Stop buying toxic hair products! Swap them with coconut, banana and avocado instead

This article is shared with permission from our friends at paleohacks.com.

Creating your own natural hair conditioner is a great way to provide your locks with much-needed nutrients. These homemade recipes rejuvenate your hair and scalp without stripping them of natural oils or overloading them with chemicals.

Plus, many of the ingredients in these homemade recipes are already stashed away in your kitchen cupboard. So, making them is not only easy but saves you money in the long run.

It’s vital to remember that the health of your hair starts from within. Eat wholesome, nutritious food, allowing the outside to radiate (i.e. your hair, nails and skin). Foods rich in Vitamin A, C E, iron, calcium and zinc will help to prevent dry, damaged and oily hair. Try sweet potato, lettuce, kale, broccoli, mango, papaya, tomatoes and pumpkin seeds to start.

Here are five DIY hair conditioners for healthy hair that you can start using in your weekly hair care regime.

Coconut Oil Conditioner

Coconut oil is a fantastic solution for dry, damaged hair, as it soothes the scalp and softens the hair. Honey is a natural humectant, a substance that attracts and retains moisture.

Prep Time:5 minutes

Yield: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil, melted
• 3 tablespoons coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix together until fully combined.
2. Pour the mixture into an air-tight container. Store in a cool, dry place. (If you’re not using it all in one application, don’t worry. It keeps for a couple of weeks).
3. Apply the mixture to wet hair and massage into the scalp, working your way to the ends of the hair. Leave for 2 to 5 minutes then rinse with water.

Lavender Moisturizing Paste

This is a great recipe for cleansing and moisturizing the hair. Sometimes referred to as the “no-poo” method (don’t worry this has nothing to do with your gut), since it also replaces traditional shampoo.

When you first start to use it, you may find your scalp and hair are oily. This is simply due to the transitional phase as your hair rids itself of the chemical build-up from commercial products. This is short-lived, so you’ll have to persevere in order to see your natural hair transform. Feel free to change the lavender for another essential oil to suit your preferred fragrance, or you can skip the oil altogether.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 1

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda
• 2 to 4 tablespoons water, more if required
• 2 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together. Add more water if the mixture becomes too stiff.
2. Pour into a lidded jar or bottle. Shake the mixture then apply to your wet hair. Start at the scalp, work through to the ends and massage fully into the hair. Rinse with water.

Apple Cider Vinegar to Balm

The acidity of apple cider vinegar helps maintain the pH balance of your hair and remove the build-up of dirt, dead skin cells and chemicals without stripping the hair of its natural oils.

This cider vinegar hair rinse is great for balancing the condition of hair, leaving you with smooth shiny hair cuticles. This works really well after the Lavender Moisturizing Paste.

Prep Time:5 minutes

Yield: 1

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons water, more if required
• Optional: a few drops essential oil

Instructions:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a lidded jar or bottle and shake well together.
2. Apply to wet hair. Massage into the scalp through to the ends of the hair. Rinse the hair with water.

Banana Hair Mask

Bananas are a rich source of potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese, all of which are fantastic nutrients for supporting healthy hair. This is a quick and easy recipe that’s ideal for when you have extra bananas leftover. Use ripe bananas to get the best of the creamy nutrients which will maximize moisture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Yield:1

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana and avocado in a bowl.
2. Add the coconut milk and mix together until fully combined.
3. Massage into dry hair and leave for 15 minutes. You can put your hair in a clip or towel to lock in as much of the hair mask as possible.
4. Rinse the hair mask from the hair with water then wash as usual.

Cocoa Butter Balm

Cocoa butter (also known as raw cacao butter) is a natural emulsifier and softener for skin and hair. Cocoa butter works wonders for reviving dry and damaged hair thanks to the nourishing fat content. If you have any leftover after applying to the hair, use the rest as a natural lotion for your skin (the aroma is heavenly).

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon almond oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. Firstly, melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil over a pot of lightly steaming water.
2. Drop the essential oils into a separate boil, then add the melted cocoa butter, coconut oil, and almond oil.
3. Stir everything together with a spoon, then pour into a small jar.
4. Apply the hair balm to damaged ends then finish at the scalp. Leave for a couple of minutes then rinse with water or leave it in overnight, then rinse.

