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Recently, I have fallen in love with Epsom salt…do you know what it is? I found some great articles which I compiled together below. Read through this and it might help break down a little more information for you….and possibly you can fall in love with it too!

When I exercise a lot, I soak in a bath every day, it helps enormously. It will also help (at least in my experience) any inflammation and/or bruising.

What I didn’t know until I researched this, is Epsom salt’s benefits with gardening and cleaning! Read on and check it out if interested~!

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Epsom salt has numerous health benefits as well as many beauty, household and gardening-related uses.

Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits (*1). Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.

What are the health benefits of using Epsom salt?

Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years and unlike other salts, Epsom salt has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom salt.

Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three times a week helps you to feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly.

Relieves pain and muscle cramps
An Epsom salt bath (you can use a foot bath too) is known to ease pain and relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma and migraine headaches. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts and reduce soreness from childbirth. Mix a thick paste of Epsom salt with hot water and apply to get soothing comfort. Try soaking your aching, tired (and smelly) feet in a tub of water with half a cup of Epsom Salt. Epsom salt softens skin and will even neutralize foot odor.

Helps muscles and nerves function properly
Studies show that Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the muscles, nerves and enzymes. Magnesium is also known to be critical in the proper use of calcium, which serves as a main conductor of the electric impulses in your body.

Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots
Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and help prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.

Makes insulin more effective
Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness of insulin in the body, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.
Eliminates toxins from the body
The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it.

As a foot bath, add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Relax and soak feet for 20 minutes. If you like, rub away any calluses using a pumice stone. Dry feet, then add two drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite natural moisturizer, like shea or coconut butter, and rub in thoroughly to lock in the moisture. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts.
EPSOM SALT USES: HEALTH
Athlete’s Foot – Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.

Remove splinters – Soak affected skin area in an Epsom salt bath to draw out the splinter.

Treat toenail fungus – Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.

Soothe sprains and bruises – Add 2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.

Ease discomfort of Gout – Ease the discomfort of gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2-3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a basin and immersing the affected foot/joint. The water should be as hot as it is comfortable. Soak for about 30 minutes.
EPSOM SALT USES: BEAUTY
Exfoliate dead skin – In the shower or bath, mix a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.

Exfoliating face cleanser – To clean your face and exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

Dislodge blackheads – Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.

Remove foot odor – Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor, sooth achy feet, and soften rough skin.

Remove hairspray – Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.

Hair volumizer – Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
EPSOM SALT USES: HOUSEHOLD
Clean bathroom tiles – Mix equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent and use as a scrub on bathroom tile.

Prevent slugs – Sprinkle Epsom salt on or near interior entry points to prevent slugs.

As a hand wash – Mix Epsom salt with baby oil and keep by the sink for an effective hand wash.

Clean detergent build-up on washing machines – Fill the machine tub with hot water, add Epsom salt, and run an agitate/soak/agitate cycle to dissolve detergent build-up (please consult your machine’s instruction manual for specific instructions).
EPSOM SALT USES: GARDENING
Fertilize your houseplants – Most plants need nutrients like magnesium and sulfur to stay in good health and Epsom salt makes the primary nutrients in most plant foods (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) more effective. Sprinkle Epsom salt once weekly to help nourish your houseplants, flowers and vegetables.

Keep your lawn green – Magnesium sulfate crystals, when added to the soil, provide vital nutrients that help prevent yellowing leaves and the loss of green color (magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule) in plants. Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and sprinkle on your lawn to keep the grass healthy and green.

Insecticide spray – Use Epson salts on your lawn and in your garden to safely and naturally get rid of plant pests.

When I was younger, I was much heavier and fairly sedentary. It took a long time to discover how much I love activity and it took even longer to get healthier and love nutritious foods. I look at this as a blessing. As I got healthier, I became more and more connected to what my body was able to be and do. That was new, fresh and exciting. Then about 3 1/2 years ago I broke my leg and needed to have surgery with some pretty titanium bling put in. As I was rehabilitating, I started to explore my body again with a new perspective. I became interested in what my “new” body was going to be able to do. Initially I wanted to just be back to where I was pre injury, but as I healed, I realized I had a different body! Not one better or worse, just different. That created my focus to be about my healing and what I was capable of vs. what I wasn’t capable of.
It was (oddly) exciting to test out my body’s abilities over the next several weeks/months even though a lot of the rehab was painful and I had to learn how to even walk.

