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Salt mineral therapy - can be a breath of fresh air

by Jelena Savic, B.Nat

Living in an industrialised society, we are continually exposed to pollutants and irritants that can cause allergies and respiratory problems.

Salt mineral therapy has long been used as a conventional treatment throughout Europe and is now booming worldwide.

What is salt mineral therapy?
Salt mineral therapy – also known as speleotherapy - is the practice of inhaling air from salt mine caves. It was first established in the 19th century when Felix Bochkovsky, a Polish physician, noted that salt miners seldom suffered from respiratory ailments. It has since been used throughout Europe to help treat various respiratory disorders and skin ailments.

Suitable for both adults and children as young as four months, this form of therapy can offer a safe and effective treatment on its own or as a complementary addition.

Salt cave spas
Modelled on Europe’s natural salt caves and caverns - offer a 100% natural, drug-free and non-invasive form of therapy. In Australia, the unique rock salts are imported and kept in prime condition through controlled atmospheric regulation. Salt cave rooms hold a bacteria-free atmosphere and can help to optimise respiratory cellular function and immune system enhancement.

Now booming worldwide, these salt cave spas can be beneficial for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis and colds.

Naturally formed rock salt caverns are made from the evaporation of sea water and contain numerous minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iodine, selenium, chlorine, bromine, and sulphur.

Effect on the respiratory system
The microscopic salt molecules are easily inhaled and travel through the sinuses and respiratory system absorbing moisture, cleansing, clearing mucus, reducing inflammation and killing bacteria along the way.

These elemental ions also restore the body’s ionic balance and form ionic bonds with contaminants which are transferred to mucus and phlegm and subsequently discharged from the body.

Does it work?
Clinical trials have focused on salt mineral therapy as a treatment for both acute and chronic respiratory issues, and are considered effective for a range of upper and lower respiratory tract diseases.

Resource: healthylife.net.au

Personal care without the "Nasties"

Here are some common customer questions why we should choose natural skin and hair care products:

Healthy Life’s own brand product delivers the promise to be quality controlled and more importantly that each product is indeed a natural alternative option that can be used by anyone in the family.

Q: Love the name Natural Alternative – can you tell us about the Natural Alternative products within the personal care range?
A: The personal care range includes nine individual products including shampoo, conditioner, body moisturiser, shower gel, hand wash, face cleansing gel, face moisturising cream and paw paw ointment. We also have soap bars including Lemon Myrtle, Sandalwood, Goat’s Milk and Pink Grapefruit… and each product is SLS, SLES, PEG and PARABEN FREE.

Q: Can you explain a bit more about the terms SLS, SLES, PEG and PARABEN FREE and what each means?
A: Let’s start with SURFACTANTS. All soaps and detergents need a surfactant to be effective (surfactants basically facilitate water’s ability to do its dirt-removing job). Many surfactants found in conventional 
shampoos–such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate 
(SLES), and cocamide DEA - come with environmental and human health concerns. Some natural shampoos use these questionable surfactants as well, but at Healthy Life, we have chosen not to include them in the range.

To extend shelf life, shampoos typically contain preservatives, such as PARABENS, benzyl alcohol, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazonlinone which act as preservatives. They stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in your favourite creams and makeup, especially in the moist, warm environment of a bathroom.

PEGS are groovy little devices you use to hang out your washing, but they are also very ubiquitous cosmetics chemicals. PEGs are also polymer derivatives (PEG is the abbreviation) that are used in cosmetics as emollients (to soften the skin), and emulsifiers (which facilitate the mixing of oil - and water-based ingredients). The main thing to be concerned about with the use of PEGs is their ability to enhance penetration of other ingredients more deeply into the skin, which is a worry if you use products that contain lots of nasties, like parabens and phthalates. PEGS may also upset the moisture balance of the skin and that they are often contaminated with a bunch of toxic impurities

That’s why at Healthy Life we produce Natural Alternative products to ensure that our customers have a Healthy Alternative that are also free from animal testing, chemical free with no artificial fragrances and colouring and of course we make sure that the packaging is environmentally friendly too.

