{Note from Jessica: Today’s post is shared by my sweet friend, Raia, author of Raia’s Recipes. Raia is a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom of five crazy kids. After the birth of her third child, she was diagnosed with celiac disease. This discovery turned her bread and pasta-filled life upside down and set her on a mission to find out what healthy meant for her family. Aspiring to encourage other moms, she started her blog filled with simple, easy, healthy dishes. Stop by Raia’s Recipes to get plenty of real food, gluten-free recipes and much more!}
Before going gluten-free, I probably could've lived off of bread. Making big beautiful loaves of homemade wheat bread was a regular occurrence in my kitchen. When I found out that I needed to give up gluten, I was pretty sure I would starve to death!
If you've been missing bread, too, then this round-up is for you! I've compiled a delicious list of 50 savory gluten-free breads from a wonderful group of bloggers around the gluten-free web.
So if you're in need of a sandwich, some dinner rolls, or even a bagel, read on… and enjoy!
Please note that the asterisk (*) by some of the recipes indicates that they are grain-free as well.
Learning to live without gluten or wheat in my diet hasn’t been fun.
It’s been a process of trial and error, finding out what works and what doesn’t. Especially in recipes that were once “tried and true” for my family. The hardest part was going without breads or bread products, especially for my youngest son. He missed them. So, learning to make substitutions, reading labels, and making all new recipes have become a way of life. It can be daunting because it seems like everything from bread to ice cream has gluten in it. If you do away with everything, what’s left to eat? The good news is there are plenty of ingredients you can substitute for gluten and wheat. Here’s a list of 50 gluten-free living substitution ideas you can use.
Flour That Can Be Substituted for Wheat Flour
1. Buckwheat
2. Chickpea or gram flour and other bean flours
3. Corn or maize
4. Potato flour/starch
5. Sorghum flour
6. Millet, which should be combined with finer flours like almond flour
7. Rice flour is easy to find and can be substituted equally to wheat flour
8. Tapioca
9. Almond flour
10. For an all-purpose flour mixture to use in most baking and making sauces or gravies: Combine 4 1/2 c. white rice flour, 1 1/2 c. potato starch, 3/4 c. tapioca flour
11. Wheat or gluten-free baking mixes are available online and in stores. Look for mixes for cakes, pie crusts, pizza crusts, tortillas, and crackers.
Breads, Cakes, Biscuits
12. Make your own with gluten free mix
13. 100% oat (certified gluten free)
14. 100% pumpernickel
15. Wheat or gluten-free cakes and biscuits can be made with alternative flours
16. Corn tortillas can be used instead of sandwich bread when you just have a desire for a sandwich
17. Gluten-free oats for breadcrumbs. Process a few seconds in the food processor for quick breadcrumbs. Add herbs and Parmesan cheese for a great Italian flavor.
Crackers
18. Oatcakes and oat crackers are easy to find in stores.
19. Brown rice tortillas are a good substitute for crackers. Cut them into squares and toast.
Sauces and Gravies
20. Corn flour, potato flour or arrowroot work well as thickeners for gravy and sauces.
21. Look for gluten-free broths in your local store.
22. Or make your own chicken, beef and vegetable stocks. That way, you know exactly what’s in it.
Pasta and Couscous
23. Rice pasta, corn pasta and quinoa pasta are available online and in stores.
24. Use buckwheat pasta.
25. Certain vegetables like spaghetti squash, eggplant and zucchini work well as a pasta substitute.
26. Use polenta instead of pasta.
27. Grated cooked cauliflower can stand in for couscous.
28. Quinoa has almost the exact same texture as couscous and it’s packed with nutrients and protein.
29. Choose Shirotaki or Konjac noodles instead of wheat pasta.
30. Sliver carrots to replace spaghetti noodles.
Alcohol
31. Gluten-free beer, lager and stout are becoming more readily available.
32. Go for the vino. Wine is grain free and lower in carbs than beer. Remember moderation in all things!
Other Great Substitutions
33. Chorizo for regular sausage. Many sausages are made with a good amount of wheat-based rusk. Our local Mexican grocery store even carries beef chorizo!