Which DIY hair conditioner will you try this week?

Give these natural hair recipes a try – 3 Egg White Hair Masks and Pumpkin Conditioner!

Source:

Hughes, R. (n.d.). 5 Homemade Hair Conditioners to Try Next Time You Shower. Retrieved September 15, 2016 from http://blog.paleohacks.com/homemade-hair-conditioner/

Image Sources:

http://blog.paleohacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DIY-Conditioner-4.jpg

A quick note from our founder-

Over the past year, my friend Dave at PaleoHacks has been working on a secret cookbook with world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu chef Peter Servold.

Well, today this new this new incredible Paleo Cookbook is finally available to be shipped right to your door for FREE

That’s right — as a special launch promotion, we’re offering our brand new Paleo fat loss cookbook to you for free (Chef Pete lost 60 lbs using these recipes!) — All you have to do is just cover a small shipping cost (international shipping is a bit more).

Get your FREE copy of Paleo Eats Here. (Grab this today, because we only ordered a small batch of these cookbooks for this freebie promotion, and they will sell out FAST!)

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/natural-hair-conditioner-swaps.html

Stop Throwing Away Avocado Seeds: They’re Potent Cancer Fighters

Often the avocado seed is tossed into the bin or compost pile, or sprouted to create an avocado tree. What most people don’t know is that the avocado seed is edible as well… and even more nutritious than the flesh.

Here are 10 Good Reason Why You Should Start To Eat Avocado Seed

1.      Antioxidant Powerhouse

70% of the antioxidants are found in the  seed. These antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals, which are linked to many diseases and obesity. Avocado seed contains polyphenols similar to the ones found in green tea.

2.      Packed With Soluble Fibers

The seed is packed with soluble fibers. Actually it contains more soluble fibers than most other foods on our planet.

3.      Soothe Digestive Issues

Avocado seed has been used for ages in South-America to treat dysentery and GI tract issues. It reduces inflammation, prevents gastric ulcers, and relieves constipation. It is great for diarrhea as well and can help prevent bacterial and viral diseases.

4.      Cancer Fighting Properties

The seeds contain flavonol, a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent or reduce tumor growth.

5.      Good For Your Heart

Its high levels of dietary fiber lowers cholesterol. It actually binds cholesterol before it has the chance to be absorbed in our blood. Antioxidant activity of avocado seed might also help prevent cardiovascular issues such as the formation of plaque which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

6.      Strengthen Immune System

The seed can help you through flu and cold season by strengthening your immune system and keeping free radicals at bay.

7.      Lowers Blood Glucose And Maintain Weight

Avocado seed extract helps to lower blood glucose and maintain a healthy weight. it helps curb the appetite and gives  a full feeling over a longer period of time.

8.      Slow Down Aging

Thanks to its antioxidants, avocado seed may slow down the aging process and the formation of wrinkles. It has the ability to rebuild collagen to keep your skin firm and youthful.

How To Use Avocado Seed

Avocado seed can be used in smoothies, sauces, or dressings, but keep in mind that they are slightly bitter to the taste. So add enough sweet countering ingredients (like sweet fruits or raw honey) to cover up the bitterness.

The best way to use avocado seed: grind into a powder and add to sauces, dressings, or smoothies. To avoid ruining your blender or food processor, especially if it’s not a high speed blender or powerful food processor, dry seed and add it to a plastic bag and crush with a hammer first.

You can also add it to your facial mask or scrubs as an exfoliant or make avocado pit tea.

FYI: the seed can also be used as a natural pink-hued dye for fabric.

So next time you eat an avocado think again before tossing its seed away.

Article originally published on Body in Balance.org republished with permission

By Amy Goodrich

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/avocado-seeds.html

7 Ways You're Accidentally Making Your Smoothies Less Healthy

Smoothies are a fantastic way to get a variety of nutrients into your breakfast with very little time on your hands. A handful of this, a sprinkle of that and voilà! A healthy meal in minutes, right?

