Last week, you may have come to this page and found no new content!? The tragedy!!

You may be wondering, “Where Oh Where Has Dr. Sarah Gone?”

Don’t worry, I haven’t left you. I’ve just been prepping for an exciting and new direction for my articles, along with my amazing administrators at Saratoga.com!

Today, I’m excited to announce my blog at Saratoga.com will be transferred to my own featured section!

It has been a true pleasure, privilege and honor to be writing for Living Well for so many years. I have been blessed to interact with some of you and touched by your stories and feedback. You inspire me!

You can continue to follow me, take a peek at the new design, and gain access to my updated and exclusive content you’ll only find at Saratoga.com by clicking here!

Can’t wait to hear your feedback!

And, always remember to keep “Living Well!”

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With back to school just around the corner, these premier blends make it easy to get all your aromatic academic needs met. Within this perfect combination of five tiny bottles is a select oil for calming the body, focusing the mind, aiding in rest and rejuvenation, preventing stifling sniffles, and soothing belly aches.

Below are three additional essential oil blends that  to assist in the transition from summer fun to stylish smarty-pants. You can use my description of the blends to choose a blend that is right for your family and little one, or, to DIY your own essential oil back-to-school scent-sation!

A Calming Blend of Something Citrus

Citrus smells are famous for their mood enhancing and nervous system balancing properties. These scents are perfect for diffusing around small ones.

One study found that the scent of orange oil was soothing to children about to undergo a dreaded dental procedure, as compared to those persevering the dreaded event aroma-free. This calming effect was measured objectively through salivary cortisol and pulse rate and found to be significant. These researchers were therefore able to demonstrate not just a psychological impact, but the mind-body connection that make essential oils so beloved!

If orange oil can calm a child in the dental “hot seat,” think of what diffusing an uplifting, fruity aroma on the first day of school can do to calm the household jitters!  Citrus oils may also have blood sugar benefits, which could help tame the “nervous sweet tooth” that may catch parents off-guard!

Here’s some more information on the other oils that are found in my favorite citrus blend:

Lemon oil is probably the most familiar citrus oil, though others found in Citrus Fresh®, such as lime and tangerine, are also noteworthy for their limonene content. Limonene is the common component found in citrus oils that has been shown to be support healthy immune function. Interestingly, it is orange and grapefruit (1, 2) which may contain the highest amount of limonene. These latter two oils also been well studied for additional wellness effects and accentuate this blend’s powerful properties.

Spearmint is the “preferred mint oil” for little ones. Within a blend, or, as a single oil, it may come in handy to avoid unwanted critters in little one’s bellies, food, or the environment. It is a perfect addition to “round off” a fruit-infused aroma.

A Bright Future Blend

This oil blend contains molecular support for balancing the immune response, stress, and hormones. These are important features for positively impacting the school time season. The presence of the phytoncides found in fir oils (black spruce) support white blood cells and modulate cortisol response. The calming and “universal” oil of lavender soothes the nerves and brain. This blend is further balanced with geranium, sage, and orange oil! These oils create a complete mixture to keep the body strong so that the mind can reach for its goals of the future!

Calm Focus Blend

Finding aromatic enhancement that supports focused, calm, attention can be difficult, as oils have differing nervous system effects. Here’s one that will for most children and adults! Some of the oils such as rosemary and peppermint are known for their brain-boosting power. Jasmine has been documented in a study to modulate brain response patterns (via EEG measurement), enhance mood, and have a negating effect on drowsiness. Combining these oils can be balanced with the soothing and supporting citrus oils of lemon and bergamot, as well as the oil of ylang ylang. Finally, preventing anything else that may “bug” the brain and rob attention, including mental fatigue, can be accomplished with cardamom and basil.

Be sure to add your comments and questions below!

Soon, I will provide more information on using essential oils with children and highlight additional blends. Right now it’s in the works!

“Heading Back to School with the Smell of Ease- The Essential List of Back to School Oils for Children! is password protected and will be available to subscribers of my website. Stay tuned!

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

The post Heading Back to School with the Smell of Ease- The Essential List of Back to School Oils for Children appeared first on Living Well In Saratoga Springs NY: Saratoga's Holistic Health Forum Blog.

