Is Your Expensive Mattresses Wrecking Your Health?

Archives for December 2015

High end mattresses are heralded to do wonders for your body. But did you ever think that this could just be a touch of hype?

One thing that’s true is you want to get the best quality sleep you can every night.

Sleep is the time your body uses to release hormones, which are favorable for

  • muscle recovery
  • weight management and
  • brain function.

If you toss and turn, wake up frequently or have trouble falling asleep, all aspects of your day will suffer.

This means you may experience

  • sluggishness
  • weight gain and
  • brain fog.

It stands to reason that a high end mattress can save the day, or night, but there is more to the story.

Just because it's high end doesn’t mean it is going to resonate with YOUR body.

You need to do some field tests before buying it.

Mattress stores are cooperative when it comes to testing. Take advantage of this.

SLEEP-TEST-600

Think about how frustrating it would be to buy a mattress just because you heard it was high end. Then you spend your first night in it, tossing and turning, and starting your next day unrested.

This can lead to an ongoing thing, which can add stress your body. This will make you vulnerable to illness and yes, weight gain.

High end mattresses might look good and be touted as comfortable and good for your back, but that can be all hype.

The only way you can truly tell is if you try it out first.

Spend a good 15 minutes lying on it and see how your body responds. If it feels good, go with it. If not, let someone else have it.

You also have toxins to take into consideration.

High end beds are designed to make your sleep experience better, and they are geared specifically toward comfort. The down side is they're also manufactured with chemicals that make them resistant to fire and bugs.

This may sound like good news, but it’s really bad news in disguise. 

These chemicals come with side effects, such as thyroid problems.

If your thyroid is not firing on all cylinders, you can experience

  • thinning hair
  • mood swings
  • energy deficiency and
  • a slow metabolism.

If you are fatigued and have a slow metabolism, you run the risk of gaining weight.

The solution?  Look for a bed that's free of contaminants and also feels comfortable when you lie on it.

This way all the guesswork will be taken out of the equation.

In other words, focus all of your attention on quality. And a quality mattress doesn’t automatically mean it is high end.

In fact, you might be able to find a cheaper type that trumps the high end model. Use your gut instant and judgment as your guide.

With a restful mattress , you can sleep in peace and not worry about  sluggishness, weight gain or side effects.

I have to tell you, after trying every high-end, non-toxic mattress that has me sleeping like a baby every night, I found one that I absolutely LOVE…

First, if you're concerned that you aren't getting enough quality sleep, or about the safety of the materials inside your mattress, this must-see video will help you avoid health risks and sleep safe and sound.

=> Exclusive: Are you sleeping with the enemy?

After watching that video, you'll want to test out the IntelliBED for yourself. Right now you can get a 10% discount  + 2 intelliPILLOW’s and a Set of Bamboo Sheets (value up to $500).

Just use promo code DanetteMay10 when you call 877-400-IBED to get your 10% discount and your $500 promos.

Click here to grab the 10% discount and $500 bonuses

(10% + PROMO Items, Only valid on Queen or larger, not valid on standard line of mattresses)

By the way, after sleeping on our IntelliBED for the last six months, my husband and I will NEVER sleep on another mattress. Period. My husband's lower back issues went away after just a few days after sleeping on our new mattress, we both wake up feeling refreshed, and we have tons of energy in the morning now.

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share this with your friends and I welcome your comments below.

With the holidays upon us, your stress level may be at an all time high!

It’s normal to find yourself feeling overwhelmed with so many things on your to-do list.

Holiday baking, shopping, and preparing for the many gatherings you have to attend takes its toll on your health.

How can you combat this stress and be sure you enjoy the holiday season?

A few natural remedies can help soothe your mind and improve your wellbeing.

1. Practice Deep Breathing

You can do this any time you get a few spare moments.

Sit somewhere (preferably quiet) and repeat the steps below 5 times.

Inhale for 5 seconds…Hold for 5 seconds… Exhale for 5 seconds.

