DIETING AND FEELING MOODY, IRRITABLE AND BLAH?

I’m pretty sure we can all pick out that one person who is a consistent negative ninny. The one person who we think sees the glass half empty, but who insists that they are just a hard-edged realist. For me, it is one my school mates, Michelle.

Things are never good enough for Michelle and she is always the victim of something. After knowing her for about 15 years now, I’m pretty used to her negativity and I can just let it roll right off my back.

But, this is only after a lot of practice. It really used to take a lot of my energy to be around her because it was so incredibly draining. There are a couple different types of draining energies but all of them stream from one core value: Negativity.

Drain Types:

Now, I am not completely innocent of negativity. I too complain from time to time without even realizing I’m doing it. It’s pretty much a part of our culture nowadays. Dr. Robin Kowalski professor of psychology at Clemson University explains that everyone complains, at some point, at least a little.

There are a few varieties when it comes to complainers. I’m sure you can stick a face to each different category.

•  Venters:  This is a very displeased person who doesn’t want to hear solutions, no matter how helpful they may be.
•  Sympathy Seekers: You know the type. The ones always fishing for attention with their “I’ve got it worse than you do” attitude or their constant and everything sucks demeanor.
•  Chronic Complainers: those living in a state of complaint, do something researchers call “ruminating.” This basically means thinking and complaining about a problem again and again. Instead of feeling a release after complaining, this sort of complaining can actually make things worse. It can cause even more worry and anxiety.

Ok, I’m not suggesting you give up all your bad habits and try to be a squeaky clean free-flying positive ninny. No, not even close. Bouts of negativity are normal and encouraged to reset our systems. What you want to be mindful of, is if you are being excessively negative. Why you ask? Because negativity breeds negativity.

Most of us may have been unintentionally reinforcing the nasty habit of complaining, by virtue of… complaining.

Negativity Rewires Your Brain:

Donald Hebb, a neuropsychologist, believed that neurons which fire together, wire together. What he meant by that is that groups of neurons connect in our brain as a result of particular life experiences.

For instance, whenever we think a thought or have a feeling or physical sensation, thousands of neurons are triggered and they all get together to form a neural network. The brain learns to trigger the same neurons with repetitive thinking.

Basically, if you keep your mind focused on criticism, worry, and victimization, your mind will find it easier to bring up those same thoughts for similar situations. Our thought patterns wire our brains to react positively or negatively to the situations we are presented. We get good at what we practice, so why don’t we try being a little more positive?

Four tricks to avoid negativity:

1.  Be grateful: Even for the smallest of things.
2.  Catch yourself: Catch yourself in a complaint. Stop complaining. Congratulate yourself for being aware!
3.  Make a new groove: We can create a brand new groove for pleasant feelings. The more often we allow our minds to remember the good stuff, the easier that kind of thinking becomes.
4.  Practice wise effort: Wise effort is letting go of that which is not helpful and cultivating that which is skillful.

Team Machine!

Our 45 Minute Functional Training classes pack a real punch!!

Check it out in the video and come try a class sometime!

Why wait until next year, get a head start on 2017… ask us how 

#TeamMachine #WarriorTraining

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We love great multi-taskers! Apple Cider Vinegar is no exception. This great tonic has been used since biblical times to help with a number of different ailments including common colds and infections, kidney stones, high blood pressure, allergies, arthritis and more!

Japanese Samurai, Roman soldiers and military groups throughout history have used apple cider vinegar as an antiseptic, antibacterial and as an energizer. In 400 B.C., Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used it for its amazing natural cleansing, healing and energizing qualities.

When buying Apple Cider Vinegar, be sure it includes the “mother,” which will be listed on the label. The “mother” occurs naturally as connected strand-like chains of protein enzyme molecules and is highly regarded throughout history.

Apple Cider Vinegar packs a powerful punch in the realm of gut health too!

Despite vinegar being acidic by nature, it actually helps to balance your pH levels, which helps support a healthy body, decreasing chronic inflammation and warding off illness.
Here is just a small portion of what apple cider vinegar can do for you and your family.

#1 Dandruff

Mix equal parts water/vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on hair after shampoo, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Repeat for a few days until dandruff problem disappears. Repeat once every week or so for maintenance.

#2 Sore Throat

Combine 1 tsp ACV, 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 3 tsp raw honey in a glass of warm water. ACV and honey have antibacterial properties to help speed up recovery and the capsaicin in hot peppers will help soothe pain.

