Updates from Cathy Bulthuis

It has only been within the last year that I have discovered the importance of magnesium in the body and have figured out easy ways to increase magnesium to avoid deficiencies.  Magnesium is involved with so many functions of the body, including muscle support, regulating the nervous system, converting food into energy, and so much more.  I first decided that I wanted to try a magnesium “supplement” because there were claims that it even helped with better sleep.  I was all about that!  

 

What I found during my research was that in addition to what is mentioned above, magnesium also can potentially help to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation within the body, and possibly even prevent migraines, all of which are complaints I hear almost daily from my customers, in which they prefer to choose a natural route rather than a medication route for help.  Additionally, when I heard that magnesium could help with PMS both physically and mentally, I was sold!  Off I went to Amazon to purchase a bag of magnesium.  My favorite kind is found here:  https://amzn.to/3kKS0lv

 

Since then, I’ve enjoyed using a handful of the flakes in my evening bath, both for calming and better sleep, and also for overall health.  Talk about an easy way to use the product!  I add about ¼ cup of the flakes (which disintegrate quickly) 3-4 nights per week.  I’m sure you could use a lot more safely but since I use it so often I thought that was a good amount for me personally.

 

The first DIY I made with magnesium is a lotion.  The recipe I made was as follows, and turned out GREAT!

 

 

If you live locally and would like to try my lotion, I sell it very reasonably and would love to get some in your hands. Otherwise, I encourage you to add this to your daily health regimen!

Walk into a health food store and you’re likely to find an entire aisle dedicated to probiotics.  According to some surveys, approximately four million Americans take probiotics, which are available as pills, powders, foods and drinks. Probiotics are a huge industry — at least a $40 billion dollar one, according to Zion Market Research — and popular brands sell for 35 cents to $1 a dose, with a shelf life of several months.

 

What are probiotics?  "The name itself is derived from the Latin 'pro-' meaning 'for' and the Greek '-biotic' meaning 'life,'" explains Jeannel Astarita, skincare expert and founder of Just Ageless NYC Wellness and Medspa. "Probiotics are the helpful bacteria that live primarily in your gut and play a crucial role in your overall health by fighting pathogens and yeast that lead to a weakened immune system."  Taking probiotics has been shown to lessen the impact of the flu or the common cold, aid in weight loss, improve digestion, improve athletic performance, create healthier skin and reduce the risk of many diseases.

 

Did you know that it has been said that about 70 percent of your immune system resides in your gut?  Yep.   70 percent.  It has also been said that gut health is directly linked to brain health.  So how you take care (or don’t take care!) of your gut will have a huge impact on your overall health and cognitive function.  Wow!  

 

 

The complex community of microorganisms in your gut is called the gut flora or microbiota.  The gut flora is so critical in the functioning of the body that it is often referred to as the “forgotten organ”.  Your gut flora performs many functions that are important for health. It manufactures vitamins, balances the hundreds of microorganisms that resides there, and turns fibers into short-chain fats, which in turn stimulates the immune system and keeps unwanted substances from entering the body.  You can probably see why it is so important to pay attention to this “forgotten organ” and give it what it needs for optimal health!

 

Probiotics can be taken in a pill or powder form, and can also be found in many foods, including:

 

 

Give Probiotic Supplements a Couple of Weeks To Kick In.

A good rule of thumb is 12 weeks.   It takes time for your body to fully see the benefits of any new product.   Remember though, that a magic pill is not going to be your answer to everything.  To expect it to be the be-all, end-all of your health is too high an expectation.   However, combine it with smart lifestyle choices and you may find a big difference in how you feel overall.

 

If you are interested in learning about the probiotics that I’ve been taking over the last 4 years, please let me know!  I would love to share with you the benefits I’ve found and help you get your microbiome to optimal health!

Vitamin D

 

I am hearing so much about Vitamin D these days, especially in light of this global pandemic.  I have to admit, I had not given much thought to this particular vitamin prior to this time in my life, but now I am hearing more and more about making sure we have the right levels of Vitamin D so that our body can be in the best possible place to remain healthy.  It’s more important now than ever before to take the very best care of the body we’ve been given and offer it whatever it needs to take good care of us!

 

I’ve learned over the last 8 weeks or so, that having enough Vitamin D in your system can have a role in protecting you from such diseases as MS, heart disease, and can also reduce your chances of getting the flu.  Vitamin D also has been shown to reduce depression and aid in weight loss.  Woot!  So many benefits from one little Vitamin, which is so easy to obtain!  God is so creative in how he made us and truly He give us everything we need to live our best lives!

 

Naturally, the first thing I thought of in regards to my Vitamin D level was sunshine, and since I have more time on my hands then normally, anytime the sun is shining I make it a point to talk a long walk with a short sleeved shirt on.  I’ve moved my morning yoga out onto the deck, too, to catch the morning rays as I’m stretching and balancing.  When I am ready to take a break from work, I take my coffee out on the porch and sip it for a few minutes, my face lifted to the sun to soak in all of the goodness.

 

While only 15 minutes a day in the sun can fill up your vitamin D tank, I’ve also recently purchased Vitamin D drops from my chiropractor for those gloomy days where the sun just won’t come out.  I’ve also learned that there are several foods that can help with vitamin D levels, such as salmon, egg yolks, yogurt and orange juice, among others.

 

For those not getting enough Vitamin D, they can experience such issues as lethargy, aches and pains, and have weak bones in general.  A simple blood test can determine whether your levels are adequate or if you will need to start on a supplement.  I actually have my test scheduled for tomorrow, so I’ll be curious as to whether all of my time in the sun has successfully increased my levels appropriately.   In the past, at this time of year, I’ve need to go on some high dose supplements.    I’m hopeful that will NOT be the case this year as I’ve made a real effort to get this precious vitamin naturally.

 

I hope you will consider getting your levels tested too!  Now, more than ever, we need to be proactive with our health, and give our immune system everything that it needs to take the very best care of us.  

 

Be well!!

I cannot recall a time in recent history when there was more talk about staying healthy and avoiding illness.  The Coronavirus has had a huge effect on society (mostly due to the media hype, in my opinion) and now more than ever we are mindful of ways to avoid viruses as well as preventative measures to remain well.   I’m sure none of my suggestions will be ground breaking, but I’m hoping they might be great reminders that a healthy immune system is the goal and there are several different avenues to this objective.

 

 

I am sure there are way more ideas than this, but if you can start implementing some of these you will be well on your way to a nice strong immune system, and having one less thing like the Coronavirus to worry about will be a welcome break for your mind!   What is your favorite way to boost your immune system?