A small seed of doubt can grow into a forest of anxiety, which so often feels like being lost in an isolating realm of stress and worry. This feeling has the potential to persist for a long time, and bleed into your personal and professional life, leaving you severely debilitated.

During these periods, it’s important to remember that the brain is an incredibly adaptable organ. Small behavioral changes, have the ability to significantly reduce worry and help you return to your regular, high-functioning self. Here are three wonderfully simple but effective practices, you can implement into your life to calm your anxiety.

Write down your worries

Putting your worries into words transforms the ominous cloud of self-doubt and pity in your head into a tangible problem with potential solutions. Whether it’s a co-worker that’s on your nerves, or not knowing what to wear to a family party, write it down! By translating what’s bothering you into concrete words,you’re better equipped to conceptualize the problem and seek resources to resolve this issue.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago showed that anxious test takers who briefly wrote about their thoughts and feelings prior to writing a test, performed better than those who did not. Researchers stress that the key to effectively writing about your worries is to highlight the worst possible outcome for what’s causing your anxiousness.

This practice will allow you to evaluate your insecurities, and effectively navigate how to combat them. It also releases your mind from the toxic, internal back and forth, which provides immediate mental relief.

Practice mindfulness meditation

It should be no surprise by now that meditation has profound healing capabilities. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that the simple act of closing your eyes and listening to your breath improves cognitive function and mental stability.

When you are feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, or just generally anxious, find the time to meditate in whichever way you find comfortable. All that is required is a quiet space and an open mind. Sitting for even two minutes will help you feel more clear-headed, optimistic, and centered.

Channel your stress into exercise

Exercise is just as mentally beneficial as it is physically. Although it is difficult to start, exercising allows you to take ownership and control of your body. This sense of agency prompts feelings of self-worth and transformation that reduces overalls stress and worry.

Doctors’ often prescribe regular exercise to those suffering from anxiety and depression, because it has been shown to reduce the levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain responsible for killing pain and lifting your mood.

Its only natural to worry, over the stressful situations life presents. What’s important is to not get consumed by the feelings of anxiousness and doubt, caused by worry. These simple practices, are very easy to put into use, and are proven to be incredibly effective. Try them out the next time you find yourself breaking a nervous sweat, and get by with ease!

Tips:

• Combine with 1-2 tablespoons arrowroot powder to create a gravy and smother over meat and Paleo biscuits.
• Freeze bone broth in ice cube trays and pop out as needed to melt down and sauté with veggies and stir-fries instead of oil.
• Stir into cauliflower rice to add a meaty flavor.

The popularity of makeup products today seems to be greater than ever before in human history. Business Wire states that the global cosmetics market reached a staggering $ 460 billion in 2014 alone. Experts anticipate that the global market for beauty products will continue to rise at an annual rate of 3.8% in the next five years. 

We’re all witnesses to just how big the beauty industry is. Just thinking about the huge number of beauty products we see today can be overwhelming. Beauty is taking over even social media sites like YouTube that had a total of 123,164,115 beauty subscribers in 2015. These numbers speak for themselves, and what they’re telling us is that we are becoming a society of makeup junkies. 

Humans have used makeup for at least 5000 years for the purpose of enhancing features that are thought of as attractive and hiding perceived flaws such as the first signs and symptoms of wrinkles. And although there is nothing wrong with wanting to beautify yourself occasionally, makeup becomes a problem when it creates psychological dependence. 

A study carried out by The Renfrew Center Foundation found that almost half (44%) of all women tested said they felt unattractive without makeup. But the problem with relying on makeup to build your self-esteem does not end there. More and more medical practitioners, scientists, and consumers are becoming increasingly concerned with how makeup affects our physical health.

The Dangers Of Makeup Products

All makeup products, from foundations to setting powders, contain a great number of chemicals, some of which may even be dangerous to your health. The way certain chemicals in makeup interact with our skin can lead to skin dryness, flaking, and even allergic reactions. 

But what is concerning is the fact that these chemicals have the ability to penetrate the deeper layers of our skin and enter our bloodstream. If these chemicals happen to be toxic, then chronic exposure to them presents a significant health risk.