Here we are nearly 4 years later and I had another accident. This was was on the bike. Fortunately I didn’t (don’t) need surgery, but I do need to heal. My broken leg was much more debilitating, but yet as I’ve been moving through my healing, I’m recalling some of what I experienced before. I’m rediscovering my body and what it can do. 2 1/2 weeks ago I had a lot of bruising, major shoulder pain and was careful with fast movement since I had a concussion. Now I’m about 90% better and healing much faster than expected. Every day I wake up with better movement. My body is different…so each movement I do I “feel” and get excited when I can do something today that I couldn’t do yesterday. I take my time with movement and pay attention to how amazing our bodies (and minds) are. I’ve pumped my body full of nutrients which help in the process of eliminating inflammation and accelerating mending.

I’m sharing this, because it saddens me that I meet many who only live in what they used to be able to do and I know they can experience such a better way to live.

When their body doesn’t feel the same and say, their knees hurt, that’s the only thing they focus on rather than what the rest of their body is able to do and with proper attention and care, they might eliminate a lot of their pain.

I meet folks who have put on weight and focus with frustration on how their body felt 15 years ago vs the potential it has once they begin to take of weight again. Each day!

I meet collegiate athletes who live in the hay day of fitness from decades ago and forget that their bodies are still able to do so much…just different abilities. Some in which they might enjoy more.

These people I mention are wonderful, but they get in their own way. They (WE) all forget that every day we have a new body. We have new cells, new tissue and if we choose, a new attitude! We have the power through lifestyle changes to actually make a younger body. We can get connected to how we feel in movement and forget about what “used” to be and begin with what we can control in our healing or as I like to call it “living”. Whether the healing/living is weight loss, weight/muscle gain, learning to ride a bike (carefully), yoga, walking or any sport, we can embrace the fact that we can create a better mobility and function body and mind; even if it’s one tiny step at a time.

Think about all the movements you do in just one day and what you take for granted. Think about how precious each movement is and love what you already can do and what you might be able to accomplish if you take the time to explore your fresh, new body each day.

To me, that’s exciting. I love that as each year passes, I am still interested in what’s possible. You can too…live in the present, feel your new body and move whatever you have!

So much of what happens in our lives are out of our control, however much we try to change that. We angst about the weather, the mood of someone in our life, the health of someone we love, the way a friend reacts to news we need to deliver and even accidents on and off the road. There simply are situations which are not in our control.

Now (and you knew this was coming)…we are 100% in control of our own thoughts, reactions, the choices we make, the food we put in to our mouths, the movement we do or do not put our bodies through and the words we say to others. Every situation in our life that we are involved with (which is everything) we have control over our own selves. That’s powerful!

I’ve been listening to a book on tape about “owning” our life. Every person, circumstance, relationship, and frustration we are involved with we need to take ownership of because we are “there”! We need to “own” that we are in it. Again…this is a place of power and can calm us down once we look at the situation with our own responsibility to it.

For example, lets say you step on the scale after a few months of ignoring it and see that you are 20 pounds heavier than you thought. OUCH. You can blame it on a hectic schedule, having to work many hours, travel, going to your kid’s soccer games, work entertainment, day long meetings with only pizza as an option to feed you…the excuses are endless. But, that’s what they are…excuses.

Now, I didn’t say these situations didn’t make it HARD…but the land mines aren’t what is causing the extra 20 pounds, it’s the choices you make about going in to the land mines. That, you are in control of.

Let’s say you get in an accident and are injured. Could you have avoided the accident? Maybe, may be not, however your attitude about how to handle the trauma, your recovery, your mind set, your rehabilitation and your life as you now know it, is all within what you set your mind to. You can either embrace the reality of what’s happened and find the best way to heal, or you can choose to let someone or something take that power away from you.

I recognize that not all examples of life and it’s frustrations are as black and white as the above…or are they?

You have a debilitating financial situation…can you move through the after math with an attitude of strength? Not easy, but can you? Can you do this and actually mold a new way of thinking? Can you heal yourself by making the choice to be in control of how you think?

There are endless examples of what can knock us to our knees and stunt our lives for days, weeks, even years.

There are also endless examples of seeing people with the rug pulled out who get up, brush themselves off and immediately inspire beyond comprehension.

It’s always a work in progress for me, but I am learning more and more the power of what I truly AM in control of.

