond with it to form deadly nitrosamine. How to Evaluate Your Toxic Toiletry Burden Lest you shrug these findings off, thinking that your exposure is "insignificant," think again. Did you know that, if you use conventional cosmetics on a daily basis, you can absorb almost five pounds of chemicals and toxins into your body each year? Daily use of ordinary, seemingly benign personal care products like shampoo, toothpaste and shower gel can easily result in exposure to thousands of chemicals, and many will make their way into your body and become "stuck" there, since you lack the means to break them down. This toxic load can become a significant contributing factor to health problems and serious diseases, especially if your diet and exercise habits are lacking. Women seem to be predisposed to more autoimmune disorders than men. Diseases such as thyroid disease, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis are far more common in women. Perhaps one of the major contributing factors is that women tend to use far more personal products than men. If you are a woman, acting on the information in this report is particularly important. Is your make-up cabinet a toxic wasteland? It is especially challenging to establish a link between these routine chemical exposures and health problems down the road, because the adverse effects might not show up for years. As Theo Colburn discusses in Our Stolen Future, in some cases, effects are not seen in the person exposed but DO appear in her offspring. This has been seen in the animal kingdom, as well as in humans. Some adults have been known to suddenly show a disease many decades after prenatal exposure. If you would like to learn more about the health effects of the chemicals you are routinely exposed to, I strongly urge you to read Our Toxic World: A Wake Up Call by Dr. Doris Rapp. She does a thorough job of uncovering the many ways we are exposed to toxic chemicals and how they contribute to chronic disease. A Newer, Greener YOU! With the jury still out about long-term exposure to SLS and its associated contaminants, the best advice is to avoid them and avoid the risk altogether—since there are safe alternatives available. The easiest way to ensure that you're not being exposed to potentially hazardous agents is to make your own personal care products, using simple all-natural ingredients that you may already have in your home. Finding recipes for your own homemade beauty products is a breeze when you have access to the Internet. Just Google "homemade cosmetics" for more than 400,000 pages of recipes and instructions. If whipping up lotions and potions isn't your bag, be sure to read labels and check products out before buying them. The website mentioned above, Skin Deep, is an excellent resource. A newer site called Good Guide is also helpful in finding and evaluating healthful, green products—both personal care items and food. Final Tips and Tricks to Lighten Your Toxic Load Here are a few other suggestions to help you avoid SLS and other nasty chemicals: Look for the genuine USDA Organic Seal. If you can't pronounce it, you probably don't want to put it on your body. Ask yourself, "Would I eat this?" Look for products that are fragrance-free. One artificial fragrance can contain hundreds—even thousands—of chemicals, and fragrances are a major cause of allergic reactions. Pay attention to the order in which the ingredients are listed. Manufacturers are required to list ingredients in descending order by volume, meaning the first few ingredients are the most prominent. If calendula extract is the last ingredient in a long list, your calendula body wash isn't very natural. Stick to the basics. Do you really need 20 products to prepare for your day? Simplify your life and rescue your bank account. Buy products that come in glass bottles rather than plastic, since chemicals can leach out of plastics and into the contents. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a serious concern; make sure any plastic container is BPA free. Drink plenty of filtered water every day to assist your body in flushing out toxins. Eat lots of vibrantly colored organic vegetables (and fruits, in moderation) to keep your body well stocked with antioxidants. Look for products that are made by companies that are earth-friendly, animal-friendly and green. For more information about how to buy cruelty-free, go to Group for the Education of Animal-Related Issues (GEARI). This article is reposted from Mercola.com To see the full article with references, click here. #inspirehealthy #healthy #healthylifestyle #environment #wellness

#savetheplanet #reuse #recycle #ecofriendly