I just posted the top holistic and integrative health news for 2017. I gave a summary of why it is NOT the time to let our efforts for a safer and healthier world chill out with the oncoming bombardment of back to school and fall weather.

For those who want more data on the imperative nature of my plea, I’ve provided some of my research reviews this month below. Also, be sure to check out the Green Med Info announcement about the newly released Poison Papers I discussed on my homepage.

For those of you who have been convinced already and are ready for a break from the dirty, dreary, news, click here for the summary with my message of hope.

A Climate Change for the Worse

Currently, it is estimated that “Climate Change May Trigger 60,000 More Deaths by 2030” if we continue what we are doing.

This statistic was based on the use of several different models. Health Day states:

The projected deaths occur “under a scenario where no big policies are adopted to slow down climate change,” West said. “We’re just letting business as usual go forward, and climate change gets worse.”

For the study, West and his colleagues examined how increases in air pollution could affect people’s health in coming decade.

“We understand that today something like 2 to 4 million people likely die prematurely each year around the world due to exposure to outdoor air pollution,” West said. “It’s a big problem obviously in very polluted regions like China and India, but it’s also a problem in the United States.”

Hotter temperatures caused by climate change will make air pollution worse by increasing the chemical reactions that form smog in the atmosphere, West said.

Rising heat also will increase windblown dust and smoke from wildfires, and prompt trees to pump out more organic air pollution, he added.

Air Pollution and Alzheimer’s in Children and Dogs

Another study that I read this month also linked the toxicity of our planet to the sickness of our population. This time, the association was between the combustion-derived nanoparticle pollution, found in Mexico City and brain changes in children and dogs. These alterations were putting both two-and-four-legged beings into an early trajectory for Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers provided some fascinating and detailed mechanisms of this association through thorough investigation, which you can skim through in the actual study linked above.

The abstract summary states:

Millions of children and young adults are exposed to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone, associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. Mexico City (MC) children exhibit systemic and brain inflammation, low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ₁–_42, breakdown of nasal, olfactory, alveolar-capillary, duodenal, and blood-brain barriers, volumetric and metabolic brain changes, attention and short-term memory deficits, and hallmarks of AD and Parkinson’s disease. Airborne iron-rich strongly magnetic combustion-derived nanoparticles (CDNPs) are present in young urbanites’ brains.

Another Alzheimer’s- Chemical Connection Found

This month there was another Alzheimer’s-chemical connection made. This time it concerned our buggy friends! Remember how I wrote about recent evidence that the critters in our bellies can migrate up and create buggy brains? In this very small post-mortem study, researchers supported that different microbiomes exist the brains of Alzheimer’s patients vs. controls.

What does this have to do with chemicals?

Well, what we expose out belly bugs to will affect which ones thrive and survive. The study of the impact of chemicals on our microbiome is relatively sparse, but increasing. For example, there has been concern over the effects of triclosan on our microbiome and on how chemicals impact our soldiers’ brains and gut bugs. Furthermore, the food we eat, the lifestyle we lead, and the stress we encounter, are all also impactful factors on our gut bugs.

This means we do have power to “sway” our belly bugs back to health through our choices to avoid excess toxic exposure, and, using essential oils!

Monsanto Isn’t Feeding the World—It’s Killing Our Children

Wow, what a headline for the Centre for Research on Globalization (CRG), an independent research and non-profit media organization based in Montreal, to make! When I saw this, I thought, “Is this Sensationalism or a sensational weaving together of truth?” (Minus the hyperlink, of course.)

Well, here’s the summary, with the reports linked from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Human Rights Council!

Two new reports published in recent weeks add to the already large and convincing body of evidence, accumulated over more than half a century, that agricultural pesticides and other toxic chemicals are poisoning us.

Both reports issue scathing indictments of U.S. and global regulatory systems that collude with chemical companies to hide the truth from the public, while they fill their coffers with ill-gotten profits.

According to the World Health Organization, whose report focused on a range of environmental risks, the cost of a polluted environment adds up to the deaths of 1.7 million children every year.

A report by the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council, focused more narrowly on agricultural chemicals. The UN report states unequivocally that the storyline perpetuated by companies like Monsanto—the one that says we need pesticides to feed the world—is a myth. And a catastrophic one at that.