The other day I came across a workbook from a seminar (in 2009) a friend of mine attended. The speakers were Shawn Achor and Elizabeth Peterson, both with a company called Aspirant, an applied research consulting firm using psychology to foster positive and productive lives. The seminar was focused on the results of Positive thinking.

My friend lent me the handbook, I read through it, enthralled, then tucked it away in a drawer to collect dust. What a tragedy. I’m happy I was in a cleaning mode and uncovered this beauty!

Did you know…
Our potential is determined less by our genes and our past history than it is by our present thoughts and actions?
How you choose to think and act on a daily basis determines how much you achieve?
Our brain has the ability to change and grow based on our experiences; we actually have the ability to rewire our neurons in as little as 7 days!
Your frequency of positive emotion predicts your physical health, the strength of your immune system, and your life expectancy?
Happy employees will not only make more money for their employers, they will make more money for themselves. This means that happiness fuels success…not the other way around!
Whether you are conscious of it or not, what you are thinking has a powerful effect on your performance. How you are thinking before an activity will greatly determine the outcome.
The more positive habits you create, the closer you get to maximizing your potential.

I could go on and on…but I think you get the drift…it pays mentally, physically, spiritually and financially to be positive. To think positive. To breath in positive. It can change your life. What if you could start small and focus on the 6 points made above? If tackling the above 6 seems to vast, Start small…
Consider setting your day with a positive intention every day for 21 days, watch the magic happen. See your potential unfold!

I cycle a lot. When I gather with my cycling friends and clients we always check to make sure our chain is lubed, we check air in our tires, see if the breaks are working, look at the alignment of the derailer, check the break pads, listen to any odd noises and even clean the bike…each time we ride. Some riders even lighten up their gears in order to create a bike which over many miles can become easier to ride.

This got me thinking about how many other “non body” items we pay special attention to.

For instance, we get regular tune ups on our car, we also put (or “should” put) oil in every 3-5 thousand miles, we fill our cars with gas, check the wiper blades, wash the cars, wax them and check for water and washer fluid to name a few check list items to help our vehicles function well.

When we want our house clean either we hire someone, or we, ourselves, scrub the floors, windows, bathrooms, dust and vacuum so that the house is all shiny and looks great. We will check the air vents, filters, gutters, pipes, sprinkler systems and spruce up the lawn.

Now lets look at what we do for our bodies. How about when we get ready to get on the bike? Do we stretch, eat properly for fueling for energy, only put healthy foods in to our body so we can take care of our heart and legs (the driving forces to cycle well)? Do we take as much care in lightening our bodies as we do our bikes…each time we ride?

How about the fundamentals of our car…do we take ourselves into the doctors as often as we take our cars in for it’s check ups? Why do we expect more from our bodies than we do our cars, yet we take more time to get our car warranties honored…but ignore our life warranties?

Do we deep clean our bodies (minds too) as well as we deep clean our homes? Do we scrub and shine the inside of our arteries, lungs, cells and muscles like we do the foundation of our homes?

Quite a perspective I think!

So many of us seem to jump from day to day, year to year, expecting so much out of our bodies, while rarely giving it / ourselves/ the same attention we do to our cars, our bike (or other fitness toy) or home!

How do you think your body would run if you gave it the same, or more attention as the things we own…or even lease? Something to consider….

If you are like most of us, you take great pride in working hard. There’s a huge sense of accomplishment when we put in long hours, achieve our goals and hit major bench marks of success. Hard work isn’t just limited to the hours in the office, it includes time in your workouts, time focusing on the family’s needs, time dedicated to helping others and time on your nutrition to mention a few.

The question I ask is “why are you working hard”? That’s not a judgment indicating one shouldn’t, I’m curious what’s driving you to? Are you working hard to be able to enjoy something? Are you working hard so you have optimal health today and in your future? Are you working hard so your family can reap the benefits down the road? Or are you working so hard, you’ve forgotten why? Do you come home at the end of the day with your head spinning, your body and soul tired and you simply want to zone out…day after day…month after month?

At one point, you probably knew you wanted to obtain something and hard work was the instigator. You knew why you were doing it.

If you are now that person who’s checking off a box, wearing your time worked (whatever it is you’re working hard at) as your badge of honor just to say you did it to impress someone then you might need to have little moment with yourself and ask “why”? Why are you doing this? Your why might be different now than it was 5 years ago. It doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t work hard at something, but maybe it’s time to reevaluate your intention and purpose.

