Friday, April 12, 2013

The Benefits of Himalayan Salt!

Greetings wellness lovers! 

Today I wanted to share with you the benefits of Himalayan salt! If you are like me, you probably heard that 'salt was bad' and may have even tried a low-salt diet for many years. However, like many other things I have been learning lately... ;) the truth is actually different than what we've been told.





Despite the fact that so-called "nutritional experts" and government regulators have given salt a bad rap for decades, scientific studies have not been able to prove that low-sodium diets are beneficial. In fact, they actually have been showing the opposite.

Salt is actually an essential nutrient, and was valued as gold among early African and European explorers. However, it is important to realize the difference between natural salt and processed salt. (For more info on the difference, I highly recommend reading this article by Dr. Mercola.)

But what about the DASH Diet for reducing hypertension? You may be wondering... Well, something interesting about that diet is that yes, while it is low in sodium, and has been used to lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, it is also low in sugar. Dr. Mercola explains how salt has actually been getting the blame for the effects of sugar here.

So what is Himalayan salt?

Himalayan salt aka "white gold" contains 84 natural elements and minerals found in the human body, inlcuding iodine, and is considered to be the purest form of salt on the planet. It is millions of years old and is mined deep from within the Himalayas, where it's been protected from contaminants of the modern world. 

The Benefits of Himalayan Salt:

  • Regulates the water levels within the body for proper functioning
  • Promotes stable pH balance in the cells, including brain cells
  • Encourages excellent blood sugar health
  • Aides in reducing the common signs of aging
  • Promotes the increased absorption capacities of food elements within the intestinal tract
  • Aides vascular health
  • Supports healthy respiratory function
  • Lowers incidence of sinus problems, promoting over-all sinus health
  • Reduces muscle cramps
  • Increases bone strength
  • Naturally promotes healthy sleep patterns
  • Creates a healthy libido
  • In combination with water, it is necessary for blood pressure regulation
  • Prevents cellulite, when compared to table salt
  • Reduces chances of developing rheumatism, arthritis and gout, when compared to common chemically-treated salt
  • Reduces chances of developing kidney and gall bladder stones when compared to common chemically-treated salt
Pretty awesome, right?!

I hope you have a great day! And happy Friday!!

xoxo,
Ashley

Sources:
Dr. Mercola "Avoiding This 'Forbidden Food' Could Make You Moody"
Dr. Mercola "Add this Seasoning to Your Food Daily, Despite what Your Doctor Says"
Natural News "Why Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt is so much better for your health than processed table salt"
The Global Healing Center "The Benefits of Himalayan Salt"

Monday, April 1, 2013

Spring Detox Guide Review

Greetings wellness lovers!

I hope you had a happy Easter! Hopefully you were able to enjoy the spring weekend in the company of family and friends. :)

If you indulged a little more than you should have, then you may be interested in completing a cleanse to jump-start your system and get you back on track!

Just yesterday, I learned about a new detox guide for spring, created by my nutrition school, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.


Since I am always very interested in new ways to renew my health and overall well-being by using healthy foods and lifestyle changes, I figured you just might be as well!

I thought I would do a little review for you. :)


What I love about this detox guide is that is does not recommend anything too intense such as fasting or juice fasting.

Don't get me wrong, I believe those types of cleanses can be beneficial... but as someone with a busy schedule and many obligations, a more gentle cleanse that still allows food is more of what I am looking for at this moment. :)

Why complete a cleanse?

1. Transition your body from heavy winter foods to seasonal, lighter spring foods.
2. Boost your mood, energy, and productivity by reducing inflammation.
3. Shed excess weight and eliminate toxins to feel light and fresh this summer.

The Spring Detox Guide covers:
  • foods to enjoy
  • foods to eliminate
  • a grocery shopping list
  • 3 days of recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Also included, (and this is perhaps my favorite part)... are the many benefits of the ingredients you will be creating your detoxing meals with!

You will learn about the many benefits of honey dew, lime, basil, broccoli, fennel, apple, kale, lemon, yellow onion, quinoa, flaxseed, cherries, red onion, apple cider vinegar, sunflower seeds, avocado, zucchini, garlic, cucumber, celery, ginger, parsley, scallions, tomatoes, asparagus, almonds, and extra virgin olive oil!

Here is a sneak peak of just a few of the delicious recipes you will be enjoying...

Massaged Kale Salad
Skin Glow Smoothie

Quinoa Tabbouleh
Tempted yet? ;) I think you will be pleasently surprised with the many benefits and healthy, delicious recipes of this gently spring cleanse.

You can get it here. (P.S. did I mention it is completely complimentary?!)

Let me know if you end up giving it a try!

I hope you have an excellent week! :)

xoxo,
Ashley