Makeup has been a realistic danger for quite some time now. A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science found that the bones of Japanese children from the Edo period contained levels of toxic metals a dozen times higher than the safety threshold. 

The researchers said that the cause was the use of white facial powder by breastfeeding women that contained dangerous levels of lead and mercury. Another study from 1991 collected samples of kohl eye makeup from third-world countries found that many samples had dangerous levels of lead as well. 

But things don’t seem to be much different these days. A recent study released by Breast Cancer Fund (BCF) for their project The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that almost half of all kids’ Halloween makeup products tested contained banned and harmful chemicals. 

However, most of these toxic chemicals were found at very low levels and as such should not have immediate adverse health outcomes. Furthermore, makeup can be bad for the state of your skin and those wondering how to get rid of acne are often faced with a dilemma of wearing or not wearing makeup as makeup is known to clog pores.

Some of The Harmful Chemicals Found By The BCF Study

Cadmium

A soft, bluish-white metal that studies have linked to kidney failure, bone disease, and even cancer. Researchers believe that cadmium becomes toxic at levels well below limits set forth by the World Health Organization. 

The FDA conducted a test of heavy metals found in popular cosmetics.

Toluene

A paint-thinner that studies suggest can damage the nervous system and lead to neurological disorders such as dementia. Toluene is found in several nail products as well as some hair dyes

Benzophenones

Used in products such as foundation to protect against UV light. An article published in Dermatitis, states that benzophenones can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes and even anaphylactic shock. Benzophenones are found in lip balms, foundation, nail polish, fragrances, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, and baby sunscreens

Parabens

These chemicals are added to cosmetic products to prevent bacteria overgrowth. Parabens are potential endocrine disruptors and one study even found the presence of these chemicals in breast cancer tissue raising further concerns. Parabens are commonly used in perfumes and colognes, but can also be found in shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.

Lead

A heavy metal present in a great number of makeup products, especially those with more pigment such as foundation, eye shadow, lipstick, and eyeliner. Lead is highly toxic when it entered the bloodstream and was found to cause neurological disorders, but also infertility and cancer. 

Lead is most commonly found in lip products including lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip liners. It is also found in hair dyes, mascaras, eyeshadows, blushes, and foundations. In the FDA lab study, lead was found in measurable or trace amounts in every product tested except for baby powder and most lotions.

Talc

A mineral used in powder makeup such as pressed powder foundation and blush but also in liquid foundation. The mineral was found to be often contaminated with asbestos which is a known carcinogen. There has been a large number of studies linking talc powder to ovarian cancer according to a review published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention.

Talc is most famously found in baby powders, but it is also present in deodorants, feminine hygiene products, powdered eyeshadows and foundations, lipsticks and facemasks.

Conclusion

While most of these chemicals don’t come in amounts that would be scientifically proven to cause adverse health outcomes, chronic exposure to toxins from daily use of makeup may be a reason for concern as explained by Julia R. Barrett for Environmental Health Perspectives. 

If you want to protect your health and your good looks, then reading labels carefully and reducing the amount of makeup you use can protect your health. Consumers have become quite a health conscious over the years, and we see a rise in natural beauty products as a result.

It’s also a good idea to practice makeup-free days which will significantly reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals that may be lurking in even the best makeup products you own. Another thing to keep in mind is to purchase makeup from reputable companies that sell clinically-tested products as these are less likely to contain harmful ingredients.

Why not try some natural makeup products that we can source through our affiliation with Melaleuca Products!

Ask our wellness warrior Laryssa next time you see her!!

From vitamin A to zinc, there’s a whole alphabet of vitamins and minerals that the human body needs on a regular basis to function properly. One of those key compounds is magnesium. Virtually every organ requires some amount of it, and getting proper intake can offer a range of benefits like keeping bones strong and preventing certain diseases.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MAGNESIUM

Magnesium plays a role in a wide range of different human health processes, and is used up by nearly every component of the body, from the heart to the kidneys and muscles.

Not only is it an essential mineral itself, but magnesium also helps the body regulate other vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, copper, zinc, and vitamin D. Here are just some of the ways magnesium influences almost every part of the body.

