Wellness Detective Comments: I learned about dry skin brushing in 2008 when I was introduced to the raw food lifestyle. When I took a raw food course in Fall 2009 with a Hippocrates Health Educator she emphasized the benefits of dry skin brushing to one’s health. I gladly started the practice of body brushing to open up the pores on my skin as it’s the largest organ on the body.
I incorporate dry skin brushing before I take my shower. I purchased a dry skin brush with natural bristles from the Big Carrot Supermarket on the Danforth in east end Toronto. I do dry skin brushing for about 1-5 minutes on my body to:
- drain my lymphatic system
- remove the toxins
- get rid of dead skin cells
The best approach is to conduct large strokes towards the heart region. I highly recommend that you start dry skin brushing today!! It is a definite health habit to begin and have life long!
Wellness Detective Comments: I first learned about the Raw Vegan lifestyle in 2008 when I received coaching from Magie Matulic, who introduced me to raw food. It certainly was a transition period to get used to eating raw food on a daily basis. I remember distinctly that I eating raw fruits and vegetables reduced pain in my knees and my overall pain threshold. It was so liberating to be pain free!
The Toronto Raw Vegan Festival was held in Toronto on June 8th & 9th, 2013 at 918 Bathurst St. in Toronto. I had the great privilege to work for Upaya Naturals as part of their team at their booth. Raw vegan means a lifestyle whereby you consume raw fruits and vegetables and no dairy products. The actual raw vegan festival was an opportunity to be introduced to green living and eco-friendly products. There was food demos, green cosmetic products, speaker presentations and products that support the raw food lifestyle to buy.
My big purchse for the weekend was yummy raw vegan brownies and Raw Foodz salad dressing.
Samita Nandy and I
Wellness Detective Comments: Please enjoy this guest blog post from Rachel Moore, CNP about how to manage Candidiasis.
Rachel Moore, CNP
Take a look around, notice the growing population of those who have constant complaints of fatigue, digestive problems and just can’t seem to lose that 15lbs?
There is a growing epidemic of Candidiasis (yeast overgrowth in the intestines) in today’s society and in ignorance many will continue to consume foods that feed the Candida. People consume foods with little to no regard of the effects in the body from the foods they eat. As a society we have become accustom to drive-thru and convenient food services to accommodate our busy lifestyles we have minimized eating fresh whole foods which have affected us greatly. Eating foods that have been processed losing up to 80% of the nutrients (Erasmus 2007, 76). Our farming industry has dramatically changed even down to the quality of our soil. Our predecessors have found relevance in the importance of caring for our bodies by consumption of healthy foods and taking care of our GI tract including our bowels. Still we continue to race from place to place only to rob ourselves of the time to nourish our bodies. Just like a car needs fuel so too our bodies need healthy balanced meals for energy and wellness. Our bodies constantly try to show us the areas of unbalance however we are too busy to address them until we break down. The signs and symptoms manifest in many ways yet it almost always results in a trip to the family practitioner. Antibiotics are a temporary fix … however don’t address the root of the problem and further depleting our body of the good bacteria in the process. This negative effect thrusts us right back into the vicious cycle. It is time that we take responsibility of our lives and our health. Learning how our food choices either help and heal OR hinder we can see where we have contributed to the manifest problems in our bodies. GOOD NEWS… THERE’S HOPE!
Through a period of detox to kill off the overgrowth, rebuild the intestinal walls and replenish and feed the good flora… energy and a zest for life can be restored.
STEP ONE: ELIMINATE – Sugars, fruit, most starchy vegetables, caffeine and anything with a high Glycemic Load, processed foods, Antibiotics (unless you ABSOLUTELY need them), Stress.
STEP TWO: EAT PLENTY – Coconut Oil, garlic, seaweed, onions, ginger, raw pumpkin seeds, olive oil, fresh lemon (juice), cayenne pepper and raw walnuts. Each of these foods will help combat the overgrowth of yeast while contributing to healing and repairing tissues.
STEP THREE: PROBIOTICS AND SUPPLEMENTS – Introducing probiotics and natural antifungals like: Goldenseal, Black Walnut Hull or combinations of antifungals sold at your local health food store will also increase the rate of combating the overgrowth of yeast.
Say GOOD-BYE to fatigue, weight gain, joint pain and gas caused by “Candida” and LOVE to LIVE with the ENERGY you once had. Take YOUR HEALTH in YOUR HANDS and make the step to start TODAY!