At Healthy Life, we understand the importance of affordable, quality controlled and natural products so we research suppliers and make sure that what we offer our clients tick both boxes to be the best products available and at the best possible price.

Resource: healthylife.net.au

Paleo Please

WHAT IS PALEO?
The Paleo way of eating is based upon every day, modern foods that mimic the food groups of our pre-argicultural, hunter-gatherer ancestors.
There are seven fundamental characteristics to optimise your health, minimise your risk of chronic disease, and lose weight.

HEALTHY LIFE ON THE NEWS
Our Dubbo store owner Mike Parish chatting about the benefits of the paleo diet.

BENEFITS OF PALEO
+ Lose weight
+ Improve athletic performance
+ Improve acne (or eliminate)
+ Sleep better
+ Gain more energy
+ Enjoy an increased libido
+ Improve your mental outlook and clarity

Resource: healthylife.net.au

Organic and inorganic Minerals - what’s the difference?

by Peita Handel, BSc, Ad. Dip. (Herbal Medicine)

We often think of ‘organic’ in terms of chemical and hormone-free produce. But when we talk about minerals, the term organic relates to the type of molecule it’s bound to.

These ‘extra’ molecules are needed because minerals are not simply absorbed on their own, they need another molecule to help them get into and around the body. The type of molecule bound to your mineral affects how it is absorbed and utilised by your body.

Mineral supplements, why bother in the first place? 
Because we often just don’t get enough. For example, many Australian adults consume less than the average recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) for both zinc and magnesium. You are at particular risk of not meeting your mineral needs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, female over 65, vegetarian, vegan or an athlete.

Key minerals that your body needs:• Magnesium: nerve and muscle function, bone health, carbohydrate metabolism, energy production, blood glucose regulation, cardiovascular health

• Calcium: bone mineralisation, density and strength, dental health, premenstrual syndrome, nerve and muscle function

• Zinc: healthy immune function, reproductive health, healthy hair, skin and nails, wound healing, digestive function, vision, hearing, sense of taste and smell

• Iron: tissue oxygenation, energy production, immune function, connective tissue health, cardiovascular health

When you consider magnesium is needed for over 500 enzyme reactions in your body, you can see why getting enough of this mineral is so important. Where it gets tricky is knowing what to look for when faced with shelves displaying a range of different compounds for similar sounding products. There might well be a dozen different types of magnesium supplement, but what is the difference?

The main differentiating factor is whether a compound is organic or inorganic. Understanding this is key when choosing a mineral supplement that delivers, because not all are created equal.

So what is an organic mineral? 
An organic mineral is a compound containing organic food-based acids, such as amino acids and citric acid. For example, calcium bound to the amino acid glycinate forms the organic compound calcium glycinate.

Mineral supplements often contain inorganic (rock-based) minerals as these are cheaper to produce. Calcium bound to phosphate makes calcium phosphate, which has different properties to its organic counterpart.

Inorganic minerals are difficult to absorb 
Put basically, molecules are more stable when holding hands with a buddy. A free unbound mineral will wander looking for something with the opposite charge to grab onto to.

Inorganic compounds are broken down by your body very quickly and dissociate more readily, and this leaves the unbound mineral in a more reactive and less stable state.

It can then interact in your digestive system in the following ways:

• Bind to other compounds – unbound minerals bind with other molecules such as phytates found in nuts, grains and some vegetables. They form a new compound and this traps the mineral from absorption and utilisation by your body.

• Irritate the gut – unbound minerals can also interact and irritate with the lining of your digestive system and this sometimes causes a laxative effect or diarrhoea.

Organic minerals are generally absorbed better 
Organic minerals break down more slowly, and this increases their stability. A mineral that remains bound for longer is less reactive and goes where it is meant to, offering two main benefits:

• Higher bioavailability – organic mineral compounds can travel along the gut without getting trapped by other compounds.