The fact that both these reports made headlines, in mainstream outlets like the Washington Post and the Guardian, is on one hand, good news. On the other, it’s a sad and discouraging commentary on our inability to control corporate greed.

As I was waiting for my appointment, I dug a little deeper. Here’s what I found.

My source: GE.17 U.N. General Assembly: Human Rights Council Thirty fourth session. 27 February- 24 March 2017. Agenda item 3: Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development.

Mystery Meat II: The Industry Behind the Quiet Destruction of the American Heartland

So, in summary, the pollution is killing us, personal care products are poisoning us, and our food is destroying is…real upbeat huh?

Here’s a report from mightyearth.org, with the 52 references cited at the end:

What Americans may not know is that feed is the primary source of meat’s growing environmental impact. Demand for feed crops is driving widespread water contamination across the country, destroying America’s last native prairies, and releasing potent greenhouse gases.

For instance, when excess fertilizer and manure wash off fields that grow feed, they contaminate local drinking water and create toxic algae blooms that cause vast Dead Zones that are toxic to aquatic life in the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, and Great Lakes. As demand for meat grows, America’s last native grassland prairies are being destroyed to make room for new industrial fields that exacerbate water pollution across the Heartland and take a heavy toll on the climate.

“We often miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work”
– Thomas A. Edison

So, are we doomed?! No way!

Click here to read why Obi-Wan is not needed yet and we are our own force for change!

The post The Unhealthy, Deadly Effects of Environmental Toxins on Humans appeared first on Living Well In Saratoga Springs NY: Saratoga's Holistic Health Forum Blog.

The overriding intention for my blogs has always been to provide my readers with empowering information to guide them in achieving their wellness goals. This summer alone has already given me so many exciting health headlines to share. They were filled with fascinating discoveries, new insights, and opportunities for putting our well-being intentions into action!

Recently, a major focus of mine has been on supporting you in navigating through our world of chemical and toxin bombardment. Rather than scare you with dreary facts alone, I have made sure that I included resources to mitigate the negative effects and maintain optimal health.

But, all that information can be overwhelming, and, just plain frightening!

So, here’s a little recap of things that you may have missed and some new information to share that you can use to make decisions for your next healthy steps.

A Safer and Healthier Summer Recap

July started with “oily” news that allowed us to enjoy our summertime meat (with spicy oils) on the grill, while avoiding the health hazards of fleshy-cooked byproducts.

Next, we learned about the “dirty little secrets” in sunblock labeling and how to safely enjoy the sun with the newest essential oil-based, non-chemical sunscreen.

A post inspired by the Chronic Lyme Disease Summit 2 gave you a way to protect yourself from the multi-legged critters that invade the day and go bump in the campfire light. In it, I explained the pitfalls of chemical shields and the benefits of an all-natural, essential oils- infused bug spray

You also read about proactive strategies that supplement your immune, digestive, and overall wellness while traveling to your sunny vacation spots.

Perhaps the most exciting news, at least for me, was the kickoff of the first month of the “Cleaning Up Your Home and Health in 6 Months.” This ongoing series takes all that you have learned about the hazards of ubiquitous chemicals into action. By opting for simple, cost-effective, and safer personal care and household products, you are promoting your own well-being, and supporting our children, our children’s children, and our planet.

A More Sustainable World Side Effect

This topic is a true passion of mine, because of the positive ripple effect for future generations… one purchase, and, one “Home and Health Cleanup Challenge” at a time. The only thing anyone has to do is choose a different brand for the products they are already buying!

The urgency of this simple action is becoming more apparent. A recent study reported that there is a potential connection between declining sperm counts in men and their chemical exposure. According to Science Daily:

While the current study did not examine causes of the observed declines, sperm count has previously been plausibly associated with environmental and lifestyle influences, including prenatal chemical exposure, adult pesticide exposure, smoking, stress and obesity. Therefore, sperm count may sensitively reflect the impact of the modern environment on male health across the lifespan and serve as a “canary in the coal mine” signaling broader risks to male health.

Many other studies have supported this association as well. This is why we must “sow the seeds” of healthy change for the sustainability of our world.