34. Mashed potatoes for pizza crust. Just mix one serving with 1/4 cup alternative flour. Smooth out onto a cookie sheet and bake until crisp.
35. Ground cooked cauliflower is great for pizza crust as well.
36. Use lettuce leaves in place of tortilla wraps.
37. Corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas in almost all cases.
38. Replace your morning oatmeal with grits.
39. Cornmeal pancakes work well in place of wheat flour pancakes.
40. Meringue can substitute for pre-made frosting that sometimes has wheat-based thickeners.
41. Use chopped nuts instead of granola.
42. Soy sauce can be replaced with Tamari. It’s still a type of soy sauce but it’s wheat free.
43. Rice cakes can stand in for just about anything including pizza crust, crackers or even bread.
44. Use large Portabella mushrooms as hamburger buns. Just grill or roast them first.
45. Replace sugary snacks with popcorn, corn puffs, rice crackers or Rice Krispies cereal. Or raw fruits and vegetables.
46. Switch to more salads or soups instead of having a sandwich for lunch.
47. Indulge your sweet tooth with chocolate if cakes and pastries must go.
48. Use chunks of starchy potatoes to thicken soups and stews instead of flour.
49. Have eggs for breakfast. Mix up an omelet with fresh vegetables for a satisfying start to your day.
50. Grated raw cauliflower can stand in for steamed rice. No need to cook it. Goes wonderfully with stir fries and curries.
What are some of your favorite substitutions for gluten or wheat? BE SURE TO PIN THIS TO YOUR FAVORITE BOARD FOR LATER!
Original article and pictures take thehomesteadinghippy.com site
As parents, we want to train our children to be lifelong givers. Not only will it impact many lives, but it will give them so much blessing and fulfillment in return.
Here are five ways we’re seeking to teach our children to be givers:
1. Model It
More is caught than taught when we’re raising children. We can tell our kids how important giving is. We can read them stories of people who give generously. We can stress how much of a difference we can make in the world. But our actions will always speak louder than words.
Let your children see you giving generously — whether that’s opening your home up to those in need, serving in a local soup kitchen, going on a missions trip, giving to a charity near and dear to your heart, or sacrificing time and effort to help someone who is struggling.
We involve our children in much of our giving. We collect money as a family to give to causes we believe in. We often have them right next to us when we’re reaching out and serving those who are struggling. We write letters to our Compassion children. In the big and little things, we want to model a life of giving for our children.
2. Teach It
While modelling giving in front of your children is the highest priority, it’s also imperative to teach them why we give. Don’t expect them to just pick up on it all on their own. It’s important to help them understand the why behind the what.
We’ve sat our children down from a young age and explained to them the reasons behind why we’ve chosen to stay out of debt, to live simply, and to not use credit cards. It’s not just so that we can be in a better financial situation, but so we can be in a position to give generously.
As opportunities arise while we’re living life, we continue to talk with them about how blessed we are when we give. When they participate in a giving project with us, we talk with them about how it makes them feel, about what an impact they are making, and how we want to continue to live simply so we can give generously.
3. Simplify It
Giving doesn’t have to be big and elaborate. It’s often the simple things that can make a big difference.
Look for opportunities that might seem small, but that are perfect for a young child to be apart of. We love Operation Christmas Child for this reason. It’s something that the whole family can be involved and a project that our children get really excited about.
We also encourage our children to earn money by jobs around the house and then to use some of that money for giving projects. Last year’s family giving project was spear-headed by the girls. And they’ve decided to do the same this year and have been working hard to fill the money box with cash they’ve earned from chores.
4. Practice It
As often as is possible, give your children little opportunities to serve and give. Develop the habit looking for ways to bless others from a young age. A life of giving is borne out of practicing the attitude of serving again and again until it becomes your natural response.
Have them help you around the house. Encourage them to do things to bless their grandparents or elderly neighbors. Give them chances to give up what they’d like to do or have in order to help or bless someone else.
5. Celebrate It
Giving is so much more fun when you celebrate it! Find the joy and excitement that comes from giving anonymously.
Give lavishly of yourself for others and you’ll be so blessed in return (Need some encouragement in this? Go get yourself a copy of Love Does by Bob Goff.)
