Nutrition | NonStop Natural

Top 10 Best Probiotics and Why You Should Make It a Resolution

December 22, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

By now, you have probably heard that our bodies are filled with billions of bacteria, both good and bad. While most of the time, the good outweigh the bad and keep them under control, it doesn’t take much for the bad guys to take over.

Since about 80 percent of our immune system is located in our gut bacteria, it’s important that we make sure that this good/bad balance stays in check. This is most easily done by taking a probiotic supplement. This means that by taking probiotics, you can help your body to naturally fight off cold and flu viruses.

If you get sick and need to take antibiotics, consuming probiotics can help prevent a yeast infection and restore the delicate balance in your digestive system.

Not all Probiotics are the made the same, however. We are going to let you in on the top 10 probiotic supplements around, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Renew Life Ultimate Flora

This is a super powerful probiotic supplement. Each capsule has 50 billion cultures and 10 different strains of Probiotics! This delay released formula makes sure that you get all the good bacteria that you need each day.

Healthy Origins Natural Probiotic

This supplement is very good and, perhaps best of all, reasonably priced. Healthy Origins has 30 billion cultures and 8 different probiotic strains for improved digestive health. This product is also shelf stable, so you can buy in bulk and not have to worry about it going bad.

NOW Foods Probiotic 10

With each capsule containing 25 billion active cultures and 10 different probiotic strains, this supplement will greatly improve your digestive and immune system health. This supplement is diary, wheat, and gluten free, which makes it perfect for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Now PB8

This effective, yet affordable, supplement offers 14 billion active cultures and 8 different probiotic strains. While it might seem a bit skimpy on the active culture end, this product is so affordable that you can always take two capsules if need be.

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics

Everyone knows this famous internet doctor, so is it any wonder that he’s got his own supplement? Dr. Mercola’s capsules contain 70 billion active cultures and 10 different probiotic strains. A coated capsule ensures no stomach upset and this product has an 18 month shelf life.

Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic

For those who eat plenty of other probiotic filled food, such as yogurt, but want to add a little extra insurance, Culturelle is a sure bet. With 10 billion active cultures, this single, yet effective, probiotic strain can support a healthy digestive system and help to keep the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines.

Sedona Labs iFlora Multi-Probiotic

This supplement has an amazing number of strains; 16 in each capsule and 32 billion active cultures. This will support a healthy immune system, digestive system, and encourage regular bowel movements. This product is vegetarian, but not vegan. This might be a bit more expensive than most, however, with 2 capsules per serving.

Puritan’s Pride Probiotic 10

Puritan’s rapid release supplement has 20 billion live cultures and 10 different strains, making it effective and well balanced. It does have a lower overall live culture count than some others, but is reasonably priced.

Hyperbiotics Pro-15

While this supplement is on the low side of active cultures at 5 billion, it has more strains than any other product at a whopping 15 per gel coated pills. Not capsules, but a unique gel coated pill ensures that the Probiotics make it past the stomach and into the intestines. This product is designed to get more live Probiotics into the lower part of the intestinal tract where they can do the most good.

Nutrition Essential Probiotic

This is one of Amazon’s top selling probiotic supplements and it’s easy to see why. With a basic formula of 15 million live cultures and tons of positive reviews, this is a good, all around probiotic that appears to get results!

By keeping your immune system healthy, you can avoid those annual flu shots! Also, a healthy digestive tract means healthy bowel movements and while no one likes to talk about that in public, it’s still a fact of life.

It’s a good idea to add Probiotics to your daily diet for three months to allow the bacteria time to “set up house” so to speak, and then a weekly dose should keep you in the pink!

How to Naturally Kick Colds to the Curb This Winter

November 13, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

There is no denying that cold and flu season is just around the corner. With the first major storm of the season poised to hit the east coast and rainstorms in the West, the next thing sure to follow will be colds, coughs, sore throats, runny noses, and the flu.

In this article, we are going to talk about the common cold. While it might be “common” it is anything but pleasant. A severe cold can make you feel like you died from the throat up.