* Remember that the above is an outline and can vary for each individual depending on his/her body. It is important to understand the processes of what you are doing. It is recommended that before starting a “Candida” cleanse to speak to your physician and or seek the professional counsel of a health care practitioner.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: or to book $20 consultation
Please call Rachel Moore, CNP @ 289-921-7653
Email: LOVEtoLIVEwithRACHELMOORE@live.com
Wellness Detective Comments: In March 2013 of this year, I was having much body pain at the time, and felt achey when I woke up in the morning. I had started a 6 month long walking exercise program since late January of this year, and was walking about 3 times a week on the treadmill and swimming as well. But the pain didn’t seem to go away. By chance, I had a meeting booked at the Athritis Society with a Physiotherapist to get wrist splints. In that meeting, the physiotherapist made the best suggestion ever!
Sometimes when we are in a situation, the obvious just isn’t obvious. When I walked in for my physio appointment, the physiotherapist noticed I was walking with a limp. She asked what exercise I was doing and recommended that I instead just start walking in the pool. It was a rather simple suggestion, but life changing. I’ve been walking in the pool since March 2013, and it’s almost the end of May, and I make sure I walk about 5 times per week in the pool.
Two months after I was experiencing such body pain, my life is completely transformed!! I no longer have to use a walking cane and feel stronger than ever. Sometimes, a simple modification in our exercise routine, can be the key to succes.
For any individual who suffers from arthritis or joint pain, I highly recommend that you take your exercise to the pool and start walking. It will change your life! Trust me!
Wellness Detective Comments: I use chia seeds in my green smoothies daily. I first learned about chia seeds about 4 years ago when I went to a weekend to learn about Living Foods from Erika Wolff from Power of Raw. Chia seeds are a good source of protein. I usually purchase the Now Brand. Read about some benefits of Chia Seeds:
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Brad_S._Cooper
The numerous chia seed benefits are attributed to the seed’s high nutritional content, thus, its well-deserved reputation as one of the most potent superfoods. The nutrients contained in chia seeds include micronutrients like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus; macronutrients like proteins and fats; and antioxidants particularly anthocyanins; as well as dietary fiber of both the soluble and insoluble types.
From such a list of nutrients, we can easily infer the following benefits of chia food products. It should be noted that these benefits are often interrelated.
Support Heart Health
Perhaps the most important of the many Chia benefits is related to a healthy heart. Because the Chia seed contains the highest known content of essential fatty acids (EFA) particularly omega-3 and omega-6 in any plant source, these tiny seeds pack a punch in lessening the risks for heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. Keep in mind that EFA cannot be synthesized by the body, not to mention that EFA deficiency is relatively common in the North American diet. Adding Chia seeds to food and beverages combats EFA deficiency in a fast, easy and effective manner.
Stabilize Glucose Levels
One of the most important benefits of Chia are to athletes and non-athletes especially those with diabetes are in the stabilization of blood sugar levels. This is because Chia seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which work in tandem to slow down the conversion rate of complex carbohydrates into sugars. In turn, your risks for Type 2 Diabetes are lowered – or if you already have diabetes, your blood sugar level can be managed in a more effective manner – while your supply of energy remains constant and stable throughout the day.
Fight Inflammation
For people suffering from diseases characterized by inflammation like arthritis, the most important of all Chia health benefits is its anti-inflammatory property. We can attribute it to the high omega-3 EFA content in chia superfoods; omega-3 EFA aids in the lubrication of joints and relieves pain as well.
Aid in Good Digestion
Again, the dietary fiber in chia food products come into play in regards to the benefit of good digestion. You may be unable to eat whole grains and fiber-rich foods all the time so chia foods are the best alternatives. You will enjoy the benefits of regular bowel movements as well as more effective absorption of nutrients into your body, all because of your fiber-rich diet now.
Aid in Weight Loss
Yet another of chia seed benefits that most individuals love is in regards to the seeds’ ability to boost metabolism, add nutrients sans the calories, and promote lean muscle mass. Chia seeds contain plenty of minerals like calcium, magnesium and boron that help in lessening food cravings, thus, making for faster weight loss.
And of course, let’s not forget the most important of the numerous Chia superfood benefits – its anti-aging property, thanks to antioxidants. You will feel more energized to perform the necessary tasks for staying healthy including exercise.
Daniel Brad Cooper is a writer, a video creator and a social media marketer, who enjoys blogging about topics related to raw foods and nutrition. To learn more about the Chia Seed Health Benefits and also how to prepare them to get the best nutritional value, you can checkout more videos and articles on ChiaSeeds.co.uk.
Wellness Detective Comments: I first heard about going gluten free when I was taking a personal development course a few years ago and one woman was gluten intolerant. A gluten free life eliminates unhealthy oils and carbohydrates from one’s diet. Just imagine a life with gluten free meals and gluten free desserts. When I attended the Survivor Conference of Young Adult Cancer Canada in November 2012 we had gluten free desserts over 3 days and it was awesome!