Today we’re going to talk about allergies. You know – itchy skin, red and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose. Allergies are a pain, and not just for us humans. When I first got my German Shepherd, she had beautiful fluffy puppy fur, big wet nose, intense red eyes. Wait… what? Red eyes?! Yes, her eyes were red. Not because she was born that way, but because she was allergic to just about everything in her environment. Turns out my poor pup, born on a bed of hay, was allergic to not only grass, but an array of foods and microorganisms floating through the air. Little did I know a natural solution existed in the peel of many fruits and vegetables: a mighty flavonoid called Quercetin. Although herbs and botanicals have been used for medicinal purposes in many countries for thousands of years, flavonoids were not discovered until the 1930s. Flavonoids are a plant-based compound with powerful antioxidant properties. What do antioxidants have to do with allergies? Well this mighty flavonoid presents not only anti-inflammatory but anti-histamine characteristics too! Allergens An allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system. The body reacts to a usually harmless substance in the environment called an “allergen”. The immune system begins to identify certain everyday substances as dangerous. Allergens can be problematic when inhaled, ingested, or when it comes into contact with a dog’s skin. As your dog’s body tries to get rid of the allergen, a variety of skin, digestive, and respiratory issues may surface. These include (but aren’t limited to) paw licking/chewing, ear infections, watery eyes, itchy skin, and a lot of scratching. Remove the Itch! One of the best ways to address allergies is to remove the allergen. Similarly to us humans, the less exposure to something the body doesn’t like, the less reactive we are to it. The more often your pet is exposed to an allergen they are sensitive to, the more intense and long-lasting their allergic response becomes. There are two types of allergies: food and environmental. Your dog may have a food allergy which often shows up as itchiness, difficulty breathing, and/or gastrointestinal issues (upset stomach resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and/or gas). Common food allergens include wheat, soy and corn. The problem could also be an abundance of yeast. Too often, dogs are diagnosed with allergies when they are actually suffering from a systemic yeast infection which lives in the gut, which is, interestingly, where 70% of the immune system also resides. [RELATED] Are you AND your itchy dog frustrated by endless scratching? Tired of trying dozens of treatments that either don’t last or have toxic side-effects? Learn how leaky gut could be at the root of the problem. Download our Leaky Gut Workbook and start healing your dog from the inside out today. Click here to download. A few common environmental allergens can include: tree, grass and weed pollens, mold spores, dust/dust mites, cleaning products, insect bites, and insect control products. Also, just like us, our pets can have allergic reactions to prescription drugs. To minimize environmental allergens, keep things clean and make sure to use natural and environmentally friendly products and cleaners in and around your home. Limit the amount of time your pet spends outside when pollen counts are high. The Big Player – Histamine During an allergy attack, the immune system produces antibodies to a specific allergen. These antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals into the bloodstream. One of these chemicals is “histamine”. It’s one of the biggest players in the allergic response, causing much of the inflammation, redness and irritation we and our pets experience. Once the body goes through this process, being exposed to the same allergen again will result in this antibody response, hence the allergic reaction. A quick safety note: Sometimes, a serious reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. This is essentially a whole body response to an allergen and can be life threatening, therefore requiring immediate medical attention. All the symptoms of a “normal” allergic reaction are exaggerated and your pet may even lose consciousness. Go to the vet immediately! Nature’s Benadryl So let’s put what we know together. Quercetin is a flavonoid (also called a bioflavonoid) that has anti-oxidant, anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. During an allergic reaction the body releases histamine. Histamine contributes to inflammation, redness and irritation. Research has shown that Quercetin can “turn off” histamine production and suppress, or at least moderate, inflammation. For this reason, many have coined it “Nature’s Benadryl”. Furthermore, Quercetin helps suppress cellular activity associated with inflammation. This means less itching! It also inhibits the production of specific inflammatory molecules. This is exciting because Quercetin is actually helpful in treating