Properly Nurse Your Cold...

We are now in the season, where colds and coughs are heightened!  I see more and more commercials during this time of year for over-the-counter cold/cough medicines.  Surely many of you have not experienced a whole lot of true relief from nursing a cold/cough with the over-the-counter remedies.  I have not had much success with any of them in the past...just gives me false-hope, especially since the commercials do such a great job selling the product with their funny animations of how the medication attacks the cold germs!  Cute, but not helpful!!  During previous experiences with the cold, the best remedies in my household have been STEAM & WARM SALT-WATER GARGLING.  Not only does it provide relief, but it does not keep us bed-ridden!

The moment, I start to feel that tickle in my nose and/or throat, I attack!  I immediately start to gargle with warm salt-water and steam with a vaporizer.  Most of the time, the cold has to run its course, but I do not feel sluggish nor do I lose any energy.  Instead of sitting and feeling miserable, I spend a lot of my free time during the course of the cold steaming & gargling for most of the day!  Taking over-the-counter medications only gives temporary relief...and the reality is...the bug needs to come out, not rest in our body!  The steaming and gargling helps get things flowing, so to speak, so "yes" - you will be blowing your nose, be stuffy, spitting mucus and maybe have the occasional stomach upset!  I know it sounds gross, but getting it out, is truly the best remedy!  You will still be able to properly function and get things done that you need to get done!

Some other things to have on hand are the following items for preventative maintenance and for use during the course of the cold/cough.  I buy most of my items through Vitacost, where products are cheaper, plus free shipping after $49 and you will often receive other special offers from them:



Sinusin nasal spray is awesome!  I use this daily just for preventative maintenance.  It is a homeopathic formula that is even safe for children 2-years+.  Before this, I was always experiencing a runny nose during the cold months and itchy nose during the spring months and now, I can go on a jog when it is a little cooler and not have to worry about my nose dripping the entire time!  Each family member in household has a bottle of it!





NutriBiotic Nasal Spray - is a grapefruit seed extract nasal spray that is also great to use during the course of a cold or even during that initial tickle you feel in your nose and/or throat.  Use as directed and can be a huge benefit for you!  This I find works better preventing sickness in the summer!  This can sting the inside of your nose for a bit after initial spray, but wears off after a couple seconds.  I always make sure to have a bottle in my medicine cabinet.  Also a homeopathic spray, but there is an age minimum.




Emergen-C - This is another great item to have on hand!  I take these just when I am feeling a little run-down than usual and have not had much Vitamin C.  These powdered packs can just be mixed with water and can provide amazing effects immediately! 




For those smoothie makers, here are some great all-natural SUPERFOODS you can add to your smoothie maintain optimum health and will keep you healthy all-year long:


Spirulina Pacifica: I have been taking Spirulina for a year now and have loved the health effects it has!  It is the richest food source in the world and gives you the natural energy boost you need and improves immune health.  See one of my previous blog posts on Spirulina. 



Wheat Grass - Another amazing superfood that improves immune health, skin, filled with antioxidants.  I love the taste of it because it actually adds a bit of a sweeter flavor to my smoothies! 



Chlorella - is a fantastic superfood and has been known to have excellent effects when taken with Spirulina!!  It is know to reverse effects of known ailments, too!  See Chlorella Benefits.

Delicious Gluten-Free Foods

Where can I find Gluten-Free foods? 
Is there an Internet retailer of Gluten-Free foods?
What is the best Internet retailer of Gluten-Free foods?

Several people have asked me to blog about a Gluten-Free foods Internet retailer to inform others about.  There has been an increasing demand for Gluten-Free foods.  This Internet retailer wants to make sure that you can easily access their products, wherever you may be and still have that same homemade taste!  Friends of mine, who are on Gluten-Free diets or have children on Gluten-Free diets urged me to share this with you to maybe help you in your search for the perfect Gluten-Free foods!

If you have not already heard of them, they are: Katz Gluten Free



 

You can even try a free sample pack that you will only pay shipping for...$4.99 (normally $7.99) - with coupon code "SAMPLE".