#3 Foot Odor

Pour ACV over baby wipes, store in a plastic bag and refrigerate overnight and use as needed. Also works as an underarm deodorizer.

#4 Gas and Constipation

Dilute a tablespoon of ACV into warm tea and drink before a meal. Vinegar stimulates digestive juices (HCl – hydrochloric acid) that help your body breakdown food.

Dilute a tablespoon or so in some water or tea anytime you feel heartburn symptoms coming on. If it is too nasty for you to swallow, add a little raw honey.

#6 Clear Skin

Soak a washcloth in ACV and apply to your face to lessen oil. This will also help with scarring from acne.

#7 Sunburn

Add a cup or two of ACV to a bath and soak for ten minutes. This helps the skin feel soothed and cool, as well as restores the skin’s pH.

#8 Whiten Teeth

Apply directly to teeth and then rinse with water. Don’t do often as it may break down tooth enamel. For a more gentle approach, dilute with water and use as a mouth rinse.

#9 All Purpose Cleaner

Mix 1 part water, 1 part ACV and 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil together in a spray bottle. ACV is double fermented and an excellent detoxifier. Making your own cleaner is a fantastic way to get rid of unnecessary chemicals in your home.

#10 Odor Remover

ACV breaks down the volatile compounds and kills bacteria that causes unpleasant odors around the house. You can mix 1 part water and 1 part ACV in a spray bottle and use in rooms where a bad odor is present.

#11 Weed Killer

There are lots of recipes for using ACV as a weed killer. You can use it on its own, mix with dish soap, water, salt and/or lemon juice.

#12 Flea Repellent (pets)

ACV makes an awesome natural flea repellent, that actually works! Simply apply topically to your dogs skin or put in a spray bottle and spray over fur and in the dogs bed.

#13 Skin Tags, Moles, Warts

Soak a cotton ball with some ACV, place over the skin tag, mole or wart and secure with medical tape (duct tape works too!). Leave on overnight and wash area once removed. Repeat nightly until wart problem is gone.

#14 Burns

Apply ACV to the burn as soon as possible to help soothe pain and stimulate healing. ACV will also help to disinfect. Note: do not apply to open wounds. 

#15 Bruises

Warm up a cup of ACV and mix in 1 tsp of salt. Apply to bruise as a compress.

#16 Bad Breath

Mix 1 tablespoon ACV in a cup of water and gargle for 10 seconds.

#17 Post Shaving Treatment

Mix ACV 50/50 with water and apply to skin for a soothing aftershave.

#18 Condiment Enhancer

ACV can liven up condiments like a rockstar. Try adding a little to sauces, marinades and vinaigrettes. Mix ACV with a little olive oil and fresh herbs for a simple topping for meat or salad. Mix with lemon juice for a great veggie dressing.

#19 Mix with Fruit Juice

Might seem a little strange pairing vinegar with fruit juice, but it is actually pretty good! Try mixing a small amount of ACV into grape or a similar type of juice. It is an easy and tasty way to get a daily dose of ACV. Please note: I am referring to fresh pressed juice, not store bought varieties, which are loaded with sugar.

#20 Soups

Add a splash of ACV to your soup for a little extra punch.

#21 Baked Goods

Add to baked goods to add an extra lift. Don’t worry, a small amount won’t be detected by the kids or the guests.

#22 Antifungal

Apply ACV topically to affected area or soak area in 1 part ACV 5 parts water for 30 minutes a day if possible.

#23 Sore Muscles

Mix a tablespoon with water and gulp it down for pain relief or rub it directly over sore muscles.

#24 Anti-Itch

If you’ve become the unfortunate enemy of a jellyfish or even poison ivy, some ACV should do the trick to get rid of the itchiness. Simply apply directly to skin and let it work its magic.

#25 Insulin Sensitivity

Regularly taking ACV may help keep blood sugar levels balanced.

#26 Clear Sinuses

A stuffy nose that won’t clear is the worst. Try sipping a cup of water mixed with ACV – it will act as an antibacterial in your throat and may help decrease and break-up the mucus.

#27 Lymph Circulation

Take daily for detox benefits and to help build immunity. ½ tablespoon mixed in some tea or lemon water every morning should do the trick.