You Do Have the Power

Dr. Mercola’s recent interview with Philip Howard, Ph.D, who wrote Concentration and Power in the Food System: Who Controls What We Eat? highlighted the trajectory of a poisoned world, but also how to transform it to a positive one.

Story at-a-glance

• The trend is for fewer but bigger firms increasing their power to control what we eat; four European firms control the global beer market; six firms control the global seed market; two firms control food distribution in the U.S.
• Monopolies benefit corporations, not the public, reinforcing the company’s power and political clout. Many corporate executives even serve on federal advisory committees and global trade agreement working groups
• Two-thirds of the farm commodities sold in the U.S. come from just 100,000 farms, and these middle-to-large-scale farms just keep getting bigger, in part by the way government subsidies are doled out

The good news is, despite the depressing story of the corruption of our food supply, there is a change afoot. Howard gives two examples of how consumer preferences have driven away profits from big firms and placed them into the hands of more local and healthier companies.

The delightful them is this:

If we all swap from a chemical product to a non-toxic one, we can begin to truly make a dent in “voting” down greedy corporations. We can “weed out” suppliers with profit-only motives and encourage businesses that allow the health of our world to thrive!

Through voting with our dollars, we can gather what we have learned about environmental exposures, healthy eating, lifestyle practices, and make purchasing choices in alignment with the values we want to proceed us and leave to our children.

Click here to learn more about the power you have at your fingertips and get more resources that can support you in making the next informed, healthier, and safer choices!

The post A Summer Step-By-Step Recap for a Safer and Healthier Body and World: Part I appeared first on Living Well In Saratoga Springs NY: Saratoga's Holistic Health Forum Blog.

Is This White Crystal Really the Villain of Heart Disease, or Guilty by Association?

Among the combative disagreements, a few glimmers of hope sometimes emerge that nutritional experts may one day wave the white flag on the dietary wars. Recently, one was witnessed with the release of the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines regarding the former dietary villain, cholesterol. Although many former egg-lovers once again delighted in their omelets, there is still a long way to go in finding a common consensus in what entails a truly “healthy diet.”

Recently, I listened to a podcast that aimed to show the redeeming controversies of an essential nutrient that also has an unhealthy heart connection. But, should it?

The Controversy That Lies in the Salt Shaker

According to current guidelines by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), Americans should limit their salt intake to 2,300 mg, or 1 tsp, or less a day of salt. However, beyond the salt shaker, it is noted that the processed food diet is a major contributor to the excessive high levels of sodium in our diets.

In a recent podcast with researcher and physician, Dr. DiNicolantonio, salt was exalted. He had previously argued in Open Heart journal that we have been pointing the finger on the wrong white crystal for heart harm, and that salt was an innocent bystander. This argument fueled the fire and headlines, such as Discover Magazine’s 2015 article “Sugar, Not Salt, Is the Real Dietary Villain.”

Some important take-aways in his conclusions included:

• Sugar may be more meaningfully related to blood pressure than sodium, as suggested by the greater magnitude of effect with dietary manipulation.10 ,77
• Reducing the amount of sodium in processed foods may lead to an increase in their consumption causing a greater prevalence of cardiometabolic disease (figure 1).23
• Higher sugar intake significantly increases systolic (6.9mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (5.6 mm Hg) in trials of 8 weeks or more in duration.77 This effect is increased to 7.6/6.1 mm Hg, when studies that received funding from the sugar industry are excluded.
• Ingesting one 24 ounce soft drink has been shown to cause an average maximum increase in blood pressure of 15/9 mm Hg and heart rate of 9 bpm.81
• Those who consume 25% or more calories from added sugar have an almost threefold increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease.62
• Fructose has been shown to stimulate sympathetic tone directly,26 and indirectly by inciting insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia.27 ,45 ,46
• An increase in sympathetic tone from the overconsumption of fructose is one likely mechanism for the sugar’s ability to increase heart rate, cardiac output, renal sodium retention, and vascular resistance, all of which may interact to elevate blood pressure and increase myocardial oxygen demand.27 ,80 ,82

Interesting, many studies do support that too little salt is detrimental to health. However, as with any nutrient, the Goldilocks principle of just the right amount is advocated for. For salt, this is a “J-shaped curve.” (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)  In Nutrition Today, the author summarizes this current research perspective:

As it turns out, several recent population-based studies have shown persuasively that risk of both CVD and mortality follow U-shaped (or J-shaped) curves relative to sodium intake, with risk of mortality and CVD rising both as intakes drop below 3000 mg/d and as they rise above 7000 mg/d.12–15 In this behavior, sodium acts exactly like most nutrients.2,10 The reports concerned have dealt with patients with diabetes and CVD, as well as the general population. In all these studies, risk was lowest at a sodium intake in the range between 2800 and 6000 mg/d. Concordant with these findings is a report by Stolarz-Skrzypek et al,16 who pooled 2 large prospective European studies, with up to 15 years’ follow-up. They found a nearly 4-fold increase in cardiovascular mortality as sodium intake decreased from the highest tertile to the lowest and an approximate doubling of CVD events across the same decrease in intake. The long duration of observation in these studies virtually excludes reverse causality (ie, the possibility that the low-sodium-intake groups were such because of preexisting CVD). Finally, even in a large cohort of hypertensive patients (N = 398 419), lowering of blood pressure below “normal” values (130–139 mm Hg) prospectively resulted in increased risk of both mortality and end-stage renal disease.17

The Bottom Line and Take-Away

I believe any extreme in diet will ultimately cause an imbalance and downstream negative impacts. Whenever we chronically restrict anything, unless done therapeutically and with superb clinical expertise, side effects will occur.

I say, eat real food. If you are confused and not getting the health benefits you wish from your diet, find a functional medicine or naturopathic doctor who can help. They will guide you in implementing the right diet and supplemental support for you, as an individual.

If you want to learn more about salt benefits, click here for my latest blog.

In the meantime time a breathe.

All this dietary chaos can trigger stress!

Thankfully, we have essential oils to modulate all the food craziness that can activate high blood pressure. Two of my favorite oils for heart health are ylang ylang oil and bergamot essential oil. Read more on my database here.

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

The post What’s the Heart-Felt Controversy Behind Salt? appeared first on Living Well In Saratoga Springs NY: Saratoga's Holistic Health Forum Blog.

 

You may have heard a rumor that we are surrounded by “Dirty Electricity” (DE) and “Electromagnetic Frequency.” (EMF)

Well, it’s true.

Although the science behind the health impacts are not fully elucidated, and somewhat controversial, you know by now that I’m a big fan of the precautionary principle. Over the years, I have been reading various studies on exposure associations with diseases (1, 2). Mixed with some general knowledge about the physics of radiation on cellular health and physiology, my guard is up. I’m not alone. There’s enough evidence to have most integrative health experts on board to be proactive in taking steps to reduce its harmful effects. In fact, even the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that risk avoidance may be wise, “if you are concerned.”

As it seems to be with most exposures, due to their vulnerability and developing bodies, it’s the children and future generations (including infertility risk associations) that may be most at risk. In fact, a new review published in May 2017 in Child Development specifically highlighted the epigenetic modifications related to DE and EMF.

The Electromagnetic Fields, Pulsed Radiofrequency Radiation, and Epigenetics: How Wireless Technologies May Affect Childhood Development abstract states the following:

Mobile phones and other wireless devices that produce electromagnetic fields (EMF) and pulsed radiofrequency radiation (RFR) are widely documented to cause potentially harmful health impacts that can be detrimental to young people. New epigenetic studies are profiled in this review to account for some neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral changes due to exposure to wireless technologies. Symptoms of retarded memory, learning, cognition, attention, and behavioral problems have been reported in numerous studies and are similarly manifested in autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, as a result of EMF and RFR exposures where both epigenetic drivers and genetic (DNA) damage are likely contributors. Technology benefits can be realized by adopting wired devices for education to avoid health risk and promote academic achievement.

The whole article discusses plausible mechanisms for EMF inducing changes in DNA expression. These included rodent studies on the impact on microRNA, and histone modification and chromatin remodeling from cellular studies.

This study was highlighted on the BioInitiative 2012 website, which lists updated science on this topic. This is an important website for you to be aware of if EMF and DE intrigues you.

