In this day and age toxins from petroleum abound, so the more we understand how they’re coming into our everyday Life, the more we have the power to protect ourselves from them. Currently an estimated 80,000 plus products are produced from petroleum derivatives and come in many forms that you would never expect like commercial perfume and cologne (even the really expensive ones), hair spray, nail polish and remover, commercial shampoo and conditioner, new carpet, paraffin candles, synthetic fragrances and dyes, paints, new home materials, pesticides, weed killers, stain resistant products, every day cleaning supplies, dry cleaning chemicals, dryer sheets, air fresheners, gasoline, exhaust fumes and a myriad of industrial chemicals and solvents; sadly they all have one thing in common…they’re compromising our health in a big way.

It’s important to remember that none of us can avoid these toxins, so learning how to reduce our exposure is key and learning about the supplements that support our body’s ability to deal with them is a really smart thing to do. Why are they so toxic you may ask? The answer is simple…petro-toxins are releasing molecules into the environment that we can’t see with the naked eye but because they mimic the human estrogen molecule our body is up-taking them on a daily basis. Normally, the human body produces extremely small amounts of this excitatory hormone but in modern times, the amounts are abnormally high causing total havoc to the endocrine (hormone) system and that’s a serious problem for human health.

Our endocrine system produces hormones which is how our body regulates everything so when the balance is thrown off, a lot of chaos can unfold. Hot flashes, night sweats, tender breasts, mood swings, depression, anxiety, brain fog, fibroids, endometriosis, weight gain (especially around the middle), fungal overload, an increase in estrogenic cancers (even in men), little girls starting their cycle too young, young boys developing breasts…these are all symptoms of estrogenic overload and what Dr. John Lee coined ‘estrogen dominance’. Because these toxins are fat soluble, they are being stored in everyone and passed on generation to generation so not only are we accumulating them, we’ve also inherited them as well…and that’s a whole lot of toxins!

There are four categories of estrogen: human, animal, plant and man-made and of course, it’s the man-made estrogen that’s causing the problems so reducing our exposure starting with our personal Life is where to begin. Making baby step changes to clean food, green cleaning supplies and safe personal care products can make the biggest difference for our health. There will always be people that claim eating healthy is too expensive but in truth, dealing with sickness and disease will ALWAYS cost more money for individuals and this Nation as a whole. So do what you are able and know you’re doing wonderful things for yourself, your Loved ones and everyone as a whole.

Three supplements that research has shown to help the body deal with the burden of petro-toxins are Calcium D’glucarate, DIM/indoles and broccoli sulforaphane, all derived from cruciferous veggies and fruits. D’glucaric acid is naturally occurring in the human body, binding to fat-soluble toxins and removing them from the body through the urine and the feces, DIM and indoles help the liver weaken strong estrogens and sulforaphane aids in neutralizing these dangerous toxins. As always Nature’s pharmacy is magnificent and is here to help us stay healthy even in modern toxic times. After witnessing many people on these amazing products, I highly suggest you consider adding them to your daily protocol and as always, we are happy to guide you.

In peace and good health, Claudia

With the stressful times we’re confronted with, nourishing our good health is more important than ever. Supporting our immune system and overall health is critical in helping us handle the added stress of Life, especially as we come into the cold winter months. Every day customers ask where to begin because they feel overwhelmed with the amount of information and products flooding the marketplace and it’s easy to understand their confusion. My answer is always the same, “Keep it simple and always remember…it all begins in our gut”!

Our human machine is designed in a very simple way…when fueled properly it runs properly. But the intricate workings that occur within the organs and a cellular level to keep us running smoothly are complex and depend solely on what they have been given to work with making what we choose to fuel ourselves with each day makes all the difference how the cells are able to work; either they are nourished and doing their job or they’re starving and not able to perform. I think it’s clear the latter is true and has led millions of Americans into a whole lot of misery. Reminding ourselves each day that all the important systems that regulate everything in the body…our brain, immune system and endocrine system…all begin in the gut and that’s a lot of important stuff.

Sugar addiction is a serious issue for most Americans and it’s easy to understand why; most have been raised on it every day of their Life. Even though it’s adding to the biochemical havoc the body already has to deal with ironically it’s also a comfort food, so during these stressful times more people are eating more of it which of course…is causing inflammation throughout the body and trashing the immune system. But I’m happy to report that more people are acknowledging the “sweet stuff” is making them feel worse and are working on eating less, which I respect. The Truth remains, it may taste sweet in the mouth but once it enters the alimentary canal, it ain’t so sweet at all. Throwing off blood sugar every day many times a day over the course of a lifetime leads to serious consequences for human health and even though “blood sugar” sounds like two little words, it’s really a big deal. Each time the pancreas is asked to work it creates an exhausting biochemical cascade that effects everything else…the pancreas doesn’t work alone. Ever experience brain fog, increased anxiety or suddenly “down”, headachy, itchy, irritable, sluggish, unexpected diarrhea or any number of symptoms you may experience after eating sugar? There’s a lot of reasons why that happens but for now let’s keep it simple…sugar is not your body’s friend. It is however a friend to every critter living inside of you that thrives off it like fungus, bacteria, viruses (more bacterial cells, the more host cells for viruses) and of course everyone’s favorite…parasites.

Along with becoming mindful about food here’s some things to consider to support your nervous system, brain and endocrine system to assist in handling the increased stress: B complex, the right form of magnesium for you as an individual, GABA, (our customers really enjoy the chewable one), passionflower, chamomile, hops and valerian root calmthe nervous system, Ashwaganda or Rhodiola to support the adrenals (there are other good ones,  just those are two of my favorites), CDB is helping lots of people at all ages (remember it’s important to discover the right dose for you as an individual, starting low and working up) and last but certainly not least is Rescue Remedy, a favorite for many customers over the years. It’s a wonderful combination of flowers essences to help support emotional well-being gently for all ages. It’s an amazing product and one that’s best to be experienced firsthand.

In peace and good health, Claudia

This  October, brands, non-profits, retailers and shoppers are celebrating Fair Trade Month and Non-GMO Month. The harvest month of October has become a time when more attention is focused on food quality and sustainability as people begin to prepare for holiday cooking and family gatherings. Together, Fairtrade and Non-GMO Project certifications represent consumers’ rejection of industrial agriculture and the heavy cost it has had on both our planet and our people.

I was asked on a popular social media platform about my thoughts on frequent microwave usage.

Friend’s Question: “Good evening Claudia, I am wondering what your feelings are on the long term effects of daily microwave use in the home? Would one or two times a day to make tea effect my health negatively in any way?”

My response: I’m personally not a fan of microwaves and have never owned one or used one. I think the radiation they emit is a problem for what ever is exposed to them…the food, the water and people around them. Several years ago a customer’s daughter entered the Science Fair and did an experiment on plants using tap water, spring water, microwaved public water and microwaved spring water and the plants watered with either microwaved water died and that was pretty telling for me. I also have a dear friend that many years ago worked on one of the original microwaves produced by the military and he told me that he would never have one in his home and still encourages others not to either. So I think making your tea the old fashion way on the stove is best. It only takes a few minutes for the water to heat and definitely worth it.