What does it actually mean when someone says they’re doing a detox? There are many different kinds of detoxification protocols, and many perspectives on how they're done. For instance, doing a detox to enhance your health and address a specific condition is very different than doing a dietary cleanse twice a year. The truth is that detoxing, while something that we all feel we should do, may in fact not be a good idea for everyone. Dr. Mary Shackelton explains...
Virtually every American home contains flame retardants even though some of the chemicals have been linked to neurological deficits, developmental problems, impaired fertility and other health risks. One expert's best advice for reducing exposure: frequent hand washing.
“Pinkwashing.” A term used to describe companies that position themselves as leaders in the fight against breast cancer while engaging in practices that may be contributing to rising rates of the disease. This October, I'm sick of finding pink ribbons “supporting breast cancer research” on products that actually contain chemicals linked to breast cancer! So how are you supposed to know which companies are pinkwashing and which ones are actually leaders in the fight against breast cancer? Here are a few tips to help you navigate the sea of pink ribbons and to avoid products that contain cancer-causing chemicals.
If you keep your eye on the goal, living a cleaner lifestyle should happen gradually and quite naturally. After all, detoxification is a journey to be lived for years, not a destination to arrive at in 7 days. Dr. Mary Shackelton, MPH, ND explains...
During my first pregnancy, I knew all about the benefits of massage for health, relaxation, mood, you name it. I figured that a more relaxed mom would lead to a lead to a less stressful in utero environment for my developing baby. What I didn’t know was that my go-to resources for pampering ~ massage, lotions, bath oils, candles, etc. ~ were directly impacting my health and that of my developing child.
The average American man uses six personal care products a day containing more than 80 unique chemicals. Many of these chemicals are absorbed into the skin, inhaled or ingested, and the vast majority of cosmetic chemicals have not been assessed for safety. Some of the chemicals used in men's body-care products ~ from aftershaves and shaving creams to deodorants and shampoos ~ are linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities and other chronic health problems.
While I generally caution folks about hopping on the latest cleanse craze or detox fad (check out our recent post Detox is a Journey), the Conscious Cleanse program is well suited for most people. It's gentle, filling, food-based and grounded in sound nutritional science. Better yet, it surrounds you with a super supportive group that empowers cleansers to tune into their body's own voice and needs.
If you’re still a member of the supplementally uninitiated, you may be wondering what the big deal is. If you eat right and exercise, why would you need supplements? Do all those pill poppers know something you don’t? We’ve consulted with our very own in-house medical advisor, Dr. Debby, to find out why she believes supplements are beneficial for everyone.
Sea Buckthorn has been thoroughly researched in over 130 modern scientific studies that have found that this berry truly promotes health. For instance, it contains more than 190 biologically active compounds that can nourish the body's cells to protect the skin from free radicals and the natural aging process.
If you’re in the habit of reading your product labels, which in our opinion is a pretty good habit to get into, you may have noticed a mysterious ingredient called “fragrance.” What does it actually mean? Let’s break it down.