#28 Energy Boost

Add a little to a fresh morning juice or smoothie (just a little, it packs a strong taste!).

#29 Facial Toner

Mix 1 tsp ACV in a little water and apply to face with a cotton ball. Yes, the smell is strong but it dissipates quickly and will improve your skin. Repeat daily for best results.

#30 Upset Stomach

ACV has antibiotic properties and pectin, which are soothing the stomach. For a stomach soothing cocktail combine: 2 tsp ACV, 1 tbsp fresh ginger water, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 8 ounces sparkling water and raw honey to taste. Take a swig in a glass of water when you start feeling unsettled or bloated.

#31 Stop Dogs/Cats From Chewing On Your Stuff

Most animals hate the smell of vinegar and will avoid chewing on cords, couches, etc. if you dab some ACV on them once a week. If your dog pees in the house, clean it up with ACV cleaner and they’ll never pee there again.

#32 Detox Bath

Add 1 cup ACV to your bath along with ⅓-1 cup of Epsom salts and 5-10 drops essential oils. Adding sea salt, ginger and baking soda are also great options for further detoxification and relaxation.

#33 Wash Fruits and Veggies

Use some ACV to wash your fruits and veggies before you eat them. This is important to remove any pesticides or chemicals that may have been sprayed on them before they were harvested.

#34 Neutralize Spices

When you’ve accidentally added one too many shakes of cayenne powder to your dinner, add 1 tsp ACV at a time until the taste returns to where you want it!

#35 Flytrap

Put some ACV and a drop of dish soap in a bowl and set on the counter to attract and kill fruits flies.

#36 Urine Smell in Clothes

Add ½ cup to washing machine to get urine smell out of clothing.

#37 Exercise Fatigue

Take a tablespoon ACV in a cup of water after a workout to battle post-workout exhaustion. Lactic acid builds up in the body after a workout and causes fatigue. The amino acids in ACV provide a perfect antidote.

#38 Yeast Infection

Add 1 ½ cups of ACV to a bath and soak for 20 minutes.

#39 Allergies

1 tablespoon in water and 1 Tbs. local organic raw honey daily to combat allergy season.

#40 Cramping

Rub directly on area that is cramping for relief.

#41 Hair Detangler

Mix in a spray bottle with 1 part water to 1 part ACV and spritz on hair when combing.

#42 Add to Bone Broth

Mix a few spoonfuls into your bone broth to add a kick and some extra detox power.

#43 Weight Loss

The acetic acid in ACV suppresses appetite and reduces water retention. Take ½ tablespoon in some fresh lemon water every morning or before meals for best results.

#44 Shiny Hair

Rinse your hair in 1 part ACV  and 1 part water after shampooing for a great shine.

#45 Hand and Foot Massage

Rub on your hands and feet after a long day to relieve tired muscles.

#46 Alkalization

Regularly consuming ACV can help your body maintain a healthy pH level. Disease cannot thrive in an alkaline environment!

#47 Detoxify the Liver

Take 1-2 tsp in an 8 oz glass of water in the morning, followed by eating raw organic fruit and vegetables and lots of water throughout the day.

#48 Candida

ACV is rich in enzymes that help the body combat candida. Take ½ tablespoon twice daily.

#49 Dish Detergent

Can use in your dishwasher to help remove grease.

#50 Relieves Gout

Take 2-3 tablespoons, 2-3 times every day.

Talk about a great multi-tasker!

Warrior Small Group Training

Every year at VIVA, we ask our fabulous members to donate to a charity – under our Christmas Tree.

This year, we have chosen “Shoe Boxes of Love” as our chosen charity.

Shoe Boxes of Love  is dedicated to providing love and hope to those affected by Australian disasters.

​Shoe Boxes of Love provide love, hope, and support to those that are affected by a disaster, through the provision of “shoe boxes of love”, or shoe box size boxes of essential and luxury items.

Shoe Boxes of Love provides the wider community with an affordable, meaningful and practical way of contributing to disaster relief efforts.

This non for profit organisation.

See below how you can donate;

Putting together a shoe box of love is lots of fun!
Think about the items you use each day – which items can’t you go without? These are exactly the types of items you could include.

Our lists below provide some suggestions on what you might like to include in your box. Adding the items listed as ‘essential’ as a minimum reduces the need for us to add in those items.

Research and feedback received from people affected by previous disasters shows that receiving a box of well thought out luxury items is much more beneficial to the healing and recovery process.