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melinda_Knight
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6425378
You may wonder if going gluten free will really pay off – after all, according to conventional wisdom, embracing the lifestyle can necessitate some difficult sacrifices. If you’re gluten-intolerant, or you suffer from allergies to wheat, barley, rye, and other gluten-rich grains, you may be surprised to find out just how beneficial this type of diet plan can be. For celiac sufferers (who can’t process glutens at all),these diets can literally be a lifesaver. No matter why you want to go gluten free, you can be certain that removing harmful glutens from your life will leave you feeling fresher, healthier, and more alive. But how does it all work?
First off, removing glutens can take a lot of pressure off of your body. For example, wheat can be quite difficult to digest; in fact, wheat is one of the most allergenic foods around. Your body will expend so much effort trying to digest wheat and other gluten-rich grains – oftentimes, the result can be painful gas, stomach cramps, skin rashes, and diarrhea. Your mental state may really improve after you give up glutens – the stress of processing these harmful substances can contribute to headaches, mental fogs, and mood swings.
If you’re feeling unwell, look at your diet – if it’s rich in products such as wheat breads, crackers, cakes and cookies, you may be harming your well-being every time you take a bite. By embracing this diet, you’ll open yourself up to a more satisfying way of life. Many men and women become quite religious about following their diets – because they quickly realize how giving up glutens boosts their overall quality of life. Being freed from psychological ups and downs and physical symptoms and side effects can be very liberating.
Since glutens can contribute to uncomfortable bloating and water weight, eliminating them with a gluten free diet may result in a pronounced weight loss. Many people who’ve gone gluten free have noticed a leaner midsection and thinner thighs! Swelling from indigestion and allergies can affect the abdomen, legs, hands, ankles and face – by removing irritants and allergens from your diet, you can erase these unattractive symptoms. Getting rid of reactive foods can be the keystone of looking and feeling great – that’s why so many celebrities, such as Phantom Of The Opera film star/singer Emmy Rossum and comedian Jenny McCarthy, choose to live gluten free lives. These slim, vibrant women really embody all of the benefits of skipping wheat, rye, barley, and other gluten grains.
If you suffer from celiac disease, you may be plagued with a skin disease known as Dermatitis Herpetiformis – this disorder causes painful and unsightly blisters on the skin. By giving up glutens once and for all, you can begin to reverse the progression of this skin affliction. A glowing, clear complexion may result from the ingestion of gluten free foods. Many celiac sufferers are also cursed with terrible migraine headaches that are quite debilitating – giving up trigger foods can be the only way to stop the pain and keep it from coming back.
To get all of the benefits you want from going gluten free, you must pay attention to balancing your meals, getting exercise, staying hydrated, and eating in moderation. Just because you’ve found a fabulous gluten-free ice cream doesn’t mean you should eat a whole container of it at one sitting. The most successful followers of gluten free diets embrace an overall attitude of wellness – they learn how to care for their minds and bodies. This holistic approach to going gluten free may include gentle exercise, spirituality, supplements, and lots of green, leafy vegetables. Staying away from processed foods and a junk diet is beneficial for any type of eater – it can be a wonderful strategy for the gluten free dieter.
Finding healthy recipes that focus on gluten free ingredients is the best way to get started with this sort of meal plan – think of it as a lifestyle change that is necessary and permanent. If you slip up, forgive yourself and move on. By loving yourself and doing what is best for your body, you can begin to heal the damage glutens have done to your mind, body and soul. You can move on to a life that is free of the side effects and unpleasantness that are part and parcel of ingesting harmful glutens. Focusing on salads, fresh vegetables, fruit, lean meats and fish will be excellent ways to begin your journey – you can also find a wealth of useful tips and tricks on this website. Educate yourself and use the benefits of a gluten free diet to achieve your goals and dreams – a healthier mind and body will make all things possible…
Melinda Knight-
Wife & mother of a family allergic to gluten, and former Catering Director at three of the largest hotels on the Las Vegas strip, where she planned menus and parties for thousands including the occasional 3,000 person wedding. She now plans meals for her gluten free family and shares her recipes and ideas for living a gluten free life at her blog.
As I completed a Bachelor in Environmental Studies many years ago, when I received an invitation to attend The Green Living Show, I was curious and excited to find out more about this show. Started in 2007, this year was the 7th edition of the Green Living Show held at the Direct Energy Centre from April 12th to 14th, 2013. There was something for everyone attending to experience— whether you were looking for a green car, hungry for organic food, discovering green builiding, interested in taking a yoga class, browsing for products & services as a parent or to play in the kids zone!