• Decreased gut irritation – a bound mineral is less reactive and so less likely to irritate the gut lining like freed minerals can.

If your mineral is bound to glycinate, citrate or aspartate it’s an organic mineral supplement and is more likely to be well absorbed and used by your body.

MINERAL COMPOUNDS TO AVOID

Inorganic Minerals - Difficult to absorb

• Calcium carbonate

• Calcium phosphate

• Iron sulphate

• Magnesium carbonate

• Magnesium oxide

• Magnesium phosphate

• Magnesium sulphate

• Zinc sulphate

MINERAL COMPOUNDS TO LOOK FOR

Organic Minerals - Well absorbed

• Calcium citrate

• Calcium glycinate

• Iron glycinate

• Magnesium amino acid chelate

• Magnesium aspartate

• Magnesium citrate

• Magnesium glycinate

• Zinc glycinate

Resource: healthylife.net.au

Oral Health - Who would have thought that the condition of our mouths is the key to our health?

by Natalie Santalucia, Nutritionist

We know that what we put into our bodies determines our health, but did you know that good oral health is important to maintain overall body health? In particular disease-free gums are necessary for overall body health.

Many studies show the increased risk of poor oral hygiene habits and link poor oral health to cardiovascular disease, heart disease and stroke. As well as type 2 diabetes and digestive disorders such as IBS and bowel inflammation.

Bacteria occurs naturally in our mouths but poses a problem when we don’t remove food remnants after we eat. This can lead to a build-up of plaque (a coating of sugar, bacteria and mouth debris) which sticks to teeth and creates acids that dissolve the calcium in our teeth allowing decay to set in. If the plaque continues to grow it disrupts the gum line which increases the risk of bacterial infection and leads to gingivitis with sore, red, swollen bleeding gums. As well as being the early stage of periodontal disease and possible tooth loss, this poses a risk to bodily health because bacteria can enter through the damaged gums into our bloodstream. The resulting inflammation in the blood vessels increases the likelihood of clots causing a stroke or heart attack.

What to eat to maintain strong healthy teeth and gums 
Eat a high-fibre diet rich in fresh whole foods, in as close to their natural state as possible, preferably organic. Crunching on raw vegetables and fruits like carrots and apples exercises the jaw, produces saliva to keep the teeth clean and aids digestion and most importantly provides the vitamins and minerals needed for strong teeth.

Bone broths are supportive to re-mineralise teeth. Think soups and stews and slow cooker meals that include meat on the bone. Eating the bones of fish such as sardines, mackerel and anchovies is also beneficial.

Instead of sugar, use Xylitol sweetener (natural sugar from corn and birch trees) as it prevents tooth decay.

Chewing gum after meals is beneficial to produce saliva to protect teeth. Just make sure you choose a brand that doesn’t contain aspartame (code 950, 951). Xylitol sweetened chewing gums are available in your health food shop.

Oil Pulling or Kavala Gandoosha 
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practise of oral cleansing to reduce mouth bacteria, prevent cavities and oral disease and whiten teeth. It’s also claimed to aid sinusitis, headache, jaw and neck pain and eliminate disease in the body.

Using coconut oil for this practice is particularly recommended due to its antibacterial and cleansing properties .

Traditionally, this is done first thing in the morning for about 20 minutes, though even a couple of minutes is beneficial. It can also be done after breakfast or as a mouth wash prior to brushing.

Tongue scraping 
Another tradition that is helpful in eliminating harmful bacteria is tongue scraping. After brushing simply take a dedicated teaspoon and gently scrape down the length of the tongue several times to remove toothpaste build up and bacteria. Rinse thoroughly.

Whiten teeth naturally

• Strawberries eaten and rubbed on teeth can remove stains due to the malic acid, though take care as this can erode the tooth enamel

• Banana skin rubbed on teeth is said to whiten teeth over time

• Baking soda can clean and whiten teeth but as it is a little abrasive do brush gently or reserve as a special once a week ritual

• Lemon juice and vinegar again may clean teeth but can damage enamel

Remember also that what we say contributes to our oral health, so speak words of loving kindness and definitely smile often.