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do once you catch the virus. There is no cure. However, the good news here is that there are plenty of natural ways you can prevent, lessen the severity of, and shorten the duration of that oh so common, sniffling, sneezing, stopped up head, sore throat, runny eyes, and coughing cold.

Prevention

You know the old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is absolute truth! The best way to deal with a cold is to try to prevent one in the first place. There is nothing new here, but if you’ve been skimming over this advice for years, perhaps it’s time you paid attention.

Wash your hands. Again and again and again. Try to not touch your face (which is easier said than done). A friend once made a “buddy system” with a co-worker where they would snap their fingers every time they saw them touching their face.

If you can’t avoid touching public spaces, such as ATM keypads, railings, shopping cart handles and such, get in the habit of using hand sanitizer afterwards.

Getting plenty of sleep and vitamin D (via sunshine if possible) has also been shown to reduce the number of colds people catch.

Despite your best efforts, if you should catch a cold, here are some ways to make it shorter and easier to bear.

Hot Drinks with Cinnamon or Ginger

This works best if you start at the first sign of the sniffles. Drink hot herbal tea with cinnamon or ginger. Lemon and honey will soothe a sore throat, but using cinnamon or ginger will help to thin the mucus in the sinuses, clearing them out. The virus is lurking in your sinuses, so keeping them clear of mucus as much as possible will help.

Zinc

This natural mineral is vital for the proper functioning of the immune system. Adults over the age of 18 can take 40mg a day. Taking a zinc supplement will not only help your immune system fight the cold, it is known to prevent the virus from reproducing, so if you take it regularly, you can stop those little stinkers from making you any more sick than you are when you start taking the zinc. Lozenges are a great way to slow the progression of the virus in the mouth and throat. Start with these at the very first sign of illness and continue for 7 days.

Yarrow

A very old fashioned remedy that really works. Many people claim that their cold was completely gone in 36 hours. Most people consume this in tea form with lots of honey as it can taste bitter. You can also make a mix of yarrow tea and either peppermint or chamomile tea for extra soothing, cold fighting power.

Nettle Leaf Tea with Red Raspberry Leaf

Make your own mix of nettle leaf tea with red raspberry leaf tea for one of the best cold fighting teas around. Both have trace minerals and vitamins that remove toxins and stimulate the immune system.

Garlic

Garlic is a great cold fighter, but you have to be a toughie for this one. This herb is a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral powerhouse. Finely mince one or two cloves, put them in a glass of water and drink it straight down! If this is just too strong for you, add plenty of garlic to chicken soup, broth, or perhaps even make some garlic “tea” with honey. Most kids will not drink this, but for the hearty, this method works wonders.

Coconut Oil

This natural oil is high in a compound called lauric acid and is believed to remove the protective coating around viruses, making them vulnerable to your body’s immune system. Add 5 to 6 tablespoons of coconut oil each day until symptoms of your cold subside. Try it in your coffee, tea, cooking, toast, or, if you like the taste, just swallow it down right out of the jar.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Yes, there is no denying it, this tastes terrible, but it really works. Add a tablespoon in a glass of water and gargle with it at least 4 times a day. Then, drink one glass of this each morning and night. The earlier you start, the better this will work.

Steam

If your head is so clogged you think you need a plumber, try this.

Put a pot of water on the stove. Add three or four drops of Eucalyptus oil to the water. Once it boils, turn off the heat and pour the water into a bowl. Now stand over the bowl with a towel draped over your head. Close your eyes and breathe in the steam. If you must, start breathing with your mouth. You will find that your nose clears up quickly. Be careful not to stand so close to the steam that you burn your face!

Natural Chest Salve

If that cold should move down into the chest, make your own non-petroleum based chest salve by mixing about 15 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil into half a cup of coconut or almond oil. Rub this on your chest and under your nostrils, the same way you use vaporub. Wash off with warm water when it feels cold.

If you do catch a cold, please be kind to everyone else and avoid passing it on. Wash your hands, use virus killing tissues, and stay home at least for the first 3 days when you are most contagious.

Love Coconut Oil? We have 51 Popular Ways to Use It!

November 6, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t love, love, love coconut oil? It’s simply the best thing since sliced bread, isn’t it? It has so many uses, too! It’s been around for eons, but has suddenly become popular due to social media sites and the internet, during the past decade.