“The Green Living Show is where people who are interested in healthy products & services and a sustainable lifestyle and those who provide them connect”, said Show Director, Rober Orlovski. Some special attractions of the show included:
An Organic Expo
- Health & Wellness Pavillion
- Eco Parent Village
- Yoga and Fitness Pavillion
Upon entering the show, the first initiative that caught my attention, was H&M CONSCIOUS booth collecting clothes for a more sustainable fashion future. Bring your unwanted clothes to H&M stores and for each bag of clothes you hand in, you will receive a voucher with a discount for your next purchase which is a great reward! For more info please visit http://hm.com/longlivefashion.
I have started including organic food into my diet recently and was keen to explore the Organic Expo at the beginning of my visit to the Green Living Show. As I usually shop for my organic food in the supermarkets, it was really an eye opener to learn that organic produce can be delivered right to my front door. “The benefits of organic foods are no pesticides, higher nutrient content, feel good support for the farmers and treating the earth properly said Amy Wilson, Organic Food Advocate & Promotions for Front Door Organics Inc. Home delivery of organic produce, saves time for the consumer and makes the buying process easier.
As Show Director, Rober Orlovski said, “the Green Living Show is a place for education, innovation, and what’s new and exciting”. Walking past the fashion and beauty exhibitor booths, I became educated about organic cosmetics that are:
- made with certified organics
- paraben, and gluten free
- distributed in eco-friendly glass bottles
- free of synthetic fragances
- safe and non-toxic
Green cosmetics is all about a lifestyle choice and one that I choose to take on. Being conscious about what we put on our bodies, is equally important to what we consume in our bodies on a daily basis.
The Green Living Show gives access to greener options that allows individuals to transform their health, wellness & fitness, home & garden, transportation, tourism and environment. Green living ensures the sustainability of the planet, so what step will you take in your life today to incorporate more of a green lifestyle?
For more info on The Green Living Show go to: http://www.greenlivingshow.ca
Wellness Detective Comments: I first saw and heard about the benefits of using a re-bounder when I spent a weekend with Erika Wolff of Power of Raw for a retreat to learn more about the living foods lifestyle. She showed us her re-bounder that she uses to exercise with in her own. It was essentially a trampoline, but a mini-sized version. That weekend, we received a booklet that outlines the principles of health, and it mentions the use of a re-bounder to improve one’s overall lymphatic system.
Here are some basic suggestions for getting started with your fitness routine by using a re-bounder:
- Do a 5-7 minute stretching session of your arms, legs and body.
- Inspect the re-bounder to ensure everything is in working order.
- Make sure that you are barefoot before you start using the re-bounder.
- Stand on the re-bounder with your feet shoulder width apart, knees bent and begin to bounce lightly with your toes and heels still touching the trampoline.
- As per your skill level, begin bouncing with low knees and high knees, alternating between the two and with your toes and heels now leaving the trampoline.
Ensure that your routine is about 10 minutes to start with and increase your time, as you are able to work out. Working out on a re-bounder is a great warm up before weight training.
Check out this awesome video outlining some of the benefits of using a re-bounder!
P.S. It’s also my GOAL TO OWN A RE-BOUNDER! So, if any companies are open to sponsoring one for my overall fitness, I would be happy to receive that gift and I can become your re-bounder brand ambassador! Let’s make it a WIN-WIN FOR ALL!
Wellness Detective Comments: Green juice is an excellent source of nutrition for breakfast. I have recently started my day with green juice in the morning to move my health into full gear. Using raw organic seasonal produce to make green juice, adds vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acid to our body when consumed. This leads to healthy skin, hair, nails and teeth.
Easy to drink juice is quicky digested and absorbed with minimal effort by our bodies. It is also great to boost your immunity and a simple way to get tons of vegetables into your daily intake.
How to Make Green Juice
Being with a trip to the supermarket and purchase some green items to get you started on your green juicing journey. I would recommend the following to add to your green juice:
- cucumber
- celery
- kale
- ginger
Remember always use fresh seasonal produce and choose organic and dark. The darker the leafy greens, the richer are the nutrients.
Watch this short video by Kris Carr, one of my favorite wellness warriors around!
Wellness Detective Comments: I have always had ginger as part of my food when my mother prepared different dishes. It is only until recently that I had a new outlook on ginger and realized it would have a strong impact on my body. I have since started using ginger in my green juices, along with drinking grated ginger in boiling water at night. Ginger is great for inflammation reduction and that is one of my key wellness goals.
There are many healing properties of ginger and this video summarizes it very well. Watch and learn:
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