Your Sample Pack Includes:

• 1 Slice of Whole Grain Bread
• 1 Slice of White Bread
• 1 Slice of Challah Bread
• 1 Powdered Donut
• 1 Chocolate Cupcake
• 1 English Muffin
• 1 Cookie
• 1 Rugelah
• 1 Slice of Marble Cake

If you refer a store that does not already carry Gluten-Free foods of this sort, you will receive a $50 gift certificate for their products after the first order is placed.  

The facility where products are made are completely nut-free and dairy-free.  All products are Kosher.  The company is dedicated to safeguard our health and produce high-quality, delicious products.  I was excited to blog about the company and its great products after I even got to sample some of it.  I am a firm believer in food companies that are concerned about their customers' health needs without compromising the flavors of the products they sell!  So, for those of you out there that are looking for a trustworthy and deliciously divine, Gluten-Free foods company that ship directly to your doorstep, I give this company an A++!

If you want to sample before you buy larger quantities, they will let you do that...see above.





Thanks for reading & God bless,

Sinusin - Homeopathic Nasal Relief

Are you looking for a homeopathic nasal spray that will relieve you of the following annoyances?

• nasal congestion
• dry nasal membranes
• runny nose
• Rhinitis & Sinusitis
• Cold & Flu Nasal Symptoms

I have been searching for something that is safe for the whole family to use!  After suffering from winter allergies all season long last winter, I really did not want to go through that again!  Last winter it all began, when I lost a bit of my hearing in my right ear that got progressively worse throughout the winter!  With such a busy schedule, I did not visit the doctor until the new year and was told that I have winter allergies.  I have never suffered from allergies my entire life, until I moved to Louisiana, come to find that it is very common for people to suffer from winter allergies.  The doctor explained to me, since there is not a proper winter here (or a true freeze), flowers just keep growing because it goes from cold to hot in a day's time, so the blooming never stops.

This year, I thought it was going to happen again that I was going to partially lose my hearing again.  For a short period of time, I did, but it eventually developed into a drip in the back of my throat that caused my throat hurt very badly, so bad that I thought it was strep throat.  So I went to the doctor because it just got worse through the night.  I was wondering how this could happen because I was such a health fanatic.  I went into the doctor to get the strep swab test done and thankfully, no strep!  The doctor immediately prescribed me onto an anti-biotic that she thought would be best in case it developed into something like a sinus infection.  I am one that does not like to take medicine because I do not ever feel it does anything for me, except make my symptoms worse!  I hardly ever remember to take my vitamins because I really do not think they are effective either.

So, I did my due diligence and researched for a product that would help with my symptoms.  I found Sinusin.  It is a homeopathic nasal spray that is effective for all of the symptoms mentioned above and has also helps prevent viruses...and it works!  The best thing is that is safe for the entire family to use (2 years & up; 2 & below - consult doctor).  I have been spraying it in my 3-year old daughter's nose (per the daily dose directions), since she is in pre-shool and is exposed to many germs on any given day!  Another great thing is that it does not burn your nostrils, like some other nasal sprays do.  For asthma patients, consult with doctor before you take this product.  If one is pregnant or nursing, also check with a doctor before use.

I purchased mine through Vitacost (click link or image below to take you directly to product page).  It sells for $13.99 + shipping (however, if you purchase $49+ through Vitacost you will receive FREES STANDARD SHIPPING).






After using this product for a very short time, I have already felt the positive effects of it!  I absolutely love it and my daughter does not complain either! 

Thank you for reading!!

Freestyle Cooking Made Easy...

Hi all!  

Check out my page on "Freestyle Cooking Made Easy"!  This is a blog about how to cook freestyle...no lengthy recipes, simple, healthy and delicious!  Dishes your kids will surely love, too!!  

I have never been one for lengthy recipes that after I cook them, they do not even appeal to my taste!  I love fresh, all-natural foods, too.  I enjoy cooking for my family, but I also enjoy adding my own spin to dishes without a lot of complication!  For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to cook, but I have always liked to use my favorite ingredients that I always have in my fridge, not buy a single ingredient that I will only use once! 

Click the link below for some easy food ideas!
   
Freestyle Cooking Made Easy

Enjoy!!  Happy cooking and eating!!

Til next time,

SPIRULINA: For Great Health and Energy...

SPIRULINA: For Great Health and Energy!

Why Spriulina??  Ummmm...why not Spirulina??