Please note that for health and safety reasons, we do not accept ANY second hand items, furniture, electrical goods or food.

Please remember to clearly label your box with the intendend recipient’s age and gender (eg. Girl, 3-5 years).

​Suggested items for boxes

​Baby (Boy/Girl)

• Dummy
• Disposable camera
• Bottle
• Teething gel
• Baby wipes
• Bibs
• Baby lotion
• Barrier cream
• Jump suits
• Socks
• Rattles
• Small teddy bear

Female (Adult/Teen)

Essentials

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap/Body wash
• Sanitary items
• Roll on deodorant
• Razors

Luxuries

• Face washer/hand towel
• Small mirror
• Moisturizer
• Bobby pins
• Scented candles
• Mascara
• Blush
• Tinted moisturizer
• Emery boards/files
• Hair products
• Face wipes
• Lip gloss
• iTunes vouchers

​A few key points that might help with putting your shoe box of love together:

1. Whilst we endeavour to supply recipients with the essentials,it is important that our boxes are also viewed as a gift – a gift of love and hope, and a reason to smile.
2. For shipping and logistic reasons, please pack items securely in a shoe box (or similar sized box). Five litre plastic containers are perfect.
3. Items such as bubble bath or products that are likely to leak can be sealed in a ziplock bag for transport purposes.
4. For safety and security reasons, please do not seal or wrap your shoe box of love.
5. Don’t forget to personalise your Shoe Box of Love by writing your own note showing your support, and add it in to your box!

 Male (Adult/Teen)

Do you really know what a photo like this means? Do you know what it takes to be a fighter?

Let me put it to you like this…

12 months ago Anthony was invited to take part in the Australian lightweight brace tournament.

The dangers of synthetic scents aren’t always evident, but we have the science to prove that everyone, regardless of age or health, needs to make avoiding fake fragrances a major priority.

A National Academy of Sciences points out some vital facts: About 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil). They include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene and many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Unfortunately, 30 years later, toxic ingredients continue turn up in products we use and breathe in on a daily basis. Some of the worst toxic ingredients used in lotions, shampoos, laundry detergents, cleaning products and so much more include synthetic scents, often listed as on labels as the elusive “fragrance.” And many on the list are known or suspected endocrine disruptors, compounds that tinker with hormonal health that can trigger weight gain and even set you up for diseases decades down the line.

Avoiding the dangers of synthetic scents is crucial. It’s something I need you to share with your family and friends. When a company puts “fragrance” on the label, don’t be tricked. This is a catch-all term actually can stand for thousands of different ingredients (literally, at least 3,000). And when you use a product containing “fragrance” or “parfum,” all of those mysterious ingredients are absorbed right into your bloodstream. These ingredients are predominantly made from chemicals and are just outright toxic for your health in so many ways.

While our allure with natural fragrances is baked into our DNA as a way to find food and mates, synthetic fragrances are completely unnecessary and are making us super sick in our modern-day world. Sure, drawing fragrances from nature has a long history in religious ceremonies, burials and a way to increase libido. But in this article, we’re focusing on the man-made fragrances that started emerging in the late 1800s. The dangers of these synthetic scents not only include short-term symptoms like allergies and respiratory distress, but also headaches, dizziness, nausea and brain fog. We’ll get into other, less obvious side (but super serious) side effects in a bit. (This serves as evidence that regardless of your age or health status, it is imperative that you avoid fragrance chemicals.

What Are Synthetic Scents?

Synthetic scents or “fragrance” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals and environmental toxicants. These artificial scents can can be found in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as air fresheners, cleaning materials and laundry detergents. According to the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics, hair products are especially problematic. More than 95 percent of shampoos, conditioners and styling products contain fragrance as an ingredient.  I’m sure you’ll agree that we all want our hair to smell good, but we could do without the use of toxic ingredients.

Research conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found an average of 14 chemicals in 17 name brand fragrance products. But it doesn’t stop there — none of these chemicals were actually listed on the label.

In general, there at least 3,000 ingredients that could possibly be used to form a product’s scent. That’s according to the online “Transparency List” put out by the International Fragrance Association, an industry trade group.  I encourage to take a look at the following list, derived from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, to see just how many fragrance chemicals we’re possibly exposed to every day.

