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There Is A Way to Beat Seasonal Depression. And It’s Not What You Think.

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October 4, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

There is a way to beat seasonal depression. And it’s not what you think. Keep reading to learn natural ways to relieve symptoms of seasonal depression as well as how to possibly prevent seasonal depression completely with these healthy lifestyle tips.

Winter can be dreary. It’s only just fall and it’s already getting dark sooner. The leaves are starting to change colors and the sky seems to be gray a bit more often. (Although it’s possible part of that is due to the insane amount of rain we’ve had lately.) As the weather cools off we also find ourselves stuck indoors more than we’d like. This in turn can lead to those dreaded winter blues.

This year I’m determined to keep my spirits up and skirt seasonal depression all together. I’d like to say I’m going to be one of those ridiculously happy people who’s always positive and never stops smiling – but that will seriously never happen.

Resting bitch face aside, I tend to get emotionally involved in most things I do. I scream, cry and clap at television shows. I get that weird bizarro paranoia that something is wrong or I’m gonna screw up somehow when my monthly cycle hits. And the current state of our political circus leaves me terrified even when I avoid the news and filter my social news feed to hide the drama.

With over forty winters under my belt I’m no stranger to seasonal depression. Managing fibro on top of that is no easy feat. So I completely understand the challenges you face when you get those winter blues. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill you can swallow to send your seasonal depression packing. Nutritionally, however, there are options that can help improve your symptoms as well as potentially prevent the occurence of seasonal depression all together. There are also actions you can take to get your head back in the game and off those dismal sidelines that trap you in an unhealthy emotional cycle.

What Is Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal depression, also now called seasonal affective disorder or SAD for short, can strike at any time of the year – not just fall and winter. While most common during the fall and winter months, the symptoms of seasonal depression are much the same regardless of when it occurs. Symptoms include feelings of depression, trouble sleeping, low energy or fatigue, changes in weight or appetite, difficulty concentrating, agitation or anxiety and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

What Causes Seasonal Depression?

There is no clear cause for seasonal depression. However, it is widely believed that there are three main factors that can lead to seasonal depression. This includes changes in your biological clock caused by a decrease in sunlight. The reduced levels of sunlight during both fall and winter are then believed to result in a drop in serotonin levels in the brain. It can also cause changes in melatonin levels. This can disrupt sleep cycles and affect mood.

How Can I Reduce My Chances of Developing Seasonal Depression?

Much of modern Western medicine seems to focus on treating the symptoms of depression rather than the cause. (A sad result of big pharma.) This in turn leads to an endless cycle, riddled with side effects, and no real recovery. (Much like my struggle to find natural treatment options for fibromyalgia.) The good news is, you don’t have to take anti-depression drugs, such as SSRI’s which increase levels of serotonin in the brain, to manage your seasonal depression. In fact, it’s possible you can prevent your seasonal depression completely by taking steps to improve your gut health.

Rectifying my own gut health has been paramount in both my physical and emotional recovery. I spent a good part of my adult life struggling with depression. Now that I no longer struggle with depression like I used to, I am completely sold on treating health issues through nutrition as a first step.

The Gut-Brain Axis

It’s widely believed that the gut-brain axis has an impact on both our emotional health and physical health. Not only does the gut-brain axis help regulate our bodies, it also maintains homeostasis through the biochemical signaling that takes place between our gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. Additionally, the gut-brain axis also refers to the role that our gut flora plays in our bodies. This interplay is referred to the “microbiome–gut–brain axis” which explicitly includes the role of gut flora in the biochemical signaling events that take place between our gastrointestinal tract and our central nervous system. (Source.)

A diet that primarily consists of high fat/low fiber foods decreases the gut microbiome diversity in our bodies, disrupting the gut-brain axis. When this happens, our bodies become more vulnerable to physical illnesses. Recent studies have also indicated that poor gut health affects our emotional health as well. Therefore, not only does poor gut health cause depression, it can also lead to worsening depression. By eating a healthy diet that supports gut health, you can also help support your emotional well being.