Knowing what is the force behind it all can recharge and inspire you. It can help you enjoy the journey as they say. It can help you set your boundaries so that when you give…you give with a whole heart. The purpose, drive, intention, force and your why can recharge you in a way that when you do work hard, it doesn’t feel hard! It feels authentic and powerful!

Each month I get a newsletter from a company called “Health Watch”. Every now and then they pass on some information I find very useful, and I’d like to forward this on to you!

What’s 540 Calories?

Here’s a little perspective:

One McDonald’s Big Mac contains 540 calories, 29 grams of fat, and more than 40 grams of highly-processed, blood-sugar-spiking carbohydrates. And that doesn’t even count the fries and soft drink that you KNOW you’re going to order with it.

At the same rate, here are a few alternative food choices and amounts that will land you at the same 540 calories:

140 medium strawberries
5 medium bananas
1 QUART of plain Greek yogurt
14 oz of grilled chicken breast
17 cups of broccoli
6 and 1/2 cups of blueberries

Better yet, go ahead and eat ALL of this in one sitting:

4 oz of grilled chicken (120 cals)
3 cups of broccoli (90 cals)
1 medium banana (100 cals)
8 oz of plain Greek yogurt (130 cals)
10 medium strawberries (40 cals)
1/2 cup of blueberries (40 cals)

So basically, you have an OVERFLOWING plate of chicken and veggies and then a HUGE dessert of yogurt and fruit. I mean, that’s a massive quantity of food right there. In fact, most people wouldn’t even be able to finish it.

And guess what? It still contains fewer calories than ONE Big Mac and it’s WAY healthier.

Adding on to Health Watch’s spin…here are a few more “foods/meals” which add up to about 500 kcals

2 small slices of pizza or 1 large slice of meat lover’s pizza

3 chicken wings dipped in 1/4 cup of ranch dressing

20 oz big gulp

20 oz mocha drink with whole milk

small margarita

2 cosmos

3 handfuls oil roasted nuts (small handfuls)

2 big chocolate chip cookies

I can go on and on…but I think you get the drift. We can load ourselves up with non nutritious calories which give us lots of sugar, fat and salt…but no real nutrients; or we can eat an abundance of amazing nutritious foods which heal our bodies, give us energy, clean our minds and support out health. You be the judge! (note…not to say a little cookie here and there isn’t fun….but note it’s “here and there”!)

Enjoy your health ~!

Team Body Firm~

Lately I have fallen in love with herbal teas. It wasn’t too terribly long ago that I thought my only options of tea were English tea, green tea and good ol’ Lipton’s. I now know that herbal teas are enriched with abundant nutrients. Some have cleansing effects, some calming effects, some cancer fighting properties and some help stimulate our energy. Of course, with any herb, food, drink, or supplement, it’s wise to talk with your doctor if your health is compromised and/or you are on any medications as some teas don’t interact well with some medications or conditions.

I now drink tea daily…in fact several times throughout the day.

Some of my favorite teas are below and there is an outline as to what I have been taught to the benefits. Teas have been around for centuries and honored as a great healer in the herbal kingdom.

Dandelion Root tea:
It improves digestion and aids weight loss.
It eases congestion of the liver.
It helps to purify the bladder and kidneys.
It reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.
It contains calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins B and C.
It helps to purify the blood, regulate blood sugar and improves blood circulation.
It helps to ease bloating and aching joints.
It helps to cure skin conditions.

Matcha Green tea
It is detoxifying as it is rich in chlorophyll
Abundant in L-Theanine
Relaxing by calming the mind
Helps lower Blood pressure

Tulsi Tea / Holy Basil Tea
It is known as an adaptogen, which helps regulate our stress levels
Anti inflammatory agents due to Omega 3 properties
Used as a respiratory aid for colds and a fever
Has been used to aid in kidney stones (the leaves)
Rich in anti oxidants

Ginger Tea
Aids in Stomach aches
Has anti oxidants which have been known to relieve sore muscles
Helps with nausea and motion sickness
Helps with digestion

 
Rooibos Tea
Contains polyphenols which are linked to aid in cancer fighting
Studies show it will lower cholesterol (LDL)
Some studies have shown it’s linked to reducing the risk of Alzheimer disease
Soothes in inflammation inside the body

Some other favorites to check into, are:
Lemon tea
Chamomile
Kava tea
Burdock Root tea
Black tea
White tea
Green tea
Chocolate Puh-reh (love this one) tea

Don’t stop at my list…go explore, do your own research and discover the love and powers of herbal teas. Drink