Heart health

Combining a low-fat diet plan with foods rich in magnesium can naturally help to reduce blood pressure—and lower blood pressure is a key part of reducing the risk of stroke and otherwise keeping the heart healthy. In fact, studies have found that there is as much as a 58 percent lower chance of heart attack in those who have proper levels of magnesium.

Bone strength

Because magnesium helps activate vitamin D stores within the body, it’s linked to improved bone density and the formation of stronger bone crystals. Studies have found that good magnesium intake can even lower the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.

Blood sugar regulation

Studies have also found that getting proper magnesium intake can help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These studies were focused on natural dietary sources of magnesium (not supplements), but the evidence does suggest that insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity become properly balanced with help from this mineral.

Anxiety relief

Low levels of magnesium have been connected to anxiety, and research suggests that getting more of this important mineral may be able to help improve anxiety-related symptoms. Depression is also linked—in fact, many antidepressants work by raising brain magnesium, which increases serotonin levels.

PMS relief

Additional studies have found that women experiencing PMS may be able to find relief from symptoms like bloating, leg swelling, weight gain, and insomnia just by increasing intake of magnesium. Combining it with B6 vitamins also helps improve the effectiveness.

RECOMMENDED DAILY VALUES OF MAGNESIUM

Just how much magnesium does the body need to maintain good health? This depends largely upon age, but the National Institutes of Health suggest the following dosages.

• Children between 1 and 3 years of age: 80 milligrams per day

• Children between 4 and 8 years of age: 130 milligrams per day

• Pre-teens 9 to 13 years of age: 240 milligrams per day

• Adult females: 310-320 milligrams per day (and as much as 360 milligrams during periods of breastfeeding)

• Male adults: 400-420 milligrams per day

These are only suggested intake amounts, from which the body will absorb what it needs to perform properly.

THE RISK FOR A MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY

Magnesium deficiencies are very real and occur with surprising frequency, particularly since the standard diet doesn’t include many sources of this mineral, which comes in large quantities in plant-derived foods like leafy greens.

Actual symptoms of a deficiency are rare unless the case is severe, but over time, not getting enough of the mineral could lead to the increased chance of developing diabetes, osteoporosis, even heart disease.

Deficiencies don’t always happen because of poor diet choices, though; sometimes chronic conditions, illness, or age can affect your body’s ability to absorb the mineral. Here are some of the issues that may be the underlying cause of a deficiency:

• Kidney disease
• Digestion-related conditions like Crohn’s disease
• Taking anticancer or antibacterial medications
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs

In these cases it might be ideal to do routine bloodwork to monitor your levels of magnesium or talk to your doctor about starting on supplements.

NATURAL SOURCES OF MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is naturally found in a huge range of foods, and many vegetables and plant-based goods are adequate enough to provide the body with all it needs. In particular, leafy greens, legumes, and nuts and seeds are the best sources for magnesium. Here are five of your best bets for natural sources of this essential mineral.

• Pumpkin seeds: These little morsels are filled with magnesium—each serving provides 48 percent of the daily recommended allowance of the mineral. After you buy a bag, try amping them up with these delicious spice blends.

• Spinach: There’s a reason Popeye uses spinach for fuel. Greens are some of the healthiest foods you could consume; in particular, spinach provides a huge amount of magnesium (and other important minerals like iron). One serving of these leaves delivers nearly 40 percent of the daily recommended value of magnesium. Here’s how you can make a side dish of creamed spinach without any dairy to make it even healthier (the secret is coconut milk).

• Cashews: These buttery nuts provide 29 percent of the daily recommended value of magnesium, and they’re so easy to eat on a daily basis because they’re so versatile and delicious. You don’t have to just eat them either; try this cashew milk chai recipe for a creative way to fulfill your servings. In addition to magnesium, cashews provide protein, calcium, and other minerals the body needs.

• Swiss chard: Another leafy green that’s packed with nutritional content is Swiss chard. Each serving delivers 38 percent of the daily recommended value of magnesium along with plenty of other nutritional content.

• Black beans: Numerous legumes provide high levels of magnesium, but black beans are among the best of the bunch. They provide 30 percent of the daily recommended allowance for every serving, putting them high on the list of important foods to eat when trying to get plenty of the mineral. While you can eat them whole with rice or refried for burritos and tacos, you can also use black beans to make desserts like brownies!