How Probiotics Can Help

Probiotics offer an easy way to help improve and restore gut flora in our bodies and thus improve our gut health. These live microorganisms help to improve diversity and increase healthy gut bacteria. Probiotics are naturally found in fermented foods such as apple cider vinegar (with the mother) and kombucha. However, you can also purchase probiotics as an easy to take nutritional supplement in pill form.

Recent medical studies have offered compelling evidence that probiotics can also help alleviate depression. (Source.) Therefore, I highly recommend consuming probiotics to help prevent seasonal depression or to help improve symptoms.

When purchasing probiotics it’s important to buy probiotics that will survive the trip from your gut to the intestinal tract. So be sure to research any brands you’d like to try before making a purchase.

I personally recommend Love Bug Here’s The Skinny Daily Probiotics as they contain not only probiotics, but also prebiotics. Prebiotics are a natural fiber that feeds probiotics. Here’s The Skinny Daily Probiotics contain eight targeted strains of beneficial probiotics to help aid in digestion, reboot your metabolism, and elevate energy levels and mood. In addition, this product also combats unwanted digestive issues like bloating, constipation and leaky gut by rebalancing your microbiome with beneficial bacteria. Each tablet has 10 billion CFU and uses a patented time-release delivery technology, which protects the probiotics from stomach acid and releases them gradually, making them 15 times more effective than standard capsules.

You can save on your monthly purchase of Lovebug Here’s The Skinny Daily Probiotics by purchasing them from, one of my favorite online shops, Grove Collaborative.

What Are Other Ways I Tackle Seasonal Depression?

In addition to supplementing your diet with probiotics, there are also other natural ways that you can help prevent or improve your seasonal depression.

Adaptogens

You’ve probably been hearing a lot of buzz about adaptogens lately. Adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, ginseng, mushrooms, milk thistle, gotu kola and holy basil are believed to support overall health and wellness. They work as non-specific remedies that increase our bodies resistance to a broad spectrum of harmful factors of different physical, chemical and biological natures. They are also believed to help our bodies adapt and respond better to stress. By incorporating adaptogens into your daily diet you can further support your emotional health.

Adding a vitamin B complex along with ginseng to your daily supplements is a simple way to help boost energy to overcome fatigue and exhaustion caused by seasonal depression.

CBD oil is another example of an adaptogen. It has been shown to help support our mood, sleep, appetite and hormone regulation. In addition it can also reduce pain and boost immune response. Further studies have also indicated that CBD oil, in addition to helping with depression, also has numerous other medical indications including anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, cancer and chronic pain. My own personal experience with CBD oil is that it has greatly improved not just my fibromyalgia pain, but it has decreased my anxiety and improved my mood as well.

Exercise & Activity

Getting up and just doing something can be a challenge if you’re already depressed. However, by staying active prior to and during fall and winter, you can help prevent seasonal depression from taking hold. Studies have shown that by simply walking ten minutes a day outdoors, you can boost the levels of serotonin in your brain more so than if you were taking SSRI medication. While staying active does require a small commitment of your time, it will not only improve your mood but your physical health as well.

Get Creative

There are scores of studies that have shown that art has the power to heal. Not only is art a great way to express yourself – and a lot of fun! – it’s another natural alternative to big pharma medications. A powerful therapeutic tool, art and other creative activities have the ability to ease stress, anxiety and depression. Additionally, it can also aid with communication challenges and help stop cognitive decline.

What’s so great about creativity, is that you don’t need to possess a natural talent in order to express yourself through the things you create. Anyone can draw, paint or knit. And it’s a lot cheaper than therapy. So put together that photo album you’ve been putting off. Color a mandala or create a paper mobile. Anything that allows you to relax and have fun.