It may seem unbelievable, but the FDA does not even currently require fragrance and cosmetic makers to disclose exactly what they are using to scent products. If companies are using truly natural ingredients, then why be shy? Many will say that their formulas are proprietary and they don’t want other companies copying them. The FDA website also states how the agency cannot legally require companies to warn about allergens in cosmetic like they do with food.

Are you wondering why companies would continue to use synthetic scents if they’re so bad for our health? The answer is straightforward — they are cheaper. Synthetic scents can be an extremely cheap way to give everything from shampoo to lotion to candles a desirable scent. Unfortunately, just because you enjoy a scent, doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

Fake Fragrances: Making People’s Lives Miserable

In an August 2016 study published by veteran fragrance chemical researcher Anne Steinemann, PhD, we see the scope of how scented products impact our daily lives. But here’s a positive stat from the study: She found that more than 50 percent of the population would prefer fragrance-free workplaces, health care facilities and professionals, hotels and airplanes.

• Overall reported health problems after exposure to fake fragrance: Overall, 34 percent of the population reported one or more types of adverse health effects from exposure to fragranced products. The most common symptoms were: 18 percent respiratory problems; 16 percent mucosal symptoms; 15 percent migraine headaches; 10 percent skin problems; 8 percent asthma attacks; 7 percent neurological problems; 5 percent cognitive problems; 5 percent gastrointestinal problems; 4 percent cardiovascular problems; 4 percent immune system problems; 3 percent musculoskeletal problems; and 1 percent “other.”
• Scented laundry products vented outdoors: 12 percent reported health problems from the scent of laundry products coming from a dryer vent. Symptoms include headaches, breathing difficulties and other health problems.
• Proximity to fragranced person: 23 percent reported health problems from being near someone who is wearing a fragranced product.
• Trouble in public places: 17 percent of people say they are unable or reluctant to use public toilets because of air freshener, deodorizer or scented product; 14 percent are unable or reluctant to their wash hands with soap in a public place because they suspect the soap is fragranced. Further, 22.7 percent have been prevented from going to some public place because of scented products.
• Economic losses: Fragranced product exposures have economic implications, too. Of those surveyed, 20 percent would enter but then leave a business as quickly as possible if they smell fragranced products, and 15 have lost workdays or a job due to fragranced product exposures in the workplace.

Serious Dangers of Synthetic Scents

Cancer

According to the Breast Cancer Fund, when it comes to the prevention of cancer, avoiding synthetic fragrance is one of the main ways to help yourself. That’s because the dangers of synthetic scents include hormone-disrupting phthalates and synthetic musks.

The National Academy of Sciences endorsed the 2011 finding by the National Toxicology Program, a collaboration of scientists from several government agencies, that styrene is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on “compelling evidence.” The organization also said that some studies would support “a strong argument [for] listing styrene as a known human carcinogen.” (Their italics, not mine).

Styrene is found in cigarette smoke and car exhaust. Doesn’t sound like it would smell too good, but shockingly, it’s actually being used in cosmetic sprays and liquids as well as cleaning products. According to the EWG, if a company doesn’t fully disclose that it contains styrene (which it most likely will not) then the only way you’ll know it’s present is if you use a gas chromatograph or mass spectrometer.

Sadly, styrene is just one of many ingredients linked to cancer being used to create artificial fragrance. Phthalates are another group of  chemicals often disguised as “fragrance.” They are connected to cancer, endocrine disruption as well as developmental and reproductive toxicity. These dangerous synthetics are already banned from cosmetics in the European Union, but are still quite common in products produced and sold in the United States. Phthalates often hide under the “fragrance” ingredient, but they can also appear on ingredient lists as phthalate, DEP, DBP, and DEHP. Be sure to avoid all of those.

Child Autism & Other Birth Defects

Most products that list “fragrance” contain a very unwanted ingredient when it comes to good health. I’m talking about phthalates, again. Research conducted by Dr. Philip J. Landrigan of the Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center demonstrates that fetal exposure to phthalates is linked to autism, symptoms of ADHD and neurological disorders. This why pregnant women have to be ultra careful when it comes to the products they’re exposed to on a daily basis. The dangers of synthetic scents could be even more life-altering for a developing fetus.

A 2010 New York Times article quoted Dr. Landrigan on the subject. He said that he is “increasingly confident that autism and other ailments are, in part, the result of the impact of environmental chemicals on the brain as it is being formed.” He adds, “the crux of this is brain development. If babies are exposed in the womb or shortly after birth to chemicals that interfere with brain development, the consequences last a lifetime.”