asthma and respiratory issues involving inflammation. Bronchial tubes in the lungs become restricted during an asthma attack (bronchoconstriction). Medical studies show that Quercetin can actually minimize the amount of constriction! And There’s More! Quercetin has an anti-cancer effect! Flavonoids in fruits and vegetables are important in cancer prevention. According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, Quercetin and flavonoids have been shown to limit cancer cell growth in breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, endometrial and lung tumors. Further to this point, our environment is becoming more and more toxic. Our pets are susceptible to toxins in the environment and in their food. This outpouring of toxins causes inflammation. If the body is overweight and storing fat, this also causes inflammation. And to make matters worse, a lot of those nasty toxins are stored in fat cells. Cancer thrives off low-grade inflammation. Quercetin to the rescue! Dr Demian Dressler, a renowned vet AKA The Cancer Doctor, adds that there are enzymes that are targeted during low dose chemotherapy treatment (metronomic chemotherapy) with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Blood flow to cancer cells is reduced which helps inhibit cancer growth. Quercetin can partially block the very same enzymes! Given our pets ingest Quercetin, Dr. Dressler advises using it for tumors in the digestive system where they can receive the highest dosage of a tablet. We will discuss more on supplement dosages shortly. But first, a few more key points about the benefits of Quercetin. Studies have linked Quercetin to supporting bone health, weight reduction, addressing heart disease and overall performance. Test tube studies have even shown evidence that Quercetin may protect against the damage caused by bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduce blood pressure (hypertension). Really, you and your four-legged friends can’t go wrong with this mighty flavonoid! Supplement safely Quercetin can be found in many fruit and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits, apples, grapes, dark cherries, dark berries, onions, and parsley. It also occurs naturally in some teas and red wine. An important note: Onions and grapes may cause TOXIC reactions in pets, therefore do not feed them to your furry friends. Quercetin supplements are available in pill and capsule form. They are often packaged with “Bromelain” which increases the bioavailability of Quercetin, meaning you get more bang for your buck when combined. Bromelain is an enzyme that also helps inhibit histamine. Together, Bromelain and Quercetin suppress a compound in the body associated with some types of pain and inflammation. Suppressing it can help decrease pain and inflammation that occurs with irritated mucous membranes and body parts. Using Quercetin The dosage for Quercetin supplements is often provided for humans weighing approximately 150 pounds and is around 1000mg. Here’s how to convert the dosage for your pet: Take the weight of your pet and multiply it by 1000mg, then divide it by 150 to get the milligram dosage your pet needs. Let’s take my 70-pound Shepherd as an example: (70lb x 1,000mg= 70,000 then divide by 150 = 466 mg). The recommended dosage is 466mg all day. Rounding that to the closest whole number, the dosage for my girl is 500mg per day (best if split in half, meaning one 250mg dosages twice a day). Research shows that Quercetin supplementation is generally safe for cats and dogs. Some potential side effects that have been observed in humans include upset stomach and headaches. Very high dosages of Quercetin may be damaging to the kidneys. Experts advise against taking it when one has kidney disease. There is not much known about Quercetin during pregnancy and lactation, therefore it is also advisable not to give it to your pet during these times. Like many supplements, Quercetin isn’t meant to be taken on a long-term basis. Give your pet periodic breaks from the supplement, using only as needed. If your pet does have a preexisting condition, is currently on medication, has a planned surgery, or is pregnant, it’s advisable that you talk to your vet before feeding. Stop the itch with nature’s Benadryl: Quercetin! This article is reposted from: dogsnaturallymagazine.com #pethealth #pets #doglover #healthypets #petadvice #animalwellness #holisticpets #natural