When made correctly, smoothies are delicious, nutritional powerhouses. But so often I see people blending a smoothie that misses the mark. Here are some simple smoothie situations to avoid, and tips to get your smoothie game on point!

1. You overload it with sugar.

No one likes to hear it, but sugar is sugar. I’m not saying cut it out completely, but get real about your sugar intake, especially in your smoothies. It's so easy to blend away six tablespoons of sugar disguised in a few creamy bananas or sweet caramel-like dates. While these also come with fiber and nutrients to balance that sugary hit, it's still a sugary hit.

Choose nutritious, low sugar options like berries, kiwi, stone fruit, lemon and avocado and use others with moderation. A cup of fresh fruit will do just fine.

2. You're forgetting to throw in some greens.

Making a berry smoothie? Throw in a handful of spinach! This is often healthier than many green smoothies that use bananas, pineapple and mango to make up the bulk of the drink with very little green content.

Berries are a low sugar option, and are complimented well by bitter plants like rocket/arugula, neutral flavors from lettuce and zucchini, or freshness from cucumber and mint. Don't skimp on greens for the sake of a pretty colored pink!

3. Your smoothies are loaded with juice.

This is particularly relevant to smoothies you buy. They're often full of juice, and it’s hardly ever the freshly squeezed kind. When ordering out or making your own, opt for low sugar options such as almond milk, coconut milk, coconut water or plain filtered water.

With all that whole fruit and flavor your packing in, there's no need to load it with additional, likely artificial, sugary liquid! If you want the apple flavor, ditch the juice concentrate and add ½ an apple into the mix.

4. You're getting all carbs, no protein.

So by now you get it: less fruit, more green, low sugar. But if you stop here, all you’ve made is a nutritious blend of carbohydrates! If this is your main meal you want to add a healthy dose of protein.

Protein is especially important at breakfast time to stabilize blood sugar. Consuming protein in a fruit smoothie buffers the release of sugar into the blood, ensuring satiety, sustained energy, efficient fat burning and craving control. Include a quality protein powder, 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt, hemp seeds, or a raw egg.

5. You're adding scoops of sabotage protein powder.

Have you read the ingredients on the back of that “natural” protein powder? It doesn’t matter whether you prefer whey or plant-based protein, the list of ingredients shouldn’t take hours to decipher.

Choose a powder that has few ingredients and is made from natural, recognizable sources. Make sure there are no fillers, artificial sweeteners or hidden sugars. And of course, check that it is actually high in protein. A good amount is around 20 grams per serving.

6. You're getting all carbs and protein, but no fat.

Ahh, fat. Eating fat will not make you fat, as we were previously led to believe. Instead, good fats keep our cells nourished, contributing to the healthy function of our heart, brain, hormones, immune system, skin, hair and nails.

Blend a quarter avocado, a dollop of nut butter or a tablespoon of flaxseed oil into your smoothie, or top it with a sprinkle of nuts and seeds.

7. You guzzle and go.

The smoothie is the ultimate quick fix for the girl or guy on-the-go. However, just because it can be poured into a Mason jar does not give you permission to guzzle it down!

When we eat while distracted, the brain doesn’t always get the memo that you have in fact eaten. This can lead to overeating.

Even worse, you don’t want to add stress to the eating equation. When you are stressed, digestion isn’t a priority — say hello to bloating, increased hunger, sweet cravings, fat storage and digestive upset.

As with all meals, we need all eyes on deck! Sit down, calm down, sip slowly, mindfully and savor the taste.

Photo courtesy of the author

by Sami Bloom

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-21397/7-ways-youre-accidentally-making-your-smoothies-less-healthy.html

The Smoothie That Keeps You Going Until Lunch

Having a green, alkaline smoothie for breakfast is just awesome. It’s packed with nourishing goodies, and it makes you feel great – BUT – it doesn’t always last until lunch and you can easily fall into the mid-morning snack trap…

Not anymore!

This hugely alkaline, super-filling smoothie ticks all of the boxes: nutrients, flavour AND satiety (i.e. you feel fuller for longer).