Adding the above foods to a nutrition plan is the first step in making certain you’re getting the right levels of magnesium every day.

MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTS AND HEALTH

Magnesium supplements are another good way to provide the body with the proper amount of magnesium you need to stay healthy. However, it’s generally best to focus first on getting magnesium naturally by eating foods like those listed above that provide ample amounts of it. That’s because the body can more readily absorb magnesium in this format.

If using supplements, remember that they are indeed supplements, and that they aren’t a magic bullet that will instantly give you all the magnesium stores you need to thrive. Instead, they’re best used along with a proper diet to make sure you have adequate levels. One thing to remember is that the body actually only absorbs as much magnesium as it needs and excessively high doses could trigger uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea, so it’s best not to overload your system.

Good supplements will also be natural, using no synthetic sources of magnesium to deliver the mineral. Look at the label and pay attention to the ingredients listed to ensure you have the highest quality product that can deliver the best results.

SO ASK AT RECEPTION TODAY ABOUT OUR TRILOGY MAGNESIUM VITAMINS IN STOCK TODAY

This is a great way to try our Adelaide based gym and feel fitness for free. All Local areas are invited to their local club, so if you are in Fulham, Lockleys, Henley, Flinders park and so on… Come on down with your kids for a play!

There will be member awards as a part of our appreciation day as well as great promotions for members and potential customers.

I love these days as the whole family get together and have fun at the club with food, kids activites and there always is a buzz in the fitness rooms. It really is a great club atmosphere!

See you there

Dion

Make it happen

In the modern era, we are exposed to many different harmful chemicals on a daily basis. Workplaces and restaurants all have to adhere to certain safety measures to ensure that workers and customers alike are not exposed to dangerous amounts of these substances.

However, just as many toxic chemicals can be found in your home as well. So here are five common household items that you need to get rid of to improve your health and the natural alternatives that you can replace them with.

Non-Stick Cookware

Non-stick cookware is by far the most common cookware, yet there is an adverse side effect they have on our health. They are proven to release toxic chemicals into food during cooking. When non-stick cookware is heated up, its coating begins to break down at a molecular level.

When the coating breaks down it releases a variety of toxic particles and fluoride-based gasses, many of which are carcinogenic (cancer causing). Instead of toxic non-stick cookware, purchase glass or ceramic pots and pans that don’t release harmful fumes.

Artificial Sweeteners

Many people think that they are doing their body justice when swapping sugar for one of its alternatives. Although there are many healthy natural sweeteners out there, the most commonly used ones tend to be a lot worse for you than sugar. If you have any of the following sweeteners, throw them out immediately:

Acesulfame K – may be carcinogenic, causes tumors and affects pregnancy
Aspartame – has been linked to skin cancers and can be deadly for people with phenylketonuria
Saccharin – may cause bladder cancer, is indigestible and gets excreted by the liver unchanged
Sorbitol – is only partially digested in the intestines, causes diarrhea, bloating and gas.

Instead, replace these artificial sweeteners with ones that can be naturally found and cultivated without refining. This includes:

Stevia – can lower blood pressure and blood sugar
Erythritol – has no effect on blood sugar, insulin or cholesterol levels
Xylitol – can improve bone density and reduce risk of tooth decay
Bacon syrup – feeds good bacteria in intestines and can help fight against constipation.
Plastic Bottles And Food Containers

When you drink liquid or eat food from containers made out of plastic, the chemicals in that plastic leach into whatever you are putting in your mouth and eventually gets digested in your body along with it. Among these chemicals are Bisphenol A, which is used to harden plastic in products such as water bottles.

Many studies have linked Bisphenol A to having adverse health effects. In 2010 the FDA changed their stance on the chemical, expressing “some concern” over its effects on the brain, behavior and prostate glands in fetuses, babies, and young children.

Instead of using disposable plastic water bottles, opt for reusable metal or glass ones. The same goes for food containers. Not only are you saving the environment, but you’re keeping your body safe as well.