And most of all, praise your children when you see them being givers. Celebrate their giving spirit and it will only inspire them to give more generously in the future!
Teach your kids about nutrition with 5 easy tips that can help nourish their growing bodies and minds.
I’m excited to share today’s post with you all! It’s a guest post from my colleague and friend Melissa Halas-Liang, MA, RDN, CDE, who is founder of the popular family and children’s nutrition site, SuperKidsNutrition.com, and creative mind behind the Super Crew kids. As a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with a master’s in nutrition education, Melissa helps teach and inspire families to live healthier.
Back in my early days as a registered dietitian – and before I had kids of my own – I occasionally wrote and edited for SuperKids Nutrition, and last year Melissa shared with me her Beet Hummus recipe and fun video of her making it. So I’m excited to have Melissa back here again to share her tips for teaching nutrition to kids in a fun way!
Take it away Melissa!
Teaching kids about nutrition may feel like a touchy subject. We never want to push them away by applying too many food rules or forcing them to eat all their peas. However, teaching your kids how to make nutritious choices is important for a healthy future. In order to reach your children, make learning fun and empowering. Use these 5 easy tips to teach your kids how to best nourish their growing bodies and mind.
Empower with Choices: Offer two healthy choices at a time, “would you like red peppers or baby carrots.” This way, kids feel like they have control over what they are eating – plus research shows they’ll eat more of the food they choose. By offering choices, it teaches them what eating will be like in the real world. Remember, health isn’t a zero-sum game. Teach your kids to make one better choice at a time. Not every meal has to be 100% healthy, but you can make one healthy swap at each meal. Start by aiming for 80% of your choices to be healthy and work your way up to 90%. Leave 10% for more indulgent choices. For example, next taco night, offer Greek yogurt as a healthy alternative to sour cream.
Make it a game: With technology today, the reality is children love video games. Make it an educational experience by choosing games that teach your kids valuable lessons. FoodLeap, a new free app on iphone and ipad from the National Restaurant Association and SuperKidsNutrition.com is a great teaching tool for parents. Children get the thrill of playing an adventurous game, while Super Baby Abigail leaps and bounds catching healthy whole foods while outsmarting hostile kitchenware (tea cups, tongs, spoons). As she completes each level of Rainbow Road, she unlocks fun and tasty facts about the foods that she’s captured. Make this an opportunity to bond with your children by playing the game together and discovering fun food facts. Then discuss your favorite ways to eat the healthy foods featured in the game.
Balance the Plate: Show your kids that healthy eating isn’t about forbidding any one food or food group but enjoying a variety of foods in appropriate amounts. Provide treats in moderation so they don’t feel like they are missing out and gorge on them away from home. In the spirit of the healthy swap, melt a square of chocolate in a dipping bowl and serve with fruit (strawberries, bananas, apples). It’s so fun and delicious, who needs a bowl of chocolate ice cream?
Veggie Building Blocks: Build a body made out of nutritious foods to help your child understand the benefits of foods for each part of their body. Chop a couple carrot coins for the eyes, slice a piece of tomato for the heart, and arrange celery for the bones and limbs. This teaching method works great for children who are visual learners. Check out this fun happy-face pizza recipe loaded with veggies.
Eating out right begins at home. It’s going to be challenging to get your kids to order healthy menu items dining out if they don’t eat balanced meals at home. In order to know how to eat healthy outside of the home, children need to become familiar with eating healthy inside the home. Get them involved in the kitchen, and cook meals together when time permits. Keep it simple – start with a 3-ingredient veggie slaw, refried bean burritos (tacos, canned beans, salsa, low-fat cheese, lettuce), or home made guacamole. Keep it simple but start cooking together. When dining out, check out the Kids LiveWell program, which offers healthy kids meals at many restaurants.
More about SuperKids Nutrition and FoodLeap
The National Restaurant Association collaborated with SuperKids Nutrition to create a new gaming app called FoodLeap to bring attention to the Kids LiveWell program, which offers healthful children’s menu items at 150 restaurant brands representing 42,000 restaurant locations across the nation. The aim of FoodLeap is to grow awareness about Kids LiveWell, while increasing children’s knowledge about the benefits eating more healthy whole foods.