A very interesting 2010 peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that women with higher levels of certain phthalates gave birth to children that, years later, were more likely to display disruptive behavior.   It’s alarmingly true that fragrance materials are able to accumulate in human fat tissue. They are also present in breast milk.

Allergic & Toxic Bodily Reactions

Fragrances are one of the top five allergens in the world. Allergic reactions include headaches and migraines, difficulty breathing and sinus irritation, just to name a few. Fragrance mixtures also commonly trigger contact dermatitis, a type of allergic skin reaction.  In recent years, health reports show that allergies, sinus problems, migraines and asthma have all increased dramatically. Many experts believe there’s a likely link between the rise in these conditions and the increased use of products containing fragrance.

Using animal models, a 1998 study published in Archives of Environmental Healthlooked at how fragrance products produce toxic effects in mammals. They found that the emissions of fragrance products caused various combinations of: eyes, nose and throat irritations; pulmonary irritation; decreases in airflow velocity when exhaling; and signs of neurotoxicity. This neurotoxicity was even worse when the animal subjects suffered repeated exposure to the scented products.

Asthma & Other Breathing Difficulties

If you have asthma, you really don’t need anything to get in the way of breathing easily.  It’s extremely common for asthmatics to suffer health symptoms when exposed to perfumes, colognes and other scented products, especially when they contain artificial scents.

One study looked at patients with a history of worsening asthma symptoms after being exposed to cologne. They found that the patients’ exhalation volume decline by 18 to 58 percent during cologne exposure.

There’s no doubt in my mind that synthetic scents are enemies of optimal breathing, especially if you have breathing issues to begin with, like asthmatics. If you have asthma or any other breathing trouble, then truly fragrance-free products are your best bet.

Better Alternatives to Dangerous Synthetic Scents

The good news is that if you are a careful reader, you can help yourself and your family to avoid the dangers of synthetic scents in all of the products you buy and use.

There are also many better options and ways to avoid the dangers of synthetic scents including:

• Just live with fewer fragrances in your life. One easy solution to freshen your air? Put a bowl of white vinegar your countertop or windowsill to aid in natural odor control. Be sure to focus on cleaning up the source of odor, though, too — not just covering up the foul smell.
• Completely avoiding any product that lists fragrance, parfum, phthalate, DEP, DBP, or DEHP as an ingredient.
• Look for products that use essential oils when you are looking for a scent.
• Buying certified organic products, which are less likely to include artificial scents (but still read labels). Watch out for “limonene” or “linalool” on labels, too.
• To provide a fresh, natural scent to your home or office, use fresh cut herbs and flowers and potted plants. Studies have even shown that the best houseplants that remove pollution  help strip indoor air of some toxic compounds.
• Make homemade cleaning products since they are another huge source of synthetic scents.
• Buy laundry detergent that is scented with pure essential oils or that is fragrance-free. You can also make your own homemade laundry soap.
• If you are super sensitive or just don’t want to deal with smelling anything at all then choose fragrance-free or unscented products. Just make sure to still read labels carefully because sometimes companies will use other questionable ingredients to create that lack of a scent.
• If you want to burn an occasional candle, use beeswax with a lead-free wick. But understand that any type of combustion will cause some level of particulate pollution in the home. (But at least you won’t get the toxic fragrance or petroleum chemicals.)
• Question companies that don’t fully explain how their products are scented. Maybe you’ll get some additional information or at best, get them to think again before not fully informing their customers.
• Ask us at Frontline about our affiliation with Melaleuca Products, as they tick all of these boxes .. including ranges of house cleaning products, washing detergents, deodorants, body lotions and candles.

High quality, 100 percent pure essential oils are not cheap like synthetic scents, but for good reason. Essential oils are extremely concentrated. It takes a 1,000 pounds of handpicked flowers from an orange tree to produce the neroli essential oil, which has an incredible floral and citrusy intoxicating scent. Neroli is just one of many awesome options when it comes to essential oils.

Also, make sure to avoid synthetic scents with pet products, since the dangers of synthetic scents can be similar for animals.