Air Fresheners

Air fresheners are often advertised as being able to rid your house of pungent odors and noxious gas. However, recent research suggests that the fumes emitted from air freshener cans are actually more dangerous than cigarette smoke. These fumes have also been found to cause many health problems:

Respiratory conditions such as asthma
Hormone imbalance
Cancers- One study showed that common air fresheners contain a “considerable” amount of formaldehyde, which is classified as a “known human carcinogen.” Overexposure to air fresheners has been linked to cancers of the nose and throat.
A natural alternative to conventional air fresheners is the use of essential oils. Not only are they effective at creating pleasant aromas, but they have also been proven to be able to provide numerous health benefits as well. One study found that inhaling rosemary oil could improve your mood and stimulate the nervous system.

To use essential oils as an air freshener, add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil into a spray bottle with approximately one cup of distilled water. Spray this around the house as your would a conventional air freshener.

Commercial Cleaning Products

The average household usually has a variety of cleaning products for many different parts of the house. Although cleaning substances are necessary to keep your house free from the build up of harmful bacteria, most commercial cleaning products have been linked to many health problems, such as:

Respiratory disorders and asthma
Hormone disruptors- Studies found that these cleaning products include substances such as parabens, triclosan, phthalates, and BPA.

Thankfully, vinegar and baking soda provide natural antimicrobial cleaning properties without the same side effects as commercial cleaners. One study found that they were effective against a variety of bacteria including staph, salmonella, and E.coli.

The Humble Toothpaste

Unfortunately, the innocent looking toothpaste found in a regular household holds many scary secrets! With ingredients such as Saccharin and Fluoride, both carcinogens (cancer causing), toothpaste is not something you would want anywhere near your mouth.

Saccharin- an artificial sweetener, mentioned above. It is said to be approximately 350 times sweeter than sugar. Considered to be a human carcinogen, so it’s something to keep away from!

Fluoride- Another human carcinogen, fluoride can have a myriad of unhealthy effects; from causing cavities to severely damaging your thyroid. Find out how using coconut oil could be the healthy alternative to supermarket toothpaste you never even thought of.

Shampoo

Anti-dandruff shampoo contains methylchloroisothiazolinone, which is a suspected mutagen. They also contain ammonium laureth sulfate, which, although won’t cause any health problems on its own (apart from stinging if it gets in your eye), can sometimes be contaminated during the manufacturing process such as 1,4-dioxane. Early rat studies found that this contaminant causes cancer, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has said it’s reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen as well.

Mothballs

There certainly is a reason they prevent your clothes from getting eaten by moths- they’re highly toxic! Containing an ingredient called Naphthalene, these innocent looking balls can cause many healthy problems, such as:

Kidney and liver damage
Hemolytic Anemia (it destroys red blood cells!)
Can cause cancer in animals- so keep them well away from pets! This means it has been labeled a human carcinogen, but there is no sound proof that they are directly linked to one another.
Try creating this DIY, all natural moth ball to prevent holes in socks without the use of chemicals! Find it here!

Antibacterial Soap

Antibacterial soap certainly sounds like it’s going to do what it says- get rid of bacteria and nasty germs! However, recent studies by the FDA have shown that these soaps contain an ingredient called Triclosan, which:

Interferes with hormone levels in animals
Spurs the growth of drug-resistant bacteria- yikes!
Increases risk of infertility, early puberty, and cancer.
Avoid using chemical ridden soaps and opt for a more natural approach. This homemade soap is a great way to avoid Triclosan and any other unwanted chemicals found in antibacterial soap.

Flea and Tick Treatment

You might think you’re helping your beloved pooch out, but unfortunately, flea and tick treatments may be more harmful than helpful! Tests on laboratory animals have shown an enormous amount of problems with the substance Fipronil, found in many liquid fleas and tick treatments. This product can cause:

Vomiting or diarrhea
Mild Skin irritation
Weakness
Headaches
Seizures and dizziness
Considered a ‘possible human carcinogen’.
Discover some all-natural ways to prevent your pets from getting fleas or ticks here!

So if you haven’t done it already, get to it!
Ditch these common household products to prevent so many health problems that you could do without.

And ask us today about our affiliation with Melaleuca products and the very many natural alternatives they can provide.

This is Functional Training

Functional training is 45 minutes and is also known as team training here at Viva Fitness.

The video below is a great description of how it works in just 45 minutes.