SuperKids Nutrition was funded as part of a CDC.gov grant (through Healthy Dining Finder), which distributed Super Crew toys and activity place mats to kids who choose healthy menu items at select restaurants through the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell program. With the efforts of the Kids LiveWell program, organizations like SuperKids Nutrition, and parents and kids efforts- eating out can absolutely be healthy!
What’s your best tip for teaching nutrition to kids?
Original article and pictures take jessicalevinson.com site
Does anyone understand why our ideal is to ‘sleep like a baby’? I’ve spent a lot of nights with babies and let me tell you, I do not want to sleep like one.
But I don’t necessarily want to sleep like an adult, either. While sleep seems like it should come easily, it doesn’t always. In general I sleep well but between pregnancy insomnia, times of high stress and jet lag I’ve had my fair share of sleep difficulties.
While at times it can be easy to reach for the melatonin (it’s natural, right?) I’m learning some techniques to help me get a good night’s rest without heading to the medicine cabinet and that go beyond conventional wisdom (exercise, chamomile tea, relaxing baths, etc.).
Here are the 5 best ways I’ve found to naturally improve sleep:
1. Avoid caffeine after noon
I know, I’m starting with what will probably be the most unpopular suggestion. When you’re having trouble sleeping it can seem like the only thing that will get you through the afternoon is a warm cup of caffeine.
But hear me out: caffeine stays in your systems for up to 14 hours so you could still be feeling the buzz from that afternoon coffee in the wee hours of the morning. Reach for energy-giving foods such as nuts, veggies or fruit if you feel an afternoon lull coming on.
2. Limit exposure to blue light after dark
Blue light is the artificial light emitted by electric bulbs, from light fixtures to tablet screens. While it’s great that it allows us to do stuff after sunset, it can alter our circadian rhythm and decrease melatonin production.
Basically, blue light can sabotage sleep. It is hard (re: impossible) to avoid it completely but there are ways to limit exposure.
Simply dimming the lights or having fewer on makes a difference but I recommend using salt lamps or natural beeswax candles once the sun goes down (Wellness Mama has a great post detailing the many benefits of salt lamps). The soothing orange glow from a salt lamp or candle creates a relaxed atmosphere to help prepare for restful sleep.
3. No screens at least an hour before bed
This does fall under the previous suggestion but because of the prevalence of technology in pretty much everyone’s life, it bears addressing separately. Also: the light from devices, tablets in particular, is extra disruptive to melatonin levels.
And I’m going to admit right now that I don’t do this. With two kids under 4, the only chance I have to spend quality time with the internet (or relaxing in front of a movie with my husband) is right before I go to bed. But I’m trying to do better.
For me that means once it’s dark I try to: check email/social media less, read paper books, do things other than watching movies with the hubby (not a bad thing!)
4. Make sure you’re getting enough magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is linked to a host of health issues and many of them are associated with fatigue and sleep difficulties. The best way to ensure you get enough magnesium is to either use magnesium oil or magnesium lotion.
Personally, I’ve found magnesium lotions to be more irritating and sticky so I prefer to spray on the oil and then put plain lotion over top. I do this right before going to bed and if I’m having particular difficulty sleeping in the morning as well.
You can soak in a hot tub with magnesium flakes but using the oil is much more cost effective.
5. Use soothing essential oils
This is the most recent addition to my better-sleep repertoire and I am hooked. I started rubbing 2-3 drops of lavender on the soles of my feet right before bed and add a couple to my pillow (be careful not to do too much – it can irritate your eyes).
Since I’m still discovering this myself I recommend you check out The Prairie Homestead’s post Essential Oils for a Better Night’s Sleep. She’s got lots of great oil options so you can find the one that works best for you.
Do you ever have difficult sleeping well?
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional, and this post should not be taken as medical advice. Please do your own research. Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.
Original article and pictures take redandhoney.com site
Trying to raise healthy kids is one of the most difficult things to do. Especially if you have a school-aged child or more than one child, plan to take stock in cold remedies.