Keeping the breath even, slow and controlled will help you ease anxiety and energize the body.

This is a great pick-me-up any time you need it.

2. Sip Some Peppermint Tea

Peppermint has the ability to focus the mind and ease stress, so put this to good use.

Make yourself a warm cup of peppermint tea and start sipping it when times get stressful.

Hot tea is soothing itself so with the added peppermint, you’ll feel relaxed and ready to face the rest of the day.

3. Soak In A Lavender Bath 

Lavender is another scent that most people find incredibly soothing and relaxing.

Find yourself a good lavender soap or bath wash and use it in a tub filled with hot water.  Soak for 15-20 minutes, resting your eyes as you do.

For bonus points, light a few candles. You’ll be stress-free in no time.

4. Load Up On Vitamin C

Another natural way to help ease stress levels is to bump up your vitamin C intake.

Those with higher levels of vitamin C experience fewer spikes in blood sugar when times of stress hit.  They also tend to experience less of an extended spike in stress hormones in their body.

Basically, vitamin C can help keep you on a more even keel during those hard times.

Foods rich in this vitamin include any brightly hued fruits and vegetables such as

  • oranges
  • berries and
  • red peppers.

You can also take a supplement.

5. Get Out For A Brisk Walk 

Finally, the last way to help combat stress in your day to day life is to consider getting out for a brisk walk.

If you feel stress building, just heading outside and picking up the pace can help you exercise off that anxious energy.

It will help clear your mind too.

By the time you return, there’s a good chance you’ve worked out whatever is stressing you and as an added benefit, you’ll have also burned off a few calories as well.

So as stress levels climb this holiday season, use one – or more – of these remedies to get yourself feeling well again.

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share these tips with your friends and I welcome your comments below.

You mattress could be causing you to gain weight!

Poor sleep can lead to weight gain, and bad mattresses cause poor sleep.

Chances are good that the mattress you lay on every night contains toxic chemicals, such as boric acid and antimony.

A lot of household furniture falls into this category as well. So you get exposed whether you are sitting down watching Netflix or lying in bed taking a siesta.

If you were to visit a mattress factory, you can see firsthand what's going on.

Floor workers apply a cocktail of chemicals to the mattresses, which prevent them from going up in flames while you sleep.

 

This safety precaution is a catch-22. Your mattress might be more fire resistant, but it's also toxic.

Just stop and think about the proximity of your body to these chemicals.

If you sleep naked or with minimal clothing, you are even more exposed.

And let's not forget that you need to breathe at night.

With your face no more than a smunched up pillow-width away, you are primed to breathe in toxins all night long.

And all these toxins have a negative impact on your health.

They have been known to

  • alter sperm quality
  • disrupt brain function
  • increase cancer risk and
  • lead to thyroid dysfunction.

The thyroid, which sits inside the front of the neck, is your body's regulatory gland. If it is not in good working order, it can cause your metabolism to be thrown off.

A slow metabolism makes it hard to lose weight.

Additionally, a poorly working thyroid can cause hair loss, inability to concentrate and fatigue. Fatigue will also hinder weight loss because you won't have energy to exercise.

The good news is…

You can do something about this situation before it gets out of hand.

A lot of mattress companies are now going the way of cleaner production methods.

In some of these cases, they're still fire retardant, but without the types of chemicals that devastate your body.

Your best bet is to call the mattress company or visit them in person.

  • Ask questions about how the mattress is made, what materials are used and if there are any precautions you should know about.
  • If the company is legit, they will be honest with you right from the start. If they give you vague answers and try to dodge your battery of questions, move on.

Be aware that these mattresses do cost more money. If this is an issue for you, there is another route you can take.

Wrap your mattress with polyethylene plastic.

  • This creates a barrier that does not allow gases, toxins or chemicals to leech through.
  • Then place your sheets over it as normal and you’re good to go.

As long as you take the right steps, you can sleep without fear of toxicity.

Don’t let your mattress hold you back from achieving optimal health and the body you desire.