I cannot express enough how much Spirulina has helped me out physically & mentally, stay energized and most importantly - stay healthy!  Before Spirulina, I was constantly sick, lacked energy and was in a terrible physical state!  I believe in this product wholeheartedly!  Nowadays, I feel stronger, enjoy more physical activities, energized and can keep up with my 3-year old daughter a lot better!  Prior to taking Spirulina, I did research on natural health supplements that can help give me more energy throughout the day.  Spirulina came up in my list of results, so I researched it a bit more and found out it is the richest food source in the world!!  A single teaspoon of Spirulina powder is filled with so many nutrients that aide in healthy immune function, better cholesterol levels and my favorite - increases energy!!  Are you sold on the product yet?  Well if you are, click on the link below and it will take you to the site on where to get it for the best deal.  It normally retails for $19.99 (5 oz. bottle), but I purchase for 45% off of retail price - click on image or link below that will take you to the site I purchase it through.




 
Nutrex Hawaii Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica Powder -- 5 oz

Nutrex Hawaii Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica Powder -- 16 oz


Having researched different companies that manufacture Spirulina - the most trusted source is Nutrex Hawaii Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica Powder. I have read the best reviews for this product brand and I am living proof of how great it truly is!  Additionally, I am a big advocate on taking supplements in a powder form.  I have always thought that taking it in the pill form is the easy way out and is not as effective!  I will warn you that the powder form of Spirulina is a little on the intimidating side - it is a very dark green color that will scare some and the taste is not that appealing either!  My justification of it all is that I would rather take 1-minute of discomfort consuming the Spirulina than being sick for a week!  I think back to the times I had been sick and always said "I would do anything not to feel this yucky"!  I consume Spirulina powder in different ways: 

1. Place a teaspoon of water in water bottle - shake until powder is thoroughly dissolved in water (TIP - must shake vigorously).  Another TIP - you may need something to chase it down with because the taste is kind of terrible...I usually use a teaspoon of  "Nocciolata" - an organic hazelnut-chocolate spread
Nocciolata Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa and Milk -- 9.52 oz
2. Pour teaspoon in cooked (ready-to-eat) oatmeal
3. Blend with smoothie

For those who battle high cholesterol, do some research on Spirulina and how it can help better your cholesterol levels; it is known to help fight off bad cholesterol.  Source: Spirulina & Cholesterol.  Just because you start taking Spirulina does not mean you can go out and eat terribly and have an inactive lifestyle!  Most of us know that cholesterol levels will only decrease with healthy eating habits and exercise and doing that in addition to taking Spirulina can possibly help it move along a bit faster!  
 
What exactly is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is grown naturally.  It is power-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and carotenoids.  It has proven health benefits for increased immune support, prevention of cell damage and a natural source of energy.  

For more of a deeper look into Spirulina, (ie: Is it safe during pregnancy?  Is it safe for all ages?, etc.) see the FAQ's from the most trusted brand:   Nutrex-Hawaii. 

I did additional research about the dangers of Spirulina.  If not purchased from a trusted source, one will face risks of consuming contaminated Spriulina because of where it is probably grown.  Additionally, if one is taking medication, contact physician before taking any source of herbal supplement.  There are certain diseases listed as well that warn against intake of Spirulina.  Source: What are the dangers of using herb Spirulina?  Make sure you do your own homework before taking any kind of herbal supplement!  Even though Spirulina has the amazing effects, it is better to be safe than sorry!

After being a Spirulina consumer for the last 6-months, I have truly felt better than ever and have been able to enjoy life a lot more with my family and friends!  If you are already a Spirulina consumer, I want to read about your experience with it and if you have been purchasing it at high costs, here are some links for better deals for the Nutrex Hawaii brand in larger packaging:

Nutrex Hawaii Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica? -- 16 oz
Nutrex Hawaii Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica Powder -- 5 lbs

If you are not, and are curious to try it, just buy a small bottle...the 5 oz. bottle is the smallest that is sold by the Nutrex Hawaii brand:

Nutrex Hawaii Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica Powder -- 5 oz

Look forward to reading about your experiences with Spirulina and thank you for reading mine for now!!

Nutrex Hawaii does sell Spirulina in tablet form as well, in case you are interested:

Nutrex Hawaii Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica -- 500 mg - 100 Tablets


Til next time,

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." (3 John 1:2 NIV)