You probably use it on your skin and hair, but did you know that there are literally dozens of ways to use coconut oil? Even we were amazed at the things it could be used for!

We’ve got 51 ways to enjoy the healthy goodness of this coconut product, so you might want to turn on your printer! This list is a bit long!

51 Popular Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Super skin moisturizer
Nourishing hair with its unique fat makeup
Mix it with apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for head lice
Makes a super diaper cream that is completely natural
Helps to heal the perineum after giving birth
Speeds healing of sunburns (use after the heat is gone)
Increases mental alertness when consumed regularly
Helps to shorten the duration of the flu or cold virus (mix into hot tea)
Stops acne when used regularly
Perfect for healing those dry, cracked heels.

Naturally clears up cold sores or fever blisters
Great for homemade soaps or homemade laundry soap.
Cleans and softens shiny leather items such as purses or boots.
Best insect repellent has ever been rosemary oil mixed with coconut oil.
Mix with clay and charcoal for a super homemade soap that is easy on the skin
Make your own coconut oil based doggie treats!
Terrific in homemade shampoo bars.
Cheap anti-frizz hair treatment; simply rub a dime sized portion through your hair.
Rub into cuticles daily to help nails grow and stop hangnails.
Best all natural baby lotion ever!

Mix with a few drops of scented essential oils for a sweet smelling massage oil.
Ladies, this makes a great personal lubricant.
Has a natural SPF of 8, so you can use it as a tanning oil.
Use in your slow cooker soap recipe for super rich lather.
Mix coconut oil and sea salt for a super exfoliating scrub.
Mix with sugar for a sweet body scrub!
Whip coconut oil and pure Shea butter for a luscious body balm.
Consumed regularly, it might help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
When used regularly, it can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Helps skin to heal quickly after infection or injury when applied topically.

Improves circulation when consumed regularly.
Used in “pulling” coconut oil can make teeth whiter and stronger.
When used in food, it can support thyroid function.
The perfect oil for “seasoning” cast iron pans.
Replace vegetable oil in recipes for added nutrition.
By substituting coconut oil for other fats in your diet, you can increase your metabolism, and lose weight.
Instantly boost energy when consumed regularly.
Improves your dog or cat’s skin and coat when consumed regularly.
Makes a terrific coffee “creamer”.
Best wood polish ever!

Ease the itch of insect bites within seconds.
A natural lip balm that works much better than petroleum based products.
Use as a moisturizing make-up remover.
Fight inflammation naturally by replacing other fats with coconut oil.
New mothers can stop sore nipples by using natural coconut oil. Super safe for baby, too!
Removes stuck on chewing gum almost like magic.
Makes a wonderful bath oil. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to some coconut oil for a super relaxing soak that naturally softens the skin.
Eases the discomfort of most skin rashes.
Want to jazz up some popcorn? Add a bit of melted coconut oil, rather than butter.
Fade sun spots or age spots by rubbing a dab of coconut oil into the area each day.
Ease hard, dry, cracked doggie paws by rubbing some coconut oil into the pads each day. Do this outside to avoid getting it on your carpet!

While coconut oil might not be a “cure all”, it certainly can do more than we ever thought it could!

What is your favorite way to use coconut oil?

Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy, Sexy, and Thin

October 21, 2016 by Tammy Robinson 2 Comments

Everyone wants to stay beautifully thin and healthy. Unfortunately, for many, time and gravity plays a part in our lives, causing our waists to expand and our chests to sag.

Unfortunately, most of us are looking for a magic pill to take care of those pesky problems such as the proverbial spare tire and flabby upper arms.

What few people know is that you can actually keep yourself slim and younger looking, not to mention healthy, by simply following a few tips.

Keep reading to find out just how easy it is to stay healthy, sexy, and thin by practicing a few simple rules most days of the week!

Follow the 80 percent Rule

Most of us love to eat, and why not? It is one of life’s true pleasures! Unfortunately, we tend to eat too much most of the time. You can still enjoy all the food life has to offer, every delicious morsel, and still stay thin. How? Stop eating when you are about 80 percent full. This means you can eat a healthy meal, enjoy a glass of wine, even chocolate cake for dessert! You just need to stop eating when you feel almost full. Slowdown while you are eating and you will feel when you are just about full. This is the time to stop.