The BioInitative 2012 report was released as a “report by 29 independent scientists and health experts from around the world* about possible risks from wireless technologies and electromagnetic fields. It updates the BioInitiative 2007 Report.”

As reported on the site, it covers 1800 new studies and reviews the following:

The science, public health, public policy and global response to the growing health issue of chronic exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation in the daily life of billions of people around the world.  Covers brain tumor risks from cell phones, damage to DNA and genes, effects on memory, learning, behavior, attention; sleep disruption and cancer and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.  Effects on sperm  and miscarriage (fertility and reproduction), effects of wireless on the brain development of the fetus and infant, and effects of wireless classrooms on children and adolescents is addressed. Mechanisms for biological action and public health responses in other countries are discussed.  Therapeutic use of very low intensity EMF and RFR are addressed.

Want to Join Me in Being Proactive?

This topic is enough to make anyone’s head spin, especially with our reliance and addiction to technology. Most people, including yours truly, are not willing to give it up.

Thankfully, there are things we can do to mitigate risks associated with DE and EMF. Some examples include:

• Using speakerphone and not putting the phone close to your head, avoid blue tooth
• Putting phones in airplane mode WHENEVER it is near the body and when driving
• Getting “shielded” (see below)
• Turning off Wi-Fi at night
• Plugging in versus using Wi-Fi
• Exploring the resources available below

More Resources and How to Start

I originally learned about EMF and dirty electricity through Dr. Mercola. He has a whole section on his robust website database dedicated to this topic. He also has provided options for protecting ourselves from its harmful effects. This is the link for the website.

This one article would be a good place to start from Dr. Mercola’s site. It provides a wonderful summary and some of the science.

As stated above, if you want a comprehensive review of the studies on correlating dangers to EMFs to human health risks, probably the BioInitiative 2012 report and summary would be a second website stop.

I recently learned more about EMFs and DE in this cool new podcast. It’s worth a listen to as your making dinner and using your oven over the microwave.

All of these resources have made me more diligent recently. Now, I’m using my computer and phone UNPLUGGED as often as I can, putting my phone in airplane mode in the car (shame on me for not doing this prior!), and ordering some more HomeShields. I should mention that the science behind these and most shields are not robust, so do your research and pick what you feel is best. I don’t have 100% confidence and/or affiliation with any that I can specifically endorse.

Another resource I found from the host of the mentioned podcast is by Kelly Abeleven, a building biologist, and it also deserves a skim through. It’s referenced and is in an easy-to-read-16-page PDF on how to safeguard yourself and your family from potential negative impact of EMF and DE.

My ULTIMATE Favorite Hack?

You probably guessed! Yes, essential oils!

Essential oils protect our cellular health and physiology from free radicals and other environmental harms. Reviews in vitro and some clinical trials show efficacy on how essential oils can prevent DNA damage and  repair it, assist with chemotherapy side effects, and keep our bodies optimized for wellnes in a variety of ways.

I diffuse essential oils regularly, especially in my working space. I also apply the oils to my wrists and feet daily to ensure all these benefits. One of my favorite oils for cellular protection and health is the almighty frankincense oil.

Learn more about how to diffuse here.

In conclusion, I haven’t done the true biohackers’ modus operandi to eliminating all the sources of DE and EMF, which is your best bet. However, living in today’s world, I hope that I’ve given you plenty of resources of where you can start yourself to put up a good “shield.”

I just wrote a blog on the power of epigenetics and nine tools you can use to optimize your health. Click here to read.
What are your thoughts on this topic?

Do you have a favorite oil to diffuse?

Do you have any other resources to share to our BreakFree friends?

Please post your comments and resources below!

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

The post Should You Get “Shielded” from Dirty Electricity and Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF): If So, How? appeared first on Living Well In Saratoga Springs NY: Saratoga's Holistic Health Forum Blog.

A few months ago, I posted two articles that contained important information for all essential oil users to be conscious of. By being aware of these topics of safety and allergic responses, the desired benefits of essential oils can be optimized and unwanted responses prevented.

I ended the series promising you that I would dive deeper into why someone would be allergic to essential oils to begin with. Recently, Natural Path published my explanation in another two-part series!

First, for those who missed the background, I’ll catch you up on where we left off. Then, I’ll provide an overview of the new articles and the link to access the full versions.