Final Thoughts on the Dangers of Synthetic Scents

I really want to emphasize how important it is that you and your loved ones avoid the dangers of synthetic scents as much as possible. I also want to remind you again about what’s so much better than those fake smells — essentials oils. With so many scents to choose from and combine, the options for lovely natural scents are practically endless.

Interestingly, people who are heavy users of fake fragrances seem to build up a tolerance to them. But as you give up the dangers of synthetic scents, you’ll likely become less tolerant of them. So many people tell me that after they detox from chemical fragrances, they often feel sick when they walk down the detergent aisle or body spray sections of stores.

One of the best ways to protect your overall health is to choose products that are truly free of fragrance or ones that fully disclose a natural fragrance ingredients. Pregnant and breastfeeding moms should be especially careful for the sake of themselves as well as their developing children.

You really have to read labels to know what you’re getting these days when it comes to everything, especially any scented product. If you have asthma or breathing problems and are currently using synthetic scents, you are very likely to notice a big difference when you remove these fake fragrances from your life. Some of the other health effects might be less obvious, but the science is there to demonstrate how the more you cut out the dangers of synthetic scents from your life, the more you can hopefully decrease your chances of some serious and chronic health problems.

So toss those synthetic scents in the trash immediately and go smell a flower and remember how the best scents are truly all around us in nature, and bottled in essential oils too.

HOW TO USE COFFEE CORRECLTY TO INCREASE FAT BURNING

There is no denying it, I love my coffee. Coffee with HONEY & FULL CREAM MILK.

I start every day with this delicious brew and feel fantastic knowing it’s a pro-metabolic, completely balanced beverage that will stimulate thermogenesis, and even increase fat burning. How good is that.

“Coffee is a potent metabolic stimulator and must be viewed as such. The caffeine in coffee is powerful and can act like thyroid to increase your metabolic rate and the oxidation of sugar, making it a health-protective food” Functional Performance Systems.

COFFEE DONE WRONG
As coffee is such a powerful stimulator it can stimulate the adrenals leading to increased cortisol and raising blood sugar levels. At this point the body needs glucose (carbs/sugars) otherwise it will BREAK DOWN PROTEIN FROM MUSCLE/SKIN to convert to glucose. So coffee done wrong will burn muscle not fat!

If caffeine triggers the stress response, hypoglycemia (jittery, wired or shaky), can be experienced. Instead coffee should increase focus, metabolism, motivation and stabilise energy.,

HOW TO DO COFFEE RIGHT
TO ELIMINATE THE STRESS RESPONSE

1. Have coffee with a meal OR add sugar / honey and milk. This will help stabilise blood sugar and ensure the caffeine enters the blood stream without causing an insulin spike. It’s the insulin spike that sends messages to store fat.

2. If drinking coffee on its own first thing in the morning add Honey/sugar and or cream/milk to support adrenals and prevent blood sugar spikes. In other words, nutritionally support the stress response to minimise it.

HOW TO DO COFFEE AND WHY
I add full cream milk and honey to my morning coffee. This way I’m consuming protein, fats and simple sugars; this provides my body with the nutritional support to match the metabolic stimulation and my body’s stress systems are not activated. As the caffeine stimulates my metabolism (I feel the warming effect of it being wakened), I am also providing the sugars and protein so that my body doesn’t have to break down my own muscles to access glucose to deal with the increased blood sugar and cortisol from the stimulating effects of the caffeine. I feel energised, I don’t experience a crash, I feel calm and centered. My day begins and I’m ready to take on the world!

OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAFFEINE
Coffee is protective of liver damage, blocks excess iron absorption too much iron is toxic), contains B vitamins, magnesium, it’s brain protective (the purines), and provides the building blocks for uric acid which is an antioxidant.

“Caffeine synergises with progesterone, and increases its concentration in blood and tissue” (great for those with excess estrogen)”

Caffeine: A vitamin-like nutrient, or adaption” by Ray Peat, PhD.

ZINC AND MALE HEALTH:

Zinc is very important in relation to fertility in men. Zinc deficiency can lead to lower sperm count. This is because zinc is found in high concentrations in sperm.
Zinc is used in the production of the tail and the outer layer of the sperm.
Without zinc, the sperm will never mature to the stage that they will be able to fertilize an egg. If a man doesn’t get enough zinc, the quality and quantity of his sperm will be affected. Zinc deficiency can also cause chromosomal defects, so even if fertilization and implantation does occur, a miscarriage will usually happen.