If you’re not sure where to start or the type of projects you’d like to do, give a DIY craft kit a try. Alternately, websites like Creativebug, offer many wonderful arts and crafts classes that you can access online from the comfort of your home. And, of course, you can also find a ton of great DIY ideas right here on Soap Deli News blog. From homemade soap recipes and bath and beauty DIY’s to DIY craft projects, a simple search will turn up years worth of inspirational projects and ideas.

As I create things for a living, one of my favorite ways to feel like I’m not working is to engage in group classes and projects with friends. Crafting with friends or in a class setting allows me the opportunity to make mistakes and just have fun. I also find that socializing is immensely helpful. So host a DIY nail polish night or a pumpkin painting party at your home. Or take a class at your local community center or art center. I guarantee you will feel better for having done so!

Have you ever suffered from seasonal depression? I’d love to hear your story. Feel free to share natural remedies or activities that helped you beat your seasonal depression in the comments below.

If you’d like to receive notification of new articles from Soap Deli News blog, be sure to follow me across all of your favorite social media platforms. You can find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’ and Instagram. Or, alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: adaptogens, depression, emotional health, gut health, health and wellness, mental health day, probiotics, seasonal depression

My Daily Supplement Regimen for Managing Fibromyalgia Naturally (Without Prescription Medications)

September 5, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

Learn how to naturally manage fibromyalgia symptoms with herbal supplements to prevent and reduce pain without prescription medications.

Life is a journey, as they say. However, if you live with a chronic illness, that illness is an entirely separate journey in itself. And like all journeys, this journey has turns we can never predict. Answers we might not ever find. It’s when you learn how to manage your chronic illness that you’re able to take the reins and curb your journey into more positive results.

Living with Fibromyalgia

Hi, my name is Rebecca. You can’t tell by looking at me, but I have a chronic illness. I have fibromyalgia.

While I have fibromyalgia, I consider myself lucky. My brother, Aaron, has lupus. His autoimmune disease, which attacks his organs, could kill him. Mine will not.

In the beginning, I had days where my pain was so excruciating I would have done almost anything to make the pain stop. And that is how my journey with fibromyalgia began. It started with unending pain that plateaued in the evening to become unbearable by nightfall. I remember waiting for hours in the emergency room hoping for answers. I didn’t want drugs. I wanted to know what was wrong with me. How could I fix it? What could I do to get my life back?

As part of my journey to relieve the pain, that there was no medical answer for, I discovered something else. That discovery was wellness.

For years I’d been plagued by gut issues that I never even realized were a problem. That is, until they were. So when I was diagnosed with fibro, I took the route my physician gave me. One that included pain killers, muscle relaxers and off-label use of anti-seizure drugs.

I didn’t get better. In fact, while the drugs offered relief while I was on them, my symptoms actually got worse. I also became addicted to the pain killers I was prescribed. So as they wore off, I’d have increasing pain in addition to symptoms of withdrawal. Not a fun combo.

Making Changes to Naturally Treat Fibromyalgia

So I came off of the drugs. (Which was not fun.) The aftermath including enduring several months of hell, but I did it. I followed the withdrawal (because I’m a F-ing masochist and went cold turkey) with steps to repair my gut health.

I learned to love kombucha and developed a taste for apple cider vinegar. I started eating things that had been pickled and fermented. I added superfoods to my diet and dark, leafy vegetables. Overall, I treated my fibromyalgia like something else entirely. I approached my illness the way a nutritionist would and I treated it like leaky gut syndrome.

As part of my process there was a lot of trial and error. I discovered that switching to an aluminum free, natural deodorant really made a difference. I learned that processed foods made me sluggish and left me in a fog. I found out that stress triggered a physical response that caused my brain to respond with pain. I also learned that hormone changes suck extra hard if you have fibro.

Once I improved my gut health, I started trying different supplements to manage the remaining symptoms. The following supplements are the ones I finally settled on to treat and prevent the symptoms of my fibromyalgia, drug free, and that I am still currently taking.