Keep a Lookout for Oversized Portions

Too many of us feel that we must clean our plates when we are served as we don’t want food to go to waste. While no one should waste food, keep in mind that by giving yourself smaller portions, you won’t feel forced to finish everything. Remember that you can always serve yourself more if you are still hungry.

When eating out, choose lunch entrees over the dinner sized portion if possible or simply ask for a doggie bag right away and put half (or more) away for tomorrow’s lunch. Eat a salad first and drink a glass of water before you eat anything else.

Cut Back on TV and Video Games

We spend far too much time watching television and playing video games. While these are entertaining pastimes, they are not meant to be indulged in for hours at a time. In fact, you can easily moderate your pastimes with exercise by making a schedule that for every hour you watch TV or play video games, you must spend 1 hour doing exercise or some other type of chore, such as walking the dog, playing outside with your children, cleaning the house, or helping out at a soup kitchen. You can do almost anything during that hour, but you have to make it something where you aren’t sitting or lying down.

Cut Back on Fast Food

Let’s face it; cooking at home from scratch is time consuming and not that much fun for most people. However, the other side of that coin is that fast food is expensive, fattening, and not at all good for you.

Work at making fast food an occasional treat or to be used in a true emergency when you can’t get home and don’t have time for a restaurant. Fast food can be a particularly nasty habit to break, but it can be done.

Mark on a calendar, over a 30 day period every time you eat at a fast food restaurant. For example, let’s say you discover that you are eating at Mickey D’s 3 times a week. During the next month, work at cutting it back to twice a week. The following month, once a week. The next month, make it only 3 times per month. This is a fairly easy way to withdraw from the fast food addiction blues.

Control Stress

Uncontrolled, ongoing stress is as dangerous to your body as getting drunk every day. Find ways to reduce and manage stress in your life. You can start by removing people who cause you stress, or at least limiting the amount of time you spend with them. Then learn ways to manage your stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation.

Be Sun Safe

Although the human body needs a bit of sunlight, it doesn’t need much. Try to get 30 minutes of sun exposure on your bare skin most days. Early morning sun is best. After that, avoid the sun during the hours of 10AM and 3 PM when the sun is at its strongest. Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other protective clothing or seek out the shade as much as possible. Be especially careful with your face, unless you think sunspots, wrinkles, and leathery looking skin is beautiful.

Exercise

While you might feel that you don’t have time to exercise, almost everyone can squeeze in 30 minutes most days. Try taking three 10 minute segments if you must. Walk as fast as you can for 5 minutes, then turn around and walk back. If you do that 3 times a day – you’re finished! Some weight training and other exercise would be extra beneficial, but if this was all you could manage, you would be far ahead of the crowd.

Get Your Rest

Americans tend to think of sleeping as something that the elderly and “weak” people do a lot of. This is not true and can be detrimental to your health. Your body needs time to reset, to heal, to repair, and to build everything from new muscle to new brain cells. It can only do this when you are asleep. Most people need 7 to 9 hours each night to feel their best. No, sleeping in an extra 4 hours on the weekend won’t make up for it. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep each and every night.

Be Social

Study after study has found that people who stay in contact with friends and/or family are happier, healthier, and live longer. This doesn’t mean you have to be best buddies with your in-laws, but stay in touch with people who make you feel good and those that make you laugh. People who have a positive outlook on life are also healthier and live longer than those negative Nancy’s. Find people who you have fun with and those that make you feel good about yourself. Yes, it really is that simple.

Everything in Moderation

This really is the key to life. Everything in moderation, including moderation. This means that it’s OK to stay out really late every now and then, to eat a big piece of cake on your birthday, and to lie in bed watching a 6 hour Breaking Bad marathon. It’s NOT ok, however, to do this every weekend!

Of course, if you only followed these tips and you continued to smoke or drink to excess on a regular basis, don’t be surprised if you find yourself flabby and not-so-fit. These are simply tips to help you stay on the healthy, positive side of life as much as possible. The real work, however, is up to you.