In Part I of Essential Oils, Allergic Responses, and Skin Sensitization – Why and What You Should Know, I discussed the various categories of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. Of these four types, essential oils have only been reported to be involved in type IV, delayed hypersensitivity reactions.

Medicinenet.com explains an example of this type of reaction with the scratchy discomfort of poison ivy:

Sensitivity to urushiol [the oily resin] occurs when individuals come into contact with it. The first time a person is exposed, they may not develop a rash. However, with repeated exposure, sensitivity develops that ultimately leads to the development of the characteristic rash. Most people (about 85%) will develop sensitivity, while a small percentage of individuals (about 15%) never develop an allergic reaction to urushiol.

However, essential oils are not capable of causing an immune response by themselves. Rather, they can attach to proteins or other allergic molecules, and contribute to an allergic response over time. (They are classified as “haptens.”) This “delayed” response with essential oils occurs in relation to continued exposure and accumulation of the allergen in sensitized individuals.

In ended Part I with a brief overview of some safety considerations and appropriate applications when using essential oils. This included the proper dosage of oils and avoidance of going “heavy-handed.” Finally, I started the discussion on skin sensitization. For those with delicate skin, it’s especially important to rotate their essential oils to prevent this unwanted skin reaction.

(Please see my essential oils database, under the category “Children & Safety” and “Essential Oils and Carrier Oils,” to learn more on safe use of essential oils.)

In Part II, I went into more detail regarding the factors regarding skin sensitization. These included:

1. The terpene factor- regarding allergic responses to essential oils, I discovered articles that stated the issue was with synthetic and OXIDIZED terpenes in the oil. Specifically, essential oils contributed to an allergic response WHEN (1) there’s been oxidation of terpenes (2) they were in allergenic fragrance products (3) they were exposed to air and (4) the person was already sensitized.
2. Using yucky personal care products – toxins in personal care products could be a major factor in igniting an allergic response to essential oils. This is due to the fact that they act to drive in fat-loving chemicals.
3. Skin aging- one will to more sensitive to topical application of products if they are not using preventative measures to decrease the thinning of the skin that occurs with age.
4. Photosensitization- some oils, specifically citrus oils, contain a compound that can make anyone’s skin react with the sun for an unpleasant “tomato-kissed” appearance. So, if you aren’t aware of this, you may want to familiarize yourself with the resources I provided in the article.

Now, here’s the link to learn more about what’s the behind the trigger of an allergic response and what may be causative factors.

The post Can You Have an “Allergy” to Essential Oils? If So, Why? Part I appeared first on Living Well In Saratoga Springs NY: Saratoga's Holistic Health Forum Blog.

Little Creatures, Big (Health) Problems

When it comes to protecting the integrity of our blood cells and plasma, there’s more to be cautious of than just vampires. There exists various incognito “harmless” critters that go bump in the night, and creep around in the light of day. These little buggers also peer at humans as potential targets for their next yummy-blood-feast-a-thon. Although many of the creepy crawlies may cause entomologists delight, for the rest of us, they provoke cries of dismay.

These pesky annoyances can interrupt our favorite campfire sing-a-longs, or, can cause an all-out scratch-attack infestation during a previously pleasant outside event. But, it doesn’t stop there.

They now can come armed with some even more damaging, miniature evil doers. It’s this pint-sized line up, which resembles the evil villains of Marvel Comics, that we really fear!

Be on the Lookout for the “Puny” Multi-Legged Most Unwanted
First, there’s the mosquito borne viruses and parasites on the right. They have also recently been reported to have taken on a new dangerous sidekick. It appears that there is now evidence that these flying-six-legged kamikazes can harbor Mr. B. Burgdorferi.

Whether they can spread him to us, and not just our hamsters, has not yet been indisputably settled. Still, most of the experts in Chronic Lyme Disease questioned believe these mosquitoes are gaining strength to act as vectors, along with some of their other friends.  (Click here to read my latest blog on a summary Chronic Lyme Disease and more about what some of the top experts say!)

Next are potentially the most dangerous, because of their seemingly innocent disguises, the tranquil deer and the little white mouse. However, don’t let their furriness fool you! They are home to the tick that contains the spirochete of terror!