Natural Supplements for Managing Fibromyalgia Symptoms

New Chapter Zyflamend Whole Body

Packed with inflammation busting ingredients like turmeric and ginger, this natural whole body supplement also contains skullcap which I’ve found not only helps to calm anxiety, but overactive muscles as well. This proprietary 10-herb blend is 100% vegetarian and non-GMO certified and also contains other wellness boosters from around the world including Chinese Goldthread, Hu Zhang, barberry, oregano, rosemary, green tea and holy basil. (Where to buy it.)

Lovebug Here’s the Skinny Daily Probiotic

In addition to pain, fibro makes you SOOO tired. This probiotic – and I’ve tried a LOT of them – not only helps keep my gut in check, but it also helps with energy levels. Like most probiotics, Here’s the Skinny works to improve your digestive health.

It contains 8 targeted probiotic strains that work in tandem to aid with digestion, work to reboot your metabolism and help to elevate energy levels and mood. While this helps to combat unwanted digestive issues like bloating, constipation and leaky gut, Here’s the Skinny also includes prebiotics – a natural fiber that feeds the probiotics! (Where to buy it.)

Ancient Apothecary Fermented Multi Mushroom Complex

Packed with powerful adaptogens, this mushroom complex helps to boost your body’s immune defense and fight the effects of stress and anxiety. It also helps to naturally increase increase energy levels, reduce fatigue and promote a healthy mood.

This full-spectrum fermented mushroom complex contains Turkey Tail, Reishi, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Maitake mushrooms in addition to a fermented warming botanical blend (that includes ginger and black pepper,) organic ashwagandha extract and an organic fermented bitter botanical blend (with milk thistle and dandelion.) (Where to buy it.)

Hemp Fusion Stress Full-Spectrum Phytocomplex

Like the fermented mushroom complex, this hemp based supplement also contains ashwagandha extract which helps to promote a healthy stress response. HempFusion Stress features Sensoril™, a clinically studied and patented form of Ashwagandha, which has been demonstrated to possess potent stress-reducing and mood supporting properties.

This natural supplement also contains a unique full-spectrum phytocomplex oil extracted from nutritional hemp, black pepper fruit and clove oil for those seeking occasional stress support in addition to daily Endocannabinoid System support. (Where to buy it.)

Thrive Market Vitamin B-Complex Food Cultured

Another natural energy booster, this B-Complex is a group of eight essential vitamins designed to help your body convert the food you eat into energy. Sourced and cultured from whole food ingredients like organic spinach and turmeric, along with other specialized blends, this supplement also contains ginseng to help get your body moving without that extra cup of coffee. (Where to buy it.)

Nature’s Bounty Vitamin D3 25 mcg (1000 IU Rapid Release Soft Gels)

Vitamin D is a MUST for anyone with fibromyalgia as well as women over 40. When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia I had extremely low levels of vitamin D which caused worsening pain symptoms. Maintaining the levels of vitamin D in your body not only helps to reduce severity of fibro pain, it also supports a strong immune system and healthy bones. (Where to buy it.)

Charlotte’s Web Hemp Capsules +Plus 35 mg

Charlotte’s Web is one of the oldest and most trusted brands to create product that harness the wellness benefits of CBD and phytocannabinoids. When used daily, I have lower stress levels, reduced anxiety and zero back pain (from tension) upon waking each morning. It also helps with focus and concentration.

I’ve tried various brands of CBD and I’ve always come back to Charlotte’s Web as my fibromyalgia responds best to this brand’s formula. I also love that this is a capsule rather than an oil. I take 1-2 capsules per day depending on my pain level and find this works best when taken on a daily basis. (Where to buy it.)