You Can Rely on These Top 10 All Natural Antibiotics This Winter!

October 9, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

Antibiotics are, and have been, a lifesaving medicine for millions. Unfortunately, the overuse or incomplete use of antibiotics has now created bacteria that are resistant to all known types of antibiotics.

This means that, once again, unless we develop new antibiotics, bacteria will reign supreme and people will die from simple infections.

You can avoid these dangers by only using antibiotics when you truly need them and by consuming all of the medication your doctor gives you.

You can also avoid these dangers by using nature’s antibiotics whenever possible.

Of course we aren’t suggesting that these are better than or even equal to prescription antibiotics, but many times these natural foods, spices, and oils will do the job.

Want to know more? Keep reading and find out which are the top 10 antibiotics given to us by Mother Nature.

Garlic

This is perhaps the most common and most used all natural antibiotic. Simple, everyday cloves of garlic contain antifungal, antiviral, and antibiotic compounds. Garlic needs to be crushed or cut in order to release these compounds, however. So be sure to add plenty of garlic to whatever you are cooking to keep yourself healthy, even if it won’t get you voted Most Kissable!

Echinacea

Native Americans have used this flowering plant for eons. It can treat bacterial infections, wounds, and keeps the immune system working properly. You can use Echinacea creams to treat many skin problems and stop infections. You can also take supplements to fight off internal bacterial or viral infections or to simply keep your immune system working at its best, drink a cup or two of Echinacea tea each day during the flu season. Please note that those who have immune disorders should avoid this supplement.

Honey

This is a sweet remedy that has been used for hundreds of years! Honey contains antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Before bandages or antibiotics, honey was often applied to skin wounds to prevent infections, as well as being used as a face wash to prevent breakouts. Always use raw, organic honey for best results.

Turmeric

Used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, turmeric is a super anti-inflammatory with antibiotic compounds that not only destroy bacteria, but encourage the body to use its own natural defenses to heal itself. You can consume fresh turmeric via food or tea, take supplements, or mix turmeric powder with honey and milk for a super antibiotic potion!

Oil of Oregano

A chemical compound in oregano oil, called carvacrol, is such a powerful antibiotic that it has been known to work in cases where antibiotic resistant bacteria refused to budge! You can mix a few drops of this healing oil in water to bathe wounds, help stop skin problems, treat foot or toenail infections, and much more! For cough or flu symptoms, add a few drops to a pot of boiling water and breathe in the healing steam.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaves have good antimicrobial benefits, as well as a natural anti-inflammatory action. You can consume this one via supplements, or make your own tincture for external use by filling a jar with fresh olive tree leaves and covering them with vodka. Leave in a dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, then strain out the leaves. This makes a terrific wash to cleanse wounds or cuts.

Goldenseal

This is another herb that has been used by the Native People of America for centuries. It works well for both internal and external bacterial infections and activates the white blood cells of the body so they can fight infections naturally. This is very powerful medicine, however, and should only be taken for 3 or 4 weeks at a time. You can take supplements or make a tea from fresh leaves and flowers. Be careful if you harvest this plant wild, however, as it is on the endangered list due to over harvesting. Consider growing your own!

Ginger

You might already know that ginger is a natural way to stop nausea and vomiting, but did you know that it can also help to stop food borne bacteria, such as salmonella? Drinking ginger tea after each meal ensures not only proper digestion, but will kill any unwanted bacteria and pathogens in your food.

Neem

Sometimes called Indian Lilac, neem is another powerful plant that fights bacteria without the bacteria building up a resistance to it. Neem oil is the perfect answer for oral problems such as gingivitis and bad breath. You can also use the leaves or powder to take care of most skin problems.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

These tiny but powerful seeds are terrific for their antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral compounds. Grapefruit seed extracts have been shown to be effective in fighting more than 800 types of bacteria and viruses. You might want to consider taking these supplements during the cold and flu season this winter!

It was the father of medicine, Hippocrates, who once said “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food”. He was absolutely correct! Mother Nature has already provided us with almost everything we need to live a healthy, natural life; if only we would take advantage of it.