I have to tell you, after trying every high-end, non-toxic mattress that has me sleeping like a baby every night, I found one that I absolutely LOVE…

First, if you're concerned that you aren't getting enough quality sleep, or about the safety of the materials inside your mattress, this must-see video will help you avoid health risks and sleep safe and sound.

=> Exclusive: Are you sleeping with the enemy?

After watching that video, you'll want to test out the IntelliBED for yourself. Right now you can get a 10% discount + 2 intelliPILLOW’s and a Set of Bamboo Sheets (value up to $500).

Just use promo code DanetteMay10 when you call 877-400-IBED to get your 10% discount and your $500 promos.

Click here to grab your 10% discount and $500 bonuses

(10% + PROMO Items, Only valid on Queen or larger, not valid on standard line of mattresses)

By the way, after sleeping on our IntelliBED for the last six months, my husband and I will NEVER sleep on another mattress. Period. My husband's lower back issues went away after just a few days after sleeping on our new mattress, we both wake up feeling refreshed, and we have tons of energy in the morning now.

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share this with your friends and I always enjoy reading your comments below.

If your idea of spreading Holiday cheer includes a drink in the hand you are in good company!

Most of us like to partake in some merriment at Christmas parties and special gatherings.

If you're like me you're being mindful of your waistline. Just have a plan to celebrate sensibly.

Don't deprive yourself either…try a little taste of everything you love on the snack tray.

Also, go light on any alcohol. If I make a toast I'm usually holding a glass of kombucha.

Here are 4 of my favorite drink recipes that are perfect for the Holidays!

1.  Homemade Dairy Free Egg Nog

You can't even have Christmas without eggnog, can you? This Homemade Dairy Free Egg Nog is creamy, rich and divinely flavorful.



2. Cranberry Fat Flush

My Cranberry Fat Flush Drink is one that I always keep on hand at parties. It's tangy and wonderfully tart. So good for you too!

 

3. Soothing Warm Ginger Pear Smoothie

This Soothing Warm Ginger Pear Smoothie will delight your senses and yes, it's served warm! The flavor combinations are amazing and your guests will love it too!



4. Healthier Hot Chocolate

And no Holiday gathering is complete without the Hot Chocolate! My Healthier Hot Chocolate is much better for you than the sugary dry mixes.

cacao bliss hot chocolate

Drink up and say 3 cheers for a Healthy, Happy Holiday Season friends!

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share this with your friends and I welcome your comments below.

What are the Holidays without eggnog?

I know, I know…it's definitely NOT a health food drink but I have a recipe that makes it both nutritious and tasty!

This isn't as quick and easy as you will normally get from me but it's a special treat, right?

It's worth a little extra effort and LOADS better than what you'll find in your dairy case. Oh….the aroma of freshly grated nutmeg though!!

 

Homemade Egg Nog

Now you can feel good about serving up this decadent Seasonal favorite. Cheers to a healthy, happy holiday!

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. I hope you will share this recipe with your friends and I welcome your comments below.

Did you realize you have nearly 30 feet of intestines in your body?

And…what's more, a whopping 70-90% of ALL of your immune system resides in your gut.

Now you know why Probiotics are such a hot topic. More on the very best way to get them in a minute.

Probiotics are strains of bacteria that promote healthy gut flora. It lines the entire intestinal tract.

If your flora is in good working order, the rest of your body will be too. If it is out of whack, your health is being compromised.

Trust your gut feeling

When your gut flora is healthy, you have a stronger immune system and are better able to absorb nutrients.

Better nutrient absorption leads to

  • more energy
  • improved brain function and
  • more physical strength.

Far too often people have a problem with malabsorption, which is one of the main reasons for illness.

What should I do to get enough probiotics?

Supplements can be ideal but do your research to find a reputable one and while it's always easiest to get probiotics through quality foods and beverages, I highly recommend Earth Echo Probiotic

Kefir

Kefir is one of the very best ways to get your probiotics.