When experiencing significant pain levels, I really like Flower Child’s CBD 1400 tincture which contains 47 mg of CBD. (I recommend sticking to the peppermint.) I also highly recommend their CBG oil. CBG oil increases my focus and clarity (bye-bye fibro fog) and helps to reduce my muscle contractions that accompany the fibromyalgia. You can use coupon code: ref0716498 for $10 off a $30 purchase. (Where to buy it.) Alternately I also like the CBD oil infused MCT oil available from Spark Naturals. Like Flower Child they also offer a sample size.

Nature’s Bounty Magnesium 500 mg

This gluten free magnesium supplement works well in combination with a vitamin B complex at helping to prevent my visual migraines. It also supports bone and muscle health, while maintaining bone mineralization, and helps to keep my pain levels at a minimum. (Where to buy it.)

Gaia Herbs Mental Alertness

Fibro fog straight up sucks. While it’s nothing like dealing with pain, it stills affects my life, and more importantly, my work. This supplement works wonders at conquering my fibro fog. I can literally sit down and write for hours when I take this without having to stand and pace every 5-10 minutes to gather my thoughts.

Formulated with plant-based antioxidants to help support the integrity of vessels that deliver blood to the brain, this organic supplement also enhances cognitive functions with concentrated herbal extracts that support memory, concentration and clear thought. (Where to buy it.)

Due to the high cost of natural supplements, I try to save money where I can. Therefore I purchase all of these supplements through Thrive Market with the exception of the probiotics, which I purchase from Grove Co., and the vitamin D & magnesium which I procure locally.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that just because something works for me, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work the same way for you. Everyones body and response to treatments can vary. However, my hope is, that you are able to use the information I’ve provided to help forge your own path to wellness.

Just remember, when you cut corners on a project or a job, that project suffers. The same goes for your health. So don’t forget to stay active and practice self care on a daily basis in addition to addressing your body’s nutritional needs!

Explore More Health And Wellness Options

If you found the information in this post helpful, then you may also be interested in these other health and wellness articles.

Like my pill box? You can buy it here.

If you’d like to receive notification of new articles from Soap Deli News blog, be sure to follow me across all of your favorite social media platforms. You can find me on G+, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram. Or, alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

This article is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice and is provided for informational purposes only. Information on products mentioned are based on my own personal experience and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult a physician prior to making any changes that may impact your health.

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: cbd oil, fibromyalgia, health and wellness, healthy, herbal supplements, nutrition, pain remedy, probiotics, vitamins

Limoncello & Violette Spritzer Recipe with Healthy Probiotics

April 2, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

This limoncello & violette spritzer recipe is the perfect cocktail for your spring brunch! Not only does it blend bright spring flavors into a refreshing drink, it also contains the same natural probiotics that you find in raw apple cider vinegar.

Truth be told, this cocktail recipe came out of my desire to find a way to use up the leftover Liqueur de Violette from a long ago party and limoncello. So I took a peek at similar cocktail recipes that were already out there and gave them my own twist with two of my favorite cocktail ingredients – vodka and drinking vinegar.

While I’m a huge fan of Pok Pok Som drinking vinegar, I chose to use Vermont Village Sipping Vinegar for my Limoncello & Violette Spritzer recipe instead. Not only is Vermont Village Sipping Vinegar available in smaller quantities (and at a better price point when purchasing from Thrive Market which is how I save on natural and organic products) but they are also sugar free.

I chose to use their blueberry & honey sipping vinegar which simply contains blueberry, honey and raw apple cider vinegar. This is also the one and only EVER sipping vinegar that my roommate will drink.

While she agrees with me that this sipping vinegar is quite delicious, especially in the craft cocktails I make up in our kitchen, she will still only drink it while holding her breath so as not to smell the vinegar. With that said, I’m quite sure half of you are nodding your heads in agreement and the other half are laughing your tooshies off.