Why Team Training?

Its Fun- Classes are run in a team setting making it an encouraging environment

You will be Motivated- having others drive through the same experience is very supportive

45 mins goes Fast- You get in, have a great workout and get out!

There’s over 55 classes to participate in plus a whole plethora of group/ team training classes on now!

Check out more about team training here .

https://www.facebook.com/teammachinewarrior/videos/207659383031591/

Put the pressure on yourself, with these 6 acupressure points that will help control your cravings, as well as control your stress. Controlling stress is very important when trying to lose weight because increased stress can lead to emotional eating – or binge eating.

Some people call it “Eating My Feelings,” which helps to build a positive association with feelings of negativity. So stop eating your feelings, and feel around for these particular pressure points that will help you with stress and weight control.

The 6 Best Pressure Points To Control Stress and Weight

Technique:

1. First, massage the area. This increases blood flow to the area as well as loosening the muscles that may be over-stressed.
2. After you’ve massaged, apply pressure with one or two fingers, or using your palm or the side of your hand.
3. End with another light massage.

If you find a point on one side of your body, make sure to find the same pressure point on the other side. This increases the chances of efficacy.

1. Abdomen Point

Found an inch (or 2 fingers) below the belly button (Ren 6 in the image), the abdomen point focuses on the digestive system, enhancing its function and giving your body and immune system strength. It also reduces constipation.

1. Place two of your fingers on it and massage.
2. Then apply consistent pressure on this point for at least 2 minutes.
3. Do this twice daily.

2. Abdominal Sorrow Point

Under the last rib on both sides, 4 fingers from your solar plexus, you’ll find the Abdominal Sorrow Point which, when massaged and pressed, relieves indigestion, ulcers, rib pain, and helps balance your appetite.

1. Curve your fingers just under your ribs and in-line with your earlobes to activate this spot.
2. Massage and apply pressure for 5 minutes a day to help with stress and weight control.

3. Ear Point

1. Place your finger against your jaw and move your jaw up and down.
2. The point with the most movement is the ear point; now calm your jaw and press for a minute.
3. This will help control your appetite and ease the stress associated with back and neck pain.

4. Knee Point

2 inches below your kneecap, on the outside of your leg you will find the Knee Point. If the muscle moves under your finger when you flex your foot, you’ve found the right spot. Start with a massage, then press this spot for 2 minutes.

Activating this pressure point will improve digestion and “nourish your blood.” Massage and press every day and you’ll start to notice the changes in your body.

5. Elbow point

On the inside of your elbow and the side closest to your ribs you’ll find the elbow point, which stimulates intestinal function and helps to remove excess heat and unwanted moisture from your body.

1. Press this point for a minute every day, using your thumb to apply enough pressure.

6. Ankle Point

2 inches above your ankle, on the inside of your leg and just off the bone you’ll find the Ankle Point. Stimulating this spot will help your digestive system, helping you metabolize your meals.

1. Apply pressure for a minute with your thumb or knuckle and release slowly.
2. Do this daily.

Detoxification occurs best while we are asleep because that’s when the body starts to rebuild and regenerate its tissues. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver, which represents the main detoxification organ, functions optimally between 1am and 3am.

Therefore, we need to ensure that proper conditions are present for effective detoxification to occur. One requirement for proper detoxification is that we are actually sound asleep well before this time.

Another requirement is that we have enough blood and bodily fluids for the detoxification process, so that the body doesn’t become overloaded with harmful substances, which tend to be released as we detox. Proper detoxification can also lead to a healthy metabolism, which in turn can lead not only to a lowered toxin burden but also faster fat burning for those wanting to manage their weight.

There are certain teas and drinks you can consume before bedtime that can potentially help with this important bodily function as outlined below…

8 Great Bedtime Beverages for Detoxification

Chamomile Tea

This tea is mildly bitter due to its sesquiterpene lactone content which helps the liver prime its detoxification pathways. Chamomile is also considered to have a nervine action on the body meaning that it is used to calm the nerves to help us wind down and fall asleep.

Finally, this herb has anti-inflammatory effects which further aid the body in dealing with intermediates of detoxification which can cause higher than normal levels of inflammation in the body.