I grew up in a “germaphobic” household. My mom was very strict about our cleanliness and anti-germ crusades, and I’m pretty sure she would have hosed us off with a can of Lysol at the door if she didn’t think it would hurt our eyes. We rarely went out to dinner or to a grocery store, but when we did, hand sanitizer was always the fifth wheel on our family excursions. Even so, my brother was frequently sick (he had asthma and frequently had ear infections, bronchitis, and even pneumonia as a baby).
Taking care of sick kids is never fun. With my kids’ asthma and allergies, it’s extra important for me to keep them as healthy as possible. Although we’ve had our share of sickness this fall, we’ve been trying our best to stay healthy. Here’s what we’re doing:
Take Washing to a New Level
My kids have horrible eczema, which can easily turn into impetigo (a bacteria that everyone has on their skin but causes horrible rashes on my kids’ sensitive skin) at the first sign of germs. Our allergist recommended weekly bleach baths to minimize the germs. When he first suggested it, I was appalled and convinced that the bleach would hurt their baby skin, but it has helped us so much.
The ratio of bleach to bath water makes the bath the equivalent of swimming in a pool. Fill the water to the top of the tub and then add 1/4 cup of bleach. It’s diluted just enough to kill the germs, but not harsh enough to hurt them. I also take great care to rinse them well after the bath just to be safe, followed by their cream regimen (always use cream instead of lotion on sensitive skin since most lotions contain rubbing alcohol).
Try Plug-ins
My pediatrician recommended rubbing Vicks on the kids’ sensitive skin. Although Vicks makes a “baby rub,” I was too nervous to try it. Since their skin breaks out over everything, I decided to try the Vicks plug-in. It worked really well and I used lavender pads in the kids’ rooms and menthol pads in my bedroom. Our house smelled like a medicine cabinet, but we were able to sleep at night and we were less congested.
Essential Oils to the Rescue
I’m probably the least “crunchy” person you’ll ever meet (just take a look at all the non-organic Oreos in my pantry), but after having great success with the plug-ins, I thought I’d give essential oils a try. I started by mixing lavender oil and water in a spray bottle and spraying a mist throughout our house. After I read more about essential oils, though, I decided to try a few more. I still like to spritz lavender oil around the house, but I’ve also started diffusing Young Living’s Thieves oil blend, which helps boost immunity. Anytime someone’s sick in the house, I diffuse oils twice a day.
Maybe it’s just the power of suggestion, but I have noticed that we’re less likely to get sick as a family since I started diffusing oils. This fall, my daughter and I seemed to pass germs back and forth (probably from all the extra cuddles and snotty kisses she likes to give when she’s sick), but the farmer and my and son were spared.
Get on a Schedule
Sleep is by far one of the most important ways to keep your family healthy. Kids need their sleep, not only so they don’t throw temper tantrums in the middle of the library, but also so that they can stay healthy. To maximize the benefits of your child’s sleep, start them on a sleep schedule as soon as possible.
I’m a huge believer in schedules. While it may seem early, my kids are in bed by 7:00 every night. To do so, we have to start baths by 6:00. By setting a consistent bedtime routine (baths at 6:00, storytime at 6:30, and then bedtime at 7:00), my kids know what to expect. For the most part, even the baby goes to sleep without a hitch.
I also firmly believe in nap time/downtime. Even my five-year-old still takes naps (if he doesn’t sleep, he lies “in bed with his eyes open”). On the days that he doesn’t, it’s clearly obvious when he’s bouncing off the walls at dinnertime.
Teach Kids to Keep Their Hands Down
We’re a very “hands-on” family, and the kids are constantly playing in the dirt. Unfortunately, they also like to put things (their hands included) in their mouths. Once I trained the kids (it’s a work in progress) to keep their hands out of their mouths, our family has been much healthier.
We also have a strict hand-washing policy. Every time the kids come in from outside, before all meals, and after any “dirty” activities, the kids run to the bathroom to splash away in the sink.
Keeping your family healthy is an ongoing process. It’s so frustrating when you have to cancel plans or spend sleepless nights trying to nurse your family to health. Germs are a part of life, but by minimizing them as much as possible and creating healthy habits, hopefully, your family can stay well.