Either way, if you’d like to give my Limoncello & Violette Spritzer a try, here’s how to make it…

Limoncello & Violette Spritzer Recipe

Ingredients:

1 oz. vodka
.5 oz. limoncello
.5 oz. liqueur de violette
2 oz. prosecco
1 oz. Vermont Village Blueberry & Honey Sipping Vinegar
1.5 oz. club soda

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and stir. Then pour over ice into a cocktail glass and enjoy! (I’m currently crushing on these Luminarc® 9oz Lowball Glasses available at Target.)

More Cocktail Recipes to Try

If you like my Limoncello & Violette Spritzer Recipe, then you may also enjoy some of these other cocktail recipes.

You can also check out my Cocktail Recipes Pinterest Board. Or learn how to make your own homemade cocktail bitters. (It’s a lot easier than you might think!)

For more great recipes and DIY ideas, be sure to follow Soap Deli News across all of your favorite social media platforms!

You can find me on Pinterest, G+, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram as well as subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Food Recipes, Lifestyle, Party Ideas Tagged With: adult drink recipe, cocktail, drink recipe, drinking vinegar, party ideas, probiotics, recipes, spritzer

Sensitive Skin Deodorant Recipe with Natural Probiotics

March 19, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

If you’ve been on the fence about switching to a natural deodorant, then you must try this sensitive skin deodorant recipe! Free of irritating baking soda, this all natural deodorant works hard at fighting odors without leaving you with an angry red rash.

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of your vanity for your health. Giving up antiperspirant was a huge challenge for me. I didn’t want to stink. Yet at the same time, I also didn’t want to sweat. The thing is though, we’re supposed to sweat. And clogging up your pores with sketchy ingredients and chemicals can be highly detrimental to your health – especially if you already have health issues.

I’m pretty sure that my quest for better health would have taken me a lot longer to start had it not been for the fibro. Chronic pain has a way of forcing you to search for answers that modern medicine seems to only want to treat the symptoms. The better option, I’ve found, is to start by first rooting out the underlying cause.

As a result of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I took the initiative to dig up alternative information to take charge of my health after I realized the medications I was being prescribed were actually making me more sensitive to pain over time. My goal was to completely come off the daily medications that did more harm than good.

Through my journey for answers I learned how to improve my gut health and eat better. These things in tandem with reducing stress, changing emotional responses and purging unhealthy skin care products from my life made all the difference.

So now I sweat. And I’m ok with that. Because not only am I conquering my health goals, I’m conquering life. Are you ready to join me on this journey?

If switching to a natural deodorant sounds good to you, but you aren’t yet ready to dive into the whole DIY thing, then I highly recommend Schmidt’s Sensitive Skin Deodorant. I use their deodorant if I run out of my own deodorant that I make myself.

It works really well and definitely a lot better than other natural brands I’ve tried. I also like that Schmidt’s Sensitive Skin Deodorant has magnesium hydroxide as the first ingredient. (I purchase mine from Thrive Market for the great prices. If you’ve never shopped with Thrive Market you can get 25% off your first purchase when you sign up.)

Otherwise, you’ll find my natural sensitive skin deodorant recipe below. Crafted using magnesium hydroxide for its deodorizing properties, my sensitive skin deodorant recipe also contains arrowroot powder and Fuller’s Earth clay to help absorb excess wetness. The addition of probiotics then additionally helps to destroy odors caused by bad bacteria by contributing to the biodiversity and strength of your skin microbiome.

Sensitive Skin Deodorant Recipe

Ingredients:

5 oz. magnesium hydroxide
4 oz. arrowroot powder
1 oz. Fuller’s Earth clay
2 oz. refined & deodorized cocoa butter
2.5 oz. fractionated coconut oil
.5 oz. refined shea butter
1/2 teaspoon beeswax pastilles (or 1/4 teaspoon candelilla wax)
3 capsules shelf stable probiotics
.15 oz. essential oil of choice

Instructions:

You’ll need a digital scale to weigh all of the ingredients for my sensitive skin deodorant recipe, except for the beeswax pastilles and probiotics. You will need a teaspoon measuring spoon to measure out the wax. For the probiotics, simply cut open three capsules and use the probiotics inside.