Lemon Water

This is one of the drinks I routinely recommend to patients to drink throughout the day made by either squeezing fresh lemon in water or by slicing lemons and adding them to a jar of water. If using lemon slices with the peel, ensure you are using organic lemons to avoid pesticide exposure. At night lemon water helps purge toxins out of your blood.

Lemon water works best when it is warm, as cold drinks can cause a shock to the body and take heat from your digestive system to warm up. So help your body in advance by drinking warm fluids.

Jujube Fruit

This is a Chinese herb that helps to nourish liver blood again required for detoxification and fat burning. Jujube, or Da Zao, also helps to calm the mind which is perfect to help ease our stressed out brain so that we can get the good quality sleep needed for proper liver functioning.

This herb also strengthens the Spleen-Pancreas which in Chinese Medicine can get affected by an overloaded liver leading to improper digestion of foods.

Lotus Seed

This is another TCM herb (Lian Zi is the Chinese name) which can be beneficial to make as a nighttime tea. This herb is useful if stress, anxiety and racing thoughts keep you up at night. It helps calm the mind and can even help if you’re having heart palpitations.

Lavender can also be added to this tea to further cut down the anxiety and calm the nerves.

Rose Tea

Rose is a wonderful herb that is closely related to our heart meridian connected to our emotions. This is perhaps the reason rose has remained the symbol of love throughout the ages. Rose is very useful in ensuring the proper flow of energy from the liver as improper flow of Qi or energy can lead to depressive states. Relieving depressive states is essential for proper sleep as unhealthy thoughts lead to blood consumption which is actually needed for healthy detoxification.

Rose tea also helps the blood move throughout our body via its astringent properties due to a high tannin content which again helps remove toxins by ensuring good flow through the organs of detoxification.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is a very useful herb to help with many important functions. This herb is very useful especially if you have had a large meal at night since it helps the digestive process through its large quantities of essential oil content, such as menthol and menthone.

Peppermint overcomes food stagnation as a symptom of overeating that can lead to disturbed sleep. Since the liver is also involved in this digestive process, peppermint makes a great tea to help the liver with its digestive and detoxification functions.

Oat Tea

Oat tops and seeds make a great nutritional tea. This tea contains high levels of vitamins, minerals, and even proteins called avenins which are helpful for Phase I and Phase II of liver detoxification as many nutrients are consumed in this process.

Additionally, oat is another nervine herb which helps calm the mind and bring balance to our emotions as it is considered to be a nervous system re-builder.

Schizandra Berry Tea

Last but certainly not least I need to mention schizandra berries. These berries, when infused in hot water, create a nice fruity tea that can easily protect the liver from many of the harmful intermediates created through its detoxification pathways.

There are numerous studies showing the significant hepatoprotective capabilities of schizandra constituents such as its lignan content. In addition to its protective functions, schizandra berries are thought to have an adaptogenic action on the entire body meaning that it helps all body processes function optimally without increasing or decreasing pathways out of the normal range.

In Conclusion…

One thing to keep in mind with detoxification and weight loss is that we require ample amounts of fluids. This is also something the bedtime teas above can help with as they all will add to your daily fluid intake. Also, remember that adequate sleep is essential for proper organ functioning.

Aim to be asleep around 11pm at the latest so that you are well asleep before the 1am time mentioned at the beginning of this article.

This is one of the challenges my patients face in practice and I always emphasize the point that you don’t have to accomplish this overnight. You can start with changing your bedtime by at least one hour and maintaining this for a week or two until you are ready to change it by another hour and slowly accomplishing your goal.

Remember: diet and lifestyle changes take time to adjust to and you should be kind to your body by not pushing yourself too hard.

Raise your hand if you’re guilty of bringing home a new shirt or pair of pants from the store and wearing them, sans washing. It’s very common, maybe even typical, as many fabrics look pristine when they’re fresh off the rack.

You probably assume they’re clean or at least relatively so, but tests conducted by Philip Tierno, Ph.D. director of Microbiology and Immunology at New York University, uncovered some disturbing compounds lurking on clothing.

And this is only one reason to consider washing before wearing. Many clothing items are also contaminated with chemicals and dyes that may lead to irritation or other health issues.