We were married for just under three years when we had our first child, and there were things that we did during that short time to prepare to be parents.
If you are in the season of trying to conceive or know a friend who is, I hope you will find encouragement in this post on ways to prepare for parenthood.
1. Quit unhealthy habits.
Whether it be smoking, drugs, excessive drinking, or even overeating, your kids will pick up on your bad habits.
If you want them to lead a healthy lifestyle, now is the time for you and your husband to start practicing what you hope to preach to your children.
On top of not wanting to pass on bad habits to your children, smoking, drug use, drinking, and unhealthy food choices can also contribute to poor sperm quality if you are trying to conceive. Sperm health and sperm quality actually begin to decline around the age of 25 (source).
These are also habits that you will want to avoid in order to achieve optimal health during your pregnancy.
2. Exercise together.
Kids take up a lot of energy. (That might just be the understatement of the year!)
I am so thankful that I was exercising regularly before I became pregnant with my first child.
Regular exercise will ensure you are prepared to keep up with your kids!
3. Take vitamins and supplements–even during the pre-conception period.
I began taking pre-natal vitamins as soon as we found out I was pregnant with our first child.
I later had a doctor tell me that all women of childbearing age should be taking pre-natal vitamins because you never know when you might conceive.
Even though we are not currently trying to conceive (and may never have another baby), I continue to take prenatal vitamins on a daily basis. I want my body to be ready if we were to get pregnant!
There are now even pre-conception supplements available for men!
I recently learned about Proxeed Plus, which is a male fertility supplement. Taken twice-a-day, it comes in packets of powder that dissolves into water, smoothies, etc.
Taking a male pre-conception supplement like this is a simple way to support male reproductive health and sperm quality by providing the nutrients needed for developing sperm. For ǂoptimal results it is recommended to take Proxeed Plus for at least six (6) months, but should be taken as long as needed to maintain sperm quality, an essential factor in a couple’s fertility.ǂ
Although we do not currently own a dog, we did have one for several years before becoming parents. The saying goes that dogs prepare you for parenthood, and I would say that it’s true!
Although it is very different, caring for an animal does truly help prepare you for caring for another human.
4 weeks postpartum with baby #1…I was clueless!
5. Volunteer to babysit other peoples’ children.
Whether it be volunteering once a month in the church nursery or watching the children of your friends so they can take a date night, both will prepare you and your husband a little more for parenthood.
And once you are parents, I guarantee you will be on the lookout for other young couples to help take care of your children as well!
What are you suggestions for ways to prepare for parenthood?
Proxeed plus is a complete carnitine-based formula for male fertility that targets multiple sperm functions, including morphology, motility, concentration, count and linear projection. For more information, visit www.proxeedplus.com
This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. I received a box of Proxeed plus for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Original article and pictures take thehumbledhomemaker.com site
Years ago I decided to take the fast track to a whiter, more vibrant smile. Enticed by the Hollywood dazzle, I tried out the popular whitening strips and gelled trays. Not only were there little to no results after one application, but it burned my gums and made my teeth incredibly sensitive to hot and cold foods.
These products work by bleaching your enamel with harsh concentrations of chemicals. Not only do they remove the stains (most of the time), but they also strip the enamel, making teeth more sensitive and brittle.
This Dental Hygienest recommends using a sensitivity toothpaste while whitening teeth. She goes on to add, “One time, I made the mistake of ordering a different brand that was stronger than 20% (carbamide peroxide) and literally burned away part of my gums within minutes!”
Ironically she still recommends the product as a professional in her field.
Not something you want to use? Me either! Fortunately for you there are much safer ways to whiten your teeth at home, without the expense or hassle of gooey trays and strips.
There’s plenty of bad advice out there. Like this article that warns against using baking soda in favor of ADA approved, abrasive, fluoride laden, whitening toothpaste. This same article also recommends using chocolate and sugar free gum to enhance those pearly whites (insert palm to face here).
There is much advice on how to whiten your teeth in the natural health world. Some of it is legitimate, while others I’m not so sure about. Like rubbing banana peels on your teeth. Really not sure about that one! So what does work?