Begin by weighing out the cocoa butter and shea butter into a large glass Pyrex measuring cup or glass bowl.

Next, measure out a level teaspoon of the beeswax pastilles and add it to your container. Melt these ingredients either in a microwave at 30% power or a double boiler until melted.

Once melted, weigh out the fractionated coconut oil. Stir the fractionated coconut oil into the melted butters and wax. (If needed, you can gently heat the deodorant mixture again then mix well to combine.)

While the deodorant mixture is still hot, weigh out and stir in the arrowroot powder, Fuller’s Earth clay and magnesium hydroxide. Mix well to combine.

Follow with the essential oil, if using, and stir it into the deodorant mixture until thoroughly incorporated.

Finally, pour your sensitive skin deodorant into your desired containers of choice. You can use either empty deodorant containers or jars. Once the deodorant sets up, it’s ready to use!

If you’d like to try some of my other natural deodorant recipes, you can find my entire collection of deodorant recipes here. You may also enjoy my collection of witch hazel skin care recipes.

For more of my beauty and skin care recipes, be sure to follow Soap Deli News across all of your favorite social media platforms! You can find and follow me G+, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram as well as subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

And, if you make homemade soaps or bath & body products, I’d love to see them! Simply add the hashtag #soapdelishowoff to your instagram posts!

Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes, Lifestyle Tagged With: coconut oil, crafts, deodorant, deodorant recipe, deodorant stick, diy, essential oils, health, health and wellness, natural, probiotics, wellness

Boost Your Immune System Naturally with 5 Must Have Products!

January 25, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

There are a number of ways to boost your immune system naturally before you get sick. With a deadly flu going around, not to mention all the other illnesses we’re more likely to acquire when our body is worn down, you really don’t want to take chances.

Boosting your body’s immunity however does more than just help deter illnesses. It can also help your body respond better to stress as well as lead to a more restful night’s sleep. And as a busy mom or a career driven rockstar, those are both things we can all use. I know I can.

So whether the kids are bringing home germs from school, your coworkers are passing a bug around the office or you’re simply feeling puny, here are five easy ways you can boost your immune system naturally for overall wellness.

How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally (5 Products to Buy Right Now!)

1. Mushrooms, Turmeric + Astragalus

I have two herbal supplements that I take daily to help boost my immunity. The first is Gaia Herbs Mushroom + Herbs Everyday Immune which contains a potent combination of mushrooms (Maitake, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps) and herbs like turmeric and astragalus that have been seen to work at the cellular level.

About Chaga Mushrooms

The Chaga mushroom is commonly found on Birch trees throughout the colder climates of the Northern hemisphere. Historically consumed for centuries in the East as a tea, this powerful antioxidant rich mushroom is rich in Beta-D-Glucans which help to balance the body’s immune system response. Additionally, Chaga is also used to supports the body’s response to modern cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, by compensating for the negative side effects.

In addition, it’s also believe that Chaga can soothe pain associated with neuropathy and diabetes. As such this herbal supplement has been a key component in my overall health as someone who has struggled with fibromyalgia.

Other health benefits include its support for healthy blood pressure and cholesterol – Chaga is able to break down LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol in the bloodstream – as well as offering support for gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers.

About Turmeric

Turmeric, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, contains curcumin which is also believed to have anticancer properties. There have been over 2000 studies and a phase 1 cancer trial in the UK that have shown curcumin can help to prevent several forms of cancer including breast, lung, stomach, liver, and colon cancer.

About Astragalus

Astragalus, a perennial flowering plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine as an adaptogen, also aids in fighting off stress and disease. Continuing research suggests that astragalus boosts immunity, acts as an anti-inflammatory, aids in the proper regulation of insulation and related illnesses, can slow tumor growth and protects the cardiovascular system.

