Keys to the Castle

Okay, girls. Through a little experimentation, I have found a fantastic breakthrough to help us out with our monthly "friend", or "Hell Week" as I like to call it... No pills, no powders, no potions, would you believe it's something as simple as a little Apple Cider Vinegar?! Let me explain...

So, I'm sure you've heard of ACV's superpowers in the realm of nutrition. I've actually used it as a weight loss tip for my clients. I've seen major results for them by suggesting that, BTW...

Did you know that it's great for your hair (for dandruff & shine), skin (acne & fading bruises), overall heath? This stuff is amazing! But let's get to the real point of this blog, helping with the period. 

So, I started thinking, as I'm talking to my clients about the ACV helping to flush water retention. I thought, "Hey, I wonder if it helps with the water retention during your period." Sometimes, I have a tendency to think out loud, so I mentioned the thought to a client, and she decided to give it a try, on her own. She used the ACV in a variety of ways, every day, the week before her period was supposed to come. Sometimes, she drank it in a glass of water. Sometimes, she used it as a topping on veggies. Sometimes, she used it as a salad dressing. Sometimes, she just drank it. She never used less than 2 tablespoons a day, but I cautioned her about overdoing it because it can dehydrate you if you do. She continued using it during the first 2 days of her period & reported the following:

-NO BLOATING

-NO WEIGHT GAIN

-less fatigue than usual 

-MUCH less cramping than usual

I was in shock! I couldn't believe all of the benefits. So, as soon as I could, I repeated the experiment in the same way that she did. Not in the exact same regiment, but in the same amount & with the variation that she did. It worked for me too! I didn't bloat, I wasn't so exhausted, & the cramps were MUCH better than usual! However, they did kinda kick in on day 2. I took a shot of ACV, maybe about a tablespoon or 2, & about 30 minutes later, the cramps were a thing of the past!

I feel like I've found Atlantis or something! Period system relief without medical intervention or having to fool around with a heating pad?! OMG! 

Okay, now I gotta be responsible & give my little disclaimer. If you have some kind of medical issue, you might wanna give the Dr. a shout before you try this. Also, like I said, if used to excess, it can dehydrate, so drink plenty of water! In addition, if you have acid reflux issues or ANY issues with acidity (ulcers, GI problems, throat sensitivity, etc), this may burn, so clear it w/ the Doc, & please dilute with water!!! 

Otherwise, enjoy this cheap & effective superfood! 

Sleep is a TERRIBLE Thing to Waste...

Some people have this romantic notion of sleep that it's not really all that important… or that missing a few winks ain't a big deal… Oh, how WRONG they are… I can't tell you how many times I've heard this overwheming sense of pride come along with pulling an all-nighter… The one that REALLY gets me is "sleep might make you miss out on an opportunity"… No, no, no… Lots of folks just don't get how important sleep really is… Are you one of those people?… Well, maybe after I drop some knowledge on you, you'll change your tune. Here are 3 aspects of your life that can be royally screwed by missing out on your sleep…

1. The Physical: Have you ever heard of beauty sleep?… That's a REAL thing! According to a recent study conducted at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center (2013), sleep deprivation is linked to a whole gang of physical issues!
-AGING:

People who don't sleep as well have more fine lines, wrinkles, and less skin elasticity than those who get their beauty sleep. 

-INFLAMMATION ISSUES: They also let us know that those who are sleep-deprived have a harder time coming back from a sunburn AND they experience slower weight loss or weight gain.
                        

 -WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM: The Mayo Clinic suggests that lack of sleep                                   leads to all kinds of little diseases like diabetes, strokes, heart disease, and other cardiovascular issues…  
                                                                                      You know, nothing serious…

2. The Mental: According to the Harvard Medical School, a sleep-deprived brain can experience...

-LACK OF EFFICIENCY: A sleepy brain works harder.

-MEMORY: short-term memory? Long-term memory? What's that?...

-DIMINISHES RESPONSE TIME: Driving while sleepy can be as bad as driving with a .08 BAL.

-PSYCHOSIS: sleep deprivation can lead to hallucinations, paranoia, & irrational aggression. 

3. The Emotional:

-MOOD DISORDERS: Sleep deprivation increases the risk of developing anxiety & depression. 

-EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY: The ability to control & maintain emotions are seriously affected when sleep deprived. 

So, in other words, if you want mental health, rest your eyes!!!

Now, am I advocating laziness or sleeping all day?... Of course not... Many academic sources, including The National Sleep Foundation, suggest that, depending on age, the healthy amount of sleep for an adult is 7-9 hours per night. 

To sum it up... If you wanna really be healthy, successful... or sane... Get some sleep. Sleep is not for the weak, it's for the wise!