This light, fresh, and healthy Creamy Cucumber Salad pairs perfectly with just about any summer meal. Best of all, it's easy to prepare, and you probably already have all of the ingredients that you need. Ingredients 1 tablespoon sour cream 3 tablespoons mayo (for Keto, use your favorite compliant mayo) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar (I use classic monk fruit for keto) 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan or sea salt 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced (English cucumbers work well here but any kind will do) ½ medium sweet onion, thinly sliced DIRECTIONS In a jar or mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, olive oil, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Chef's Note: A 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped or pressed garlic adds a nice flavor. In a separate large mixing bowl, toss together cucumbers and onions. Pour sour cream mixture over top and mix together. You can either serve it right away or chill for about an hour before serving. It's delicious the next day too. #healthyeating #vegetarian #keto #lowcarblifestyle #glutenfree #recipes #homemade #foodlover #healthylifestyle #lchfdiet #ketoliving #lowcarblife #glutenfree #salad

Join me, and my dog, Tebow for 8 weeks getting from running zero minutes to 30 minutes a day. It’s been a long winter and wet spring in Indiana. My dog Tebow and I have been walking when the weather cooperates, which, you know, is not enough. I really need to get back to running. Not that I’ve ever been really consistent about it, but I know at my age, it’s getting more crucial to keep moving. So, Tebow and I are starting an 8 week program to go from running zero minutes to running 30 minutes. The basics come from a 2012 Runner’s World plan that my husband Rodger used years ago and swears by. As they say, before starting any workout consult with your doctor, warm-up, cool down, drink water after, don’t stretch before, and wear decent shoes. Now, with the fine print out of the way. Let’s get started. Even though you may be tempted to skip a week or a day, FOLLOW THE PLAN! Week 1 Monday: Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10X Tuesday: Easy 30 minute walk Wednesday: Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10X Thursday: Easy 30 minute walk Friday: Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10X Saturday: Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10X Sunday: Rest Tip: I use my phone to time each section. The hardest part is remembering which repeat I’m on. I find it easiest to count down from 10 rather than up from 1 and to say out loud, at every change which number I am on. For example, “Run 3” or “walk 8”. I also discovered my phone fits in a zip-lock plastic bag so I can keep it out in the rain (no excuses for skipping a run) and it will still respond to the touch. Week 2 Monday: Run 2 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 10X Tuesday: Walk easy 30 min Wednesday: Run 3 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 7X, Run 2 min Thursday: Walk easy 30 min Friday: Run 4 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 6X Saturday: Run 4 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 6X Sunday: Rest Week 3 Monday: Run 5 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 5X Tuesday: Walk easy 30 min Wednesday: Run 5 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 5X Thursday: Walk easy 30 min Friday: Run 6 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 4X, run 2 min Saturday: Run 6 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 4X, run 2 min Sunday: Rest Week 4 Monday: Run 8 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 3X, Run 3 min Tuesday: Walk easy 30 min Wednesday: Run 9 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 3X Thursday: Walk easy 30 min Friday: Run 10 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2X, run 8 min Saturday: Run 11 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2X, run 6 min Sunday: Rest Week 5 Monday: Run 12 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2X, Run 4 min Tuesday: Walk easy 30 min Wednesday: Run 13 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2X, run 2 min Thursday: Walk easy 30 min Friday: Run 14 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2X Saturday: Run 15 min, Walk 1 min, Run 14 min Sunday: Rest Week 6 Monday: Run 16 min, Walk 1 min, Run 13 min Tuesday: Walk easy 30 min Wednesday: Run 17 min, Walk 1 min, run 12 min Thursday: Walk easy 30 min Friday: Run 18 min, Walk 1 min, Run 11 min Saturday: Run 19 min, Walk 1 min, Run 10 min Sunday: Rest Week 7 Monday: Run 20 min, Walk 1 min, Run 9 min Tuesday: Run 20 min, Walk 1 min, Run 9 min Wednesday: Run 22 min, Walk 1 min, run 7 min Thursday: Walk easy 30 min Friday: Run 24 min, Walk 1 min, Run 5 min Saturday: Run 26 min, Walk 1 min, Run 3 min Sunday: Rest Week 8 Monday: Run 27 min, Walk 1 min, Run 2 min Tuesday: Run 20 min, Walk 1 min, Run 9 min Wednesday: Run 28 min, Walk 1 min, run 1 min Thursday: Walk easy 30 min Friday: Run 29 min, Walk 1 min Saturday: Run 30 min – You did it!!!!! Sunday: Rest #Health #exercise #running #healthyliving #fitness