Whiten Teeth Naturally
1. Hydrogen peroxide
This was a staple in my teeth whitening regimen the summer before my wedding. I would swish 1 part peroxide with 1 part water in my mouth for 1 minute. Since then I’ve come up with a super simple whitening mouthwash using peroxide. Conventional mouthwash, like Listerine’s Whitening plus Restoring Fluoride rinse, boasts it’s use of peroxide to whiten the teeth. But what’s really in it?
PEG-40 hydrogenated castor extract (tainted with cancer causing dioxanes), fluoride, phosphoric ACID, poloxamer 407, and several types of sugars, sucralose and sorbitol.
No thanks! Here’s my recipe instead. Clove is wonderful for any pain and sensitivity in the mouth, while lemon adds extra whitening power.
3-5 drops Essential oil of choice (cinnamon and clove, peppermint or spearmint are all excellent)
3 drops Tea tree essential oil
5 drops Lemon essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake gently before each use. Mason jars are perfect for this! Store in a cool place.
2. Charcoal
Although it sounds backwards, brushing your teeth with this black powder works wonders! Its especially good for removing stains caused by the tannins in tea, coffee and wine. This can also be combined with coconut oil and used for an extra whitening oil pull.
3. Turmeric
Yes, the same bright orange powder that stains everything it touches actually whitens your teeth. I haven’t found brushing with it to be as effective as charcoal. It does however work well when applied as a paste to the teeth and allowed to sit for 15 minutes or so before brushing off with toothpaste.
4. Baking Soda
Many people automatically think of baking soda when they think of teeth whitening. This classic staple will shine your pearly whites, but be careful. Baking soda can irritate gums in high amounts, so don’t use every day or brush for long periods.
5. You are What you Eat
Our diets effect our mouth health more than anything else. Fat soluble vitamins found in pastured eggs, meat, organ meats and raw milk are vital for strong, healthy teeth. Minimizing harmful foods like excess sweets and grains rich in the anti-nutrient phytic acid are also important. The Weston A Price Foundation and Ramiel Nagel’s book, Cure Tooth Decay are both excellent resources on diets ideal for mouth health.
Don’t forget the fruits and veggies! These contain a vast array of vitamins and minerals that are just as important to mouth health and strong enamel. Katie from Wellness Mama has a great article summarizing the ideal diet for building healthy, strong, white enamel.
How does your family take care of their oral health?
Original article and pictures take redandhoney.com site
5 Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy During Cold and Flu Season There are many things we can do to help keep the immune system strong during a time when so many get sick. Here are 5 ways to keep your family healthy during cold and flu season.
It seems like cold and flu season is already among us and I’ve seen reports of a respiratory virus spreading quickly among children in the U.S. There are many things we can do to help keep the immune system strong during a time when so many get sick.
Here are the top 5 things our family does to stay as healthy as possible during cold and flu season:
Drink Bone Broth (aka chicken stock) – Homemade chicken stock contains a wealth of nutrients, helps strengthen the immune system and is also known for its antiviral properties. We drink a cup or two each day along with some Celtic sea salt (the unrefined salt contains extra minerals). If you prefer not to drink it from a cup, make a big pot of soup and serve some alongside meals or send some to school with the kids in an insulated thermos.
Reduce Sugar Intake – Sugar can cause inflammation and also weaken the immune system. Keep the desserts at a minimum. Choose whole fruits over sugar-laden sweets.
Eat Probiotics at Every Meal – Over 85% of the immune system is in the gut, so it’s important to keep the gut healthy. One way to do this is by consuming probiotic-rich foods. These foods include: traditionally-preparedsauerkraut, cultured yogurt, kombucha, and fermented vegetables. You can also purchase probiotics to take with a good diet. My favorites are BioKult and GutPro.
Drink filtered water – Remember! The center of the immune system lies in the gut, so you need to keep it as healthy as possible to keep your immune system strong. Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills bacteria and is added to most drinking water. It can damage the good bacteria in your gut, making you more susceptible to inflammation, allergies, autoimmune disease, etc. There are several different options for at-home filtration including: a reverse-osmosis system, countertop purifier, or a whole house water filtration system.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Original article and pictures take deliciouslyorganic.net site
