How the Immune System Works The coordinated job of the immune system, including both our Adaptive and Innate functions, is to correctly differentiate between what is “self” and “not-self”. The immune system must identify what is a pathogen or toxin that we want to block, versus a beneficial compound that should get absorbed. This vital job is what allows us to mount a strong defense against bacteria and viruses but not overreact with allergies or autoimmunity. The Microbiome Plays a…
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Lifestyle
The Health Benefits of Love and Connection Are Available to Everyone
February 11, 2020
Love has powerful human benefits. What is the single greatest way to have a mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually fulfilling life? After an astonishing seventy-nine years of studying this question, the most comprehensive research ever done on human lives concluded that it is to love and let yourself be loved. Love has physical benefits – it’s science Love is a powerful emotion, right up there with feeling free, joyful, grateful, empowered, or appreciative. Our hearts love love. When humans feel…
Resolving to Do Better and Feel Happier This Year
January 28, 2020
New Year’s resolutions We want to live life to the fullest. Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, intending to form new habits, achieve goals, and spark positive change. According to several polls, some top resolutions (can you relate?) include: Lose weight Eat healthier Exercise Improve a relationship Read more Improve finances Travel more Learn a new skill Spend more time with family and friends Get organized Those seem like valuable aims, don’t they? So why the recent…
2020 Supplement Calendar
January 16, 2020
We’re deep into this first month of a new decade, and hopefully, you’ve had a chance to reflect on what went well for you in 2019 and what needs to be left in the past. If you’re looking for wellness inspiration for the year ahead, look no further than our Supplement Calendar. Despite the name, it’s much more than just matching supplements with certain times of the year. We’ve included Energetic Quality, Body Organs, Food, Wellness Themes/Activities and Flora Products/Supplements…
Gut Health as the Holidays Wind Down
January 14, 2020
A return to comforting routine We do what we can to stay healthy at this time of year. The beginning of the year may naturally bring our focus inward, to taking care of ourselves and our families. I use the power of routine to make staying well easy. I am grateful for the convenience of probiotics to support my family’s gut health, and root veggie recipes to ground us. The natural rhythm of the season also favors sleep. Starting the…
How to Stick to Your Exercise Routine
January 9, 2020
3 Things You Can Do to Prevent Cop Out 1 . Make a date with a friend If you knew your exercise buddy was waiting for you, you wouldn’t stand her up, would you? Of course not. Making a standing date with a friend holds you both accountable. Plus, it’s more fun to exercise with your bestie, especially when you’re cheering each other on. 2. Get enough sleep It’s hard to get in a good workout if you’re running on…
The Ultimate Healthy Fat-Loss Trifecta?
December 5, 2019
While I believe in biochemical individuality, I feel that everyone, regardless of their decision to follow a keto or plant-based or any other type of diet, should consume a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods and limit their intake of empty convenience foods. This helps us stay healthy and disease-free and maintain healthy body composition. Additionally, most of us can benefit by choosing to eat more fibre-rich, low-sugar produce and good fats. Healthy low-carb living that includes salads and green smoothies…
Thinking Deeper About Our Impact
December 4, 2019
I’ve always been concerned with how much impact I have personally on the world. I try to do as much as I can to reduce my impact, from putting up solar panels and riding my bike to using as many reusable items as I can. But this has become more of a challenge within the last year as I’ve become a small business owner. As a business owner, it’s easy to get in the habit of doing whatever it takes…
Manuka Honey & How to Use It
October 22, 2019
How to Choose, Eat, and Use Manuka Honey Long before this magical honey was cultivated for human consumption, the bark of the mānuka plant was used in Rongoā Māori, the traditional Māori healing system, both topically and as a special tea. Now mānuka honey is produced by bees from the nectar of mānuka tree blossoms. Let’s find out how to eat it! The Top 3 Ways to Enjoy Manuka Honey The most popular and simplest use of mānuka honey is…
DIY Manuka Honey Face Mask Series – Part V
September 18, 2019
Is there anything more intoxicating than the smell of melted chocolate? While it tastes divine, chocolate’s rich antioxidant and nutrient content in this face mask are amazing for skin showing the effects of aging or UV damage. The mānuka honey will draw moisture into your skin while leaving it supple, radiant and more elastic. For more information on how manuka honey benefits the skin, see our first post in the series. DIY FACE MASK # 5: MĀNUKA HONEY +DARK CHOCOLATE MASK (For…
Ready to Hike? A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
July 2, 2019
The weather is warm, the earth is green again (finally!), and you can’t wait to get out into it. We know what you’re thinking: A hike will be perfect! You’ll be in the great outdoors, enjoying the company of friends and family or some blessed solitude. If you’re a parent, you’ll pry your kids from their screens for a day and help them appreciate the glory of nature, and you’ll all get some exercise to boot (pun most definitely intended)….
Pre-Hike Smoothie from Simply Straws
May 14, 2019
Drink this smoothie with a friend, preferably before enjoying the great outdoors. It is reminiscent of all kinds of lovely spring things—fields of wildflowers, grassy green hills, picturesque sunsets that light up the sky. Pre-Hike Smoothie Category: Lifestyle, Recipes Servings: 2 Ingredients 1 cup frozen mango chunks 2 tbsp. Flora Omega Sport+ 1 cup frozen strawberries 2 tbsp. Salus Red Beet Crystals 4 celery spears 1 scoop Green Blend/Beyond Greens Instructions Blend two ingredients at a time for a layered…