Resource: healthylife.net.au

Optimum health at any age

Each one of us is unique, and the ageing process will touch us in different ways.
In general, to be the healthiest you can be at any age, you will need to understand the ways your body may change. You also need to keep up with a few routine preventive health screenings and integrate beneficial habits into your life. Try thinking that our day-to-day health is like the weather…. sunny days or passing storms come and go and so too do colds, sniffles, aches and pains, pimples or blisters. Our overall health, though, is more like the climate. It's an accumulation of lots of different factors - genetics, chance, and the lifestyle choices we make - which ultimately has more impact on our lives. Time passes, so make the most of the time you have, no matter what your age by embracing each stage. Here are some tips for the time in your life.

IN YOUR 20S - You’ll be drinking from the fountain of youth but what you may not realise is that this is the best time to plan your anti-ageing regime. Start practicing good habits so that they become long term habits. The first step is by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you against ageing caused by the sun's UV rays. Makeup can cover up a lot of imperfections, but a healthy glow comes from a diet packed with antioxidants such as berries, fresh fruit, vegetables and dark chocolate. Avoid smoking at all costs. It restricts the blood supply to the skin, making ageing more obvious, and each time you inhale, you're causing wrinkles around your lips. Remember to stay active. Exercise increases the blood supply to your skin, making it healthier.

IN YOUR 30S - This is a busy decade so it’s important to maintain good health habits through preventive health care. Many women begin to gain a few pounds as their metabolism slows. It's important to have an exercise program that includes aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, or swimming and eat a well-balanced diet, low in saturated fats, full of fruit and vegetables and light on processed and junk foods. You may lose more bone than you produce which may heighten your risk of osteoporosis so balance bone loss by doing weight-bearing exercises and a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and folic acid. It’s also the time when your career might take off, you might be having kids and a marriage so striking a work-home life balance is critical in your life.

IN YOUR 40S - This is the decade of the dreaded hormonal shift when you start to see the changes in your skin as well as your body. Skin may start to thin out, lose its elasticity and retain less moisture. Ageing skin benefits greatly from primers because the primer fills in the fine lines and wrinkles, which in turn fills in the area and plumps the skin, leaving fewer wrinkles and crevices for makeup to last longer. Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your skin and body. Combat slowing metabolism with weight bearing exercise: boost calcium and vitamin D for muscle, bone density and menopausal symptoms: Maintain mental health with brain exercises and social inter-action and enhance your changing dietary habits with good quality vitamins and supplements.

IN YOUR 50S - Many women enjoy this special time of life and feel renewed. Your children are probably grown and now you have more time to devote to your own interests. Consider adjusting your caloric intake as your metabolism continues to slow. Make an effort to get essential fatty acids to keep your brain sharp. Eat colourful fruits and vegetables; the carotenoids and other pigments help to fight oxidative stress and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Try anti-inflammatory supplements such as fish oil, turmeric, glucosamine. Thinning or damaged hair, brittle nails or poor skin conditions may be an indication of poor nutritional status - supplements can provide nutrients to support hair, skin and nail health.

IN YOUR 60S - Don’t even think about retiring from the skin care game, it’s as important to take care of your skin now as it ever was. Serums and facials oils help brighten the skin on the outside while fish oil capsules help nourish from the inside. Being 60 or over should be a time when you find your second wind as older people are more engaged than ever. Staying active is a way to help maintain brain health and overall physical function. Compensate for decreased digestive function and absorption by supplementing with digestive enzymes and multi vitamins. Some people in their 60s find that their appetite declines so try packing more nutrients into smaller meals. Stay strong with weight bearing exercises to maintain bone density and incorporate social activities into daily life with community and friends.

Resource: healthylife.net.au