Even insects (like lice) could potentially be transmitted on new clothes. If you’re currently not a washer-before-wearing type, you may change your mind by the end of this article.

Feces, Respiratory Secretions, Vaginal Organisms and More

Pants, blouses, underwear, jackets and other clothing items purchased from chain clothing stores (including both high-end and low-end options). The tests revealed a number of unsavory compounds lurking on the “new” clothes, including:

• Respiratory secretions
• Skin flora
• Fecal flora
• Yeast

Perhaps not surprisingly, swimsuits, underwear and other intimate items were the most heavily contaminated.

What types of illnesses could you potentially get from trying on contaminated clothes? Organisms that cause hepatitis A, traveler’s diarrhea, MRSA, salmonella, norovirus, yeast infections and streptococcus are all fair game when it comes to clothing items tried on by multiple people.

Even lice and scabies could potentially be transmitted by trying on clothes. Is it likely? No. Possible? Yes, particularly if your immune system is not functioning up to par.

Chemical Contaminants: Another Reason to Wash New Clothes

Depending on what country your new clothes were manufactured in, they may contain multiple chemicals of concern. Among them are azo-aniline dyes, which may cause skin reactions ranging from mild to severe.

If you’re sensitive, such dyes may leave your skin red, itchy and dry, especially where the fabric rubs on your skin, such as at your waist, neck, armpits and thighs. The irritants can be mostly washed out, but it might take multiple washings to do so.

Formaldehyde resins are also used in clothing to cut down on wrinkling and mildew. Not only is formaldehyde a known carcinogen, but the resins have been linked to eczema and may cause your skin to become flaky or erupt in a rash.

Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE), meanwhile, is a toxic endocrine-disrupting surfactant used to manufacture clothing.

You certainly don’t want to be exposed to NPE if you can help it, but when consumers wash their clothes, NPEs are released into local water supplies where wastewater treatment plants are unable to remove them.

When NPEs enter the environment, they break down into nonylphenol (NP), a toxic, endocrine-disrupting chemical that accumulates in sediments and builds up in fish and wildlife.

Chemicals May Lurk in Your Clothing Even After Washing

Unfortunately, washing won’t remove all the chemicals in your clothing. For instance, the antimicrobial triclosan is sometimes added to fabrics, including clothing. Research has shown that triclosan can alter hormone regulation and may interfere with fetal development.

Animal studies have also raised concerns about its ability to affect fertility, and bacteria exposed to triclosan may also become resistant to antibiotics. Even an increased cancer risk has been suggested.

Stain-proof clothing, meanwhile, is a common source of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which are toxic to humans and the environment. You’ll most often hear about PFCs in relation to non-stick cookware, but they’re also common in fabrics.

Unless the clothing you buy is organic, it also is likely made from genetically engineered (GE) cotton that is heavily treated with pesticides and other chemicals during production. The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) explained:

Conventionally Grown GE Cotton Is the ‘World’s Dirtiest Crop’

You might be surprised to learn that cotton is considered the world’s dirtiest crop due to the cotton industry’s heavy use of hazardous herbicides and insecticides, including some of the most hazardous insecticides on the market.

As you might suspect, this is hazardous on multiple levels — for the farmers working with these chemicals, the people living nearby, the consumers buying the cotton and virtually everyone else, who will eventually be impacted by this widespread environmental pollution.

Top Tips for Safer Clothing

Looking for clothing made from organic cotton is an excellent start to finding safe, non-toxic clothing (for you and the environment). You can also look for the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label, which is indicative that it has been tested by an independent laboratory and found to be free of harmful levels of more than 100 substances, including:

• Azo dyes
• Phthalates
• Heavy metals
• Pesticides
• Allergenic dyes

Finally, many experts do recommend washing new clothes when you bring them home from the store, maybe even twice. If the article of clothing cannot be machine washed, consider running it through a cycle in a hot dryer before wearing it.

You may also want to keep on some clothes while trying on new clothing at a store (at least leave on your undergarments, and then wash those too when you get home). Washing your hands after shopping is also a good idea, as you’ve been handling clothing that could have any number of chemicals and other contaminants on them.

Ask at Frontline today about our affiliation with Melaleuca and their range of chemically safe washing powders.