Glyphosate residues have been found in pet food and can have deadly consequences. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently declared glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, to be a probable human carcinogen. But, they said it does cause cancer in animals. This video and information reposted from Protect pets from GMOs and Pesticides #pethealth #pets #healthypets #petadvice #animalwellness #holisticpets #natural

When it comes to fighting air pollution and global warming, action at the federal and state levels are certainly important for effecting real change. But so are the smaller actions that you, personally, can take every day in your own home. These simple habits, easy home improvements, and smart buying tips can add up to considerable energy savings over time. Skeptical? Give them a try. Let your energy bill speak for itself. 1. Turn things off. That doesn't just mean hitting the light switch when you leave a room (although that's important, too). You should also make sure your television, computer, video game consoles, cable boxes, and digital video recorders are switched off when you're not actively using them—or unplugged completely, if they light up or otherwise use energy even when powered down. Chargers for cell phones, tablets, and other cordless devices also use small amounts of energy even when they're not charging. Plug items you use regularly into a power strip, so you can easily switch them all off at once. Computers can also be set to sleep or hibernate mode, which use much less power than when they're on and active; program yours to do this automatically after 10 to 15 minutes of inactivity. And skip the screen savers; they're not necessary to protect modern monitors, and it's much more efficient to simply set your monitor to switch off when it's not in use. 2. Buy smarter bulbs. An LED light bulb costs as little as $5 at home improvement stores, and it can save more than $100 over its lifetime. LEDs use up to 85 percent less energy to deliver the same amount of light as incandescent, and they come in many different shapes, colors, and intensities. They also reach full brightness instantly and can work with dimmer switches. Check to see whether your local utility offers a rebate for energy-efficient bulbs, which would bring their cost down even further.) 3. Don't use more energy than you need. Don't run the dishwasher when it's not full, set your washing machine to the appropriate water level, and wash clothes—except for the dirtiest of loads—in cold water. Set your refrigerator temperature between 28 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer between 0 and 5, and make sure both are sealed tightly. (If a dollar bill shut in the door is easy to pull out, replace the gaskets.) The clothes dryer is one of the largest energy users in the home, often consuming as much as a new refrigerator, dishwasher, and clothes washer combined. Air-dry clothing when possible, and when you have to use your machine, be sure to clean the lint filter after each use, use the auto-dry or moisture-sensor setting, and don't add wet items to a load that's already partially dry. 4. Tweak your TV settings. Although today's high-definition televisions use around 60 percent less energy than earlier ones, some Internet-ready models consume excess power after they're turned off, thanks to a "quick start" feature that allows them to boot up a few seconds faster. Disable that option in your television's settings—and while you're there, see if your model has an automatic brightness control, or ABC, sensor, which will adjust the picture brightness to the level of light in the room. Since most TV viewing occurs at night, this can make a big difference in energy consumption. If you want to stream movies and use services like Netflix or YouTube, consider buying an Internet-ready television or a small add-on device—like Apple TV, Google Chromecast, or a Roku box—which uses very little power. Avoid streaming video through game consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, which can use up to 30 times more energy. (If you do use a game console regularly, at least set it to "auto power down" mode.) 5. Measure your electricity. An electricity monitor meter, such as a Kill A Watt Meter, measures how much energy each gadget in your home uses, when on and when ostensibly turned off. These typically cost less than $30 at home improvement stores, but can provide many aha moments. For example, one could show that your "turned off" DVR set-top box from the cable or satellite company is drawing around 20 watts even though you're not watching or recording a show. 6. Close up the cracks. If you add up all the gaps around the windows and doors in an average American house, you have the equivalent of a 3-foot by 3-foot hole in the wall. Caulk and weather-strip to seal off these air leaks, and use window putty to seal gaps around loose window panes. And stop heated or cooled air from escaping under doors by attaching "sweeps" or "shoes" to their bottoms. You may also benefit from better insulation in your attic, under your floors, around your hot water heater and pipes, and in crawl spaces. Even something as simple as replacing old windows or covering bare floors with rugs can make a big difference. Ask your utility company if it provides free energy audits, during which a professional will assess your home and make suggestions for improvements, or visit EnergyStar.gov's Home Improvement section. 