2. Ashwagandha Root

The other herbal supplement that I take daily is Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root. Ashwagandha root, like astragalus, is another adaptogenic herb. It helps to nourish and restore optimal nervous and immune system health by normalizing mood, energy levels, and overall immune function.

For me, ashwagandha root helps immensely with my physical response to anxiety. Additionally, in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is used for its “grounding” properties for those with a high Vata as it aids in calming the mind and promoting restful sleep.

Further, this highly nutritional herb assists in maintaining proper body nourishment while also supporting proper function of the adrenals. Ashwagandha is especially beneficial to seniors in need of a nourishing, natural source of energy.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are another easy, natural way to boost your immune system naturally. A must for a healthy gut, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that aid a healthy digestive system.

Studies show that probiotics can help with issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and both infectious and antibiotic related diarrhea. While others have also experienced relief from skin conditions such as eczema.

Additional benefits include improved oral, vaginal and urinary health. And of course, for many people, probiotics also aid in the prevention of allergies and colds.

Because I need a healthy multi-vitamin I can trust in addition to probiotics, I take Garden of Life’s Vitamin Code Women’s Multivitamin. This product contains a blend of a raw organic fruits & vegetables, a raw probiotic & enzyme blend and a raw antioxidant & immune support complex. Additional ingredients include vitamins that support breast health, a woman’s reproductive system and bone strength.

Purchase these herbal supplements and other natural food & health products at substantial savings from Thrive Market and get 25% off your first order!

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Drinking raw apple cider vinegar daily, either as a shot or as part of a tonic, is another great way to boost your immune system naturally. You know the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, because raw apple cider isn’t pasteurized and still contains the “mother” it maintains many of the same nutritional benefits as the unfermented fruit. When apples are then fermented to produce apple cider vinegar, it produces a number of beneficial enzymes including natural probiotics that boost your overall wellness and immunity.

Additionally, raw apple cider is also rich in malic acid. Malic acid is naturally anti-viral and therefore it can help to prevent colds caused by viruses as well as hasten your recovery should you get sick.

Apple cider vinegar further aids in digestion, can help you to maintain a healthy weight, assists in regulating blood sugar and can even lower blood pressure. All of these things promote good health and can make your body more able to fend off illnesses.

I am a huge fan of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. Not only has this brand been around for a really long time, but you can also find it easily at most grocery and health food stores as well as online. Further, there is also a holistic book published by Melissa Bragg called Apple Cider Vinegar: Miracle Health System that help you get the most out of this superfood.

Make my inflammation busting, immunity boosting turmeric, ginger & apple cider vinegar tonic recipe as part of your daily diet!

5. Essential Oils

Aromatherapeutic use of essential oils are another way to boost your immune system naturally. In addition to managing stress, getting sufficient rest and maintaining proper nutrition, essential oils can also help to protect your body from germs.

Not only can you use essential oils to ease stress and calm your mind through aromatherapy, but certain essential oils also have strong antiviral and antibiotic properties. When using these essential oils with a diffuser, they can help to combat the airborne spread of germs. Some of these essential oils include clove, eucalyptus, frankincense, lemon, oregano and peppermint.

I also especially like Spark Naturals Shield essential oil blend for this purpose. This natural essential oil blend is created from a combination of blend of clove, cinnamon bark, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils. Inspired by grave robbers during the plague in 15th century England, this blend was historically believed to protect them from illness when robbing dead plague victims.

Want to explore more essential oils and save money? Join Spark Naturals Oil of the Month Club with no contracts + skip a month any time!

In addition to these five ways to boost your immune system naturally, I also have a collection of natural ways to fight colds and flu. You can find that information here. You may also be interested in my Natural Home Remedies + Herbal Health Care Pinterest board.

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Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Lifestyle, Shopping Tagged With: apple cider vinegar, aromatherapy, essential oils, health, health and wellness, herbs, home remedy, mushrooms, natural, probiotics, self care, shopping, turmeric, vitamins