Even more disconcerting is the revolution that some of our trusted domestic companions have been taken hostage to also act as four-legged transport vehicles for the “Flea-RV” of Mr. B. Burgdorferi and his unwelcome dinner guests. Unfortunately, the popularity of Mr. B, and his list of invitees, is increasing.

The Cautionary Solution

In response to these ravenous-multi-legged-terrors, many have become so frightened that they don’t bait an eye, or, think twice about spraying themselves and their family with chemical fumes. The hope is that these mists will create a chemicalized forcefield. The problem is that this shield could be causing unintended, and unwanted, outcomes.

Wellness and environmental experts have expressed their concerns about the dangers of these “solutions” to our current infestations. They are stating that these answers could potentially cause more health problems if we are not careful.

I’ve written ad nausea about the damaging bodily effects of chemicals being inhaled, absorbed, and rubbed-on. I’ve become borderline obsessed with providing everyone with resources, including our beloved oils, as alternatives to these damaging trade-offs. I’ve even pleaded to all the terrified to listen to a hopeful solution.

As one who believes in the precautionary principle, it may be wise to find an effective alternative for those who are weary of the safety of chronic use of chemical insect repellents.

Learn more about this topic here.

The post Are the Summertime Buggy-Boo-Hoos Getting the Best of You? Be on the Lookout for the “Most Unwanted” Creepy Crawlies and Learn How to Find Some Safe Solutions appeared first on Living Well In Saratoga Springs NY: Saratoga's Holistic Health Forum Blog.

The Healing of the Individual

I strongly believe in treating every person from an integrative and individualized perspective. This is due to several reasons. First, no one shares the same genetics, expect maybe identical twins. Still, even then, other factors such as different lifestyle patterns, diet, social support, environmental exposures, and stressors, will all intermingle and manifest in different ways. This means any disease, or its trigger, does not cause the same effect in everyone. Furthermore, the same disease in two separate people can be caused by any infinite factors due to these interactions. True healing cannot occur unless all this is considered.

This may be obvious, but not implemented. Let me illustrate in two conversations.

1. The trigger-response effect:

Sally to Mother: “Suzy got a cold from Billy, why didn’t you, Mommy!?”

Mother to Sally: “Well, Sally, Mommy happens to have been born with a strong immune system and she has been taking good care of herself. Some people were born with more sensitive immune systems and they need to pay very careful attention to how they treat their bodies. Sometimes, when they get exposed to a germ, their bodies may use symptoms to express it needs help to regain balance and heal.”

2. This brief chat between Danny and his Mother provides an example of how the same trigger results in differing responses between two people:

Danny to Mother, “Mommy, how come you had exposure to a tick and you have trouble with sleeping and being calm, and Davy got bone pain from one?”
The Good Detective

Ahh, here’s lies the “hooks” in Lyme.

It demonstrates the importance of finding a doctor that is a really good detective. This means he or she has knowledge of various symptoms and their potential causes and will work with you to determine which factors are most likely causing and contributing to your particular manifestation of Lyme disease, or any health concern for that matter.

These experts will understand that it is vital to determine the unique genetic expression of their patient and its interactions with various triggers. Only then will it be possible to determine the optimal solution.  For example, Ella’s Lyme protocol was based on a variety of factors, not just killing the bug.
The Biggest Agreement Among the Experts Who Succeed in Moving Beyond the Bug in Lyme

After listening to the Chronic Lyme Disease Summit 2, all the geniuses featured agreed on one thing.  To put it crudely, the answer ain ’t antibiotics. At least not if used alone or without very selective intention.

This for all the reasons above.

Simply killing the trigger will not treat the contributing factors to what set up a person to have a weakened immune response to begin with. Furthermore, there are SO many scary side effects with a kamikaze approach to wiping out all critters in our body. Most importantly, it causes harm to our beloved microbiome. This one fact alone can create a vast amount of issues that could further complicate the symptom picture. (I discussed this in more detail here).

All of these “Beyond Bug Killing,” experts have an expertise in rebalancing the body and taking the stress off it in their own ways. They may use combinations of certain “kill agents,” but only within the context of minding the body’s terrain first!!

Click here to read more on this topic and discover some of the factors they address.

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