7. Shop smarter. Many of today's new appliances use half the energy of those from 20 years ago. If you're in the market, look for products with the Energy Star label. They typically use about 10 to 40 percent less energy than other new models. Some electric companies and even state governments offer consumer rebates on Energy Star–rated models. Shopping for a new computer? Keep in mind that laptops use significantly less energy than desktop versions and can be hooked up to external monitors and keyboards when you want the big-screen experience. Remodeling your bathroom? Replace old shower-heads with new low-flow designs to prevent excess hot water (and the energy used to heat it) from going down the drain. 8. Choose renewable energy. If you are able to choose your own energy supplier, pick one that uses renewable power resources, like solar, wind, low-impact hydroelectric, or geothermal. In some states, instead of choosing a specific electricity supplier, you can support renewable energy by paying a small premium on your electric bill. Ask your electricity supplier what options are available for you. 9. Recycle old electronics. When you buy new energy-efficient appliances and electronics, it's important to dispose of the old ones in a planet-friendly way. Hand down devices that still work—like telephones, laptops, or tablets—to younger family members, or go online and search for buy-back programs. Retailers such as Best Buy and Staples have extensive in-store recycling programs for working and nonworking devices; they'll accept most electronics and will recycle them properly for free, regardless of where you bought them. 10. Adjust the temperature. Even if you buy the most efficient air conditioner, heater, or water heater on the market, your energy savings are highly dependent on the settings you select. (Do you really need your AC cranked up to sweater-wearing temps?) If you own your home, invest in a programmable thermostat; it costs $100 or less and can cut energy consumption by 20 to 30 percent—saving $180 a year—by adjusting the temperature throughout the day. Check the temperature settings on your gas or electric water heater, too. If it's set higher than you really need, it's working harder than necessary—and costing you more money—to make sure hot water is always ready for you. If the hot water from your tap almost burns your hand, your setting is too high. This article was reposted from NRDC #ecofriendly #greenhome #reuse #recycle

Forget about Hygge, Lagom, and Ikea's attempt to start a twin duvet revolution. There's a new Scandinavian trend in town. This trend encourages people to pick up litter while out running. So, it's not just good for your health, it's also good for the environment. It's called 'plogging'—a portmanteau of jogging and the Swedish plocka upp, meaning 'pick up.' So hot is this new trend that fitness app Lifesum is allowing its users to log and track their plogging activity as a workout. Plogging combines going for a run with intermittent squatting or lunging (to collect rubbish), which actually sounds like a pretty satisfying workout. According to Lifesum, a typical user will burn 288 calories in 30 minutes of plogging, which is more or less the same as what's burned off while jogging. As with all fitness trends, there are plenty of #plogging pics on Instagram, offering a glimpse of what this trend looks like in real life. Ploggers take plastic bags along with them so they can store the collected litter they find along their route. Source: Mashable.com #plogging #fitness #ecofriendly #inspirehealthy #running

The benefits of clean water influence the daily lives of people and pets, and impact the quality of life. It is important for our health that the water which we drink and use for other purposes is clean water. This means that the water must be free of germs, chemicals and drugs. Natural health expert and Mercola.com founder Dr. Joseph Mercola discusses the different types of water sources your home could have, and why a water filter is essential to your home. #inspirehealthy #healthy #healthylifestyle #environment

Dr. Joseph Mercola discusses the value and importance of salt. #naturalingredients #cooking #healthy #inspirehealthy #healthyeating