It’s considered a beverage but it’s more like a crossbreed between a beverage and food.

It has a yogurt-like consistency but isn't as thick. You'll even hear it called drinkable yogurt.

It derives from fermenting milk with grains made up of yeast and bacteria.  You can find it in the dairy section of any health food store.

If you have allergies or are vegan, try an alternative version made from coconut, rice or soy milk. There's even a version made from water.

Aside from the digestive attributes of kefir, it is also a complete protein, it’s high in protein and it’s a good source of calcium.

You need calcium for strong bones and teeth, and it also aids in fat burning! 

Just be leery of the kefirs that contain added sugar.

Although they might be high in probiotics, the sugar content can have a canceling effect.

Opt for plain, organic kefir instead.

Use it in smoothies like the one below, mix it with granola or just take it straight. Kefir has a tangy flavor that grows on you in a short amount of time.

kefir_smoothie-600

You also have the option of just flavoring it yourself. Pour some in a glass and add a drizzle of a healthy sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Stir it up and you’re good to go.

Other options

Yogurt is a good choice. It too contains probiotics, but not as much as kefir. Just be sure you stick with a good organic, Greek version. You'll get more protein in Greek yogurts too!

Fermented foods like

are other good sources of probiotics.

Bottom Line

Treat your gut like you would any other part of your body. Honor it, take care of it and do your best to keep it in great shape.

Yours in Health,

Danette

You might be Vitamin D Deficient right now.

Few are aware of JUST how common this is!  If you've been feeling blue or keep catching colds and bugs you need to listen up.

In fact, vitamin D deficiency is so common that is now considered a global epidemic.

Statistics from the epidemiological studies report about 36% of healthy young adults and 57% of hospital inpatients in the United States.

The numbers are even higher in individuals in Europe.

Vitamin D is one of the most easily derived nutrients in human health, yet millions of us are deficient in it.

4 Reasons Your Body Needs Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a hormone that's involved in many bodily functions. It is amazing how much this vitamin can do for your health. Just a quick overview of its role-

1. Calcium absorption

Calcium absorption is dependent on Vitamin D levels. No matter how much calcium you take, if you don't have enough vitamin D in your body it won't be absorbed.

Studies show that if you have a vitamin D deficiency our body absorbs only 10% of calcium from food

2. Bone and teeth formation

There is strong evidence that low levels of vitamin D leads to malformed bone in children and more frequently broken bones in adults.

3. Immune health

Vitamin D offers a protective benefit to the immune system. It bolsters the innate immune system. This is your first line of defense which includes skin, nasal passage, sneezing etc

4. Lowers the risk of certain conditions

There is growing evidence via studies that show vitamin D deficiency linked to auto-immune diseases.

Link between vitamin D and body weight.

A 2009 study showed that vitamin D deficiency was tied to increased body fat accumulation and decreased height among young adults.

The study went on to show that women with low D levels were significantly heavier than women who had normal levels.

More research is needed on vitamin D's role in weight loss but research results so far look promising.

Vitamin D has a crucial role in your health which is why it is important to be aware of signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

Symptoms to watch for:

  • Chronic bone pain, especially at your knee joints, jaw bones
  • Frequent infections and flu
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Inflammation triggers
  • Brain fog or feeling drowsy throughout the day
  • Lethargy, loss of interest in day-to-day activities
  • Feeling low or depressed

It is important to talk to your doctor for a blood work on your vitamin D status.

Are there food sources for vitamin D?

Some foods supply moderate to good amount of vitamin D but you can't entirely depend on dietary sources.

Some food sources include

  • fortified milk and milk products, almond milk included.
  • eggs
  • liver

Bottom Line

One of the best sources of Vitamin D is natural sunlight. So get outdoors and soak up the sun!

Vitamin D supplements are by far the best way to get enough of vitamin D in your diet. Make sure to choose clean supplements that are GMO-free, and soy-free.

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. I hope you will share this info. with your friends and I always love reading your comments below.