Combining the nourishment from the greens, fibre, protein and fats it’s the perfect combination to keep your happy and hunger-free from breakfast until lunch – meaning this is the ultimate 5-minute breakfast to fit into your busy schedule.

Contains 27g protein & 29g fibre!

The “Fill-Me-Up-Until-Lunch” Alkaline Smoothie

Serves 2
Ingredients

1/2 Avocado
2 Handfuls of baby spinach leaves
2 Handfuls of kale, watercress or other green leaf
1/2 Cup of almonds (soaked overnight)
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp almond butter
200ml of almond milk (unsweetened)
200ml filtered water

Instructions

1. Soak the almonds overnight or for at least 4 hours (unless you’ve got a Vitamix or other high powered blender, and then this step is optional)
2. Simply blend the ingredients together, starting with the avocado, greens and liquids to form a base, before putting everything else in – except the chia
3. Once it’s all blended, stir through the chia seeds and then wait for 2 minutes for the chia to do it’s thing!

Enjoy and let me know how it works for you!
Ross

http://liveenergized.com/alkaline-diet-resources/the-smoothie-that-keeps-you-going-until-lunch/

10 Ways to Balance Your Hormones Naturally for Vibrant Health

Hormones, such as estrogen and insulin, are chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your health as they travel in your bloodstream throughout your entire body. Some of the most common side effects of hormone imbalance include:

• Infertility
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Low libido
• Hair loss and hair thinning

Organs and glands like your thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, testicles and pancreas regulate most of your hormone production, and if your hormones become even slightly imbalanced it can cause major health issues.

Also, new research shows that your gut health plays a significant role in hormone regulation so if you have leaky gut syndrome or a lack of probiotic foods lining your intestinal wall, it can also cause hormone imbalance.

The good news is there are ways to balance your hormones naturally.

The bad news is the majority of people across the world today turn to synthetic treatments such as hormone replacement therapy, which can do three things:

1. It makes people dependent on prescription drugs for the rest of their lives.
2. Simply masks the symptoms while you develop disease in other areas of the body.
3. Causes serious side effects by increasing your risk of stroke, osteoporosis and cancer.

If you don’t want these negative side effects but want to naturally balance your hormones, here are the top 10 ways to heal your hormones.

Related Article: Top 5 Benefits of Hormone-Boosting Superfood Maca Root

---

10 Ways to Balance Hormones Naturally

1. Eat Coconut Oil and Avocados

Eating a variety of foods high in short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids is key to keeping your hormones in check. Not only are these essential fats fundamental building blocks for hormone production, but they boost your metabolism and promote weight loss.

My four favorite foods packed with healthy fats include: coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter and wild-caught salmon.

Coconut oil uses are plentiful, avocado benefits hormonal balance and salmon nutrition holds many more health benefits.

2. Supplement with Adaptogen Herbs 

Adaptogen herbs are a unique class of healing plants that promote hormone balance and protect the body from a wide variety of diseases.

In addition to boosting immune function and combating stress, research shows thatashwagandha and holy basil benefit hormone balance by:

• Improving thyroid function
• Lowering cholesterol naturally
• Reducing anxiety and depression
• Reducing brain cell degeneration
• Stabilizing blood sugar
• Supporting adrenal glands

Related Article: Hormone Imbalance: What It Is & How You Can Heal It Naturally

3. Balance Omega-3/6 Ratio

Since the early 20^th century, the use of vegetable oil in our diets has skyrocketed.

Coincidently, because people didn’t boost their omega-3 foods intake to balance out the elevated omega-6s they consumed, I’ve seen an onslaught of chronic diseases andinflammatory processes literally take over our society.

Research from Pennsylvania State University suggests that jumping from the 1:1 omega-3/6 ratio our hunter-gather ancestors enjoyed to the astronomical 20:1 ratio most people take in today is the primary dietary factor of most diseases in America!

Rule of thumb: Be sure to steer clear from oils high in omega-6s (safflower, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, canola, soybean and peanut), and load up on rich sources of natural omega-3s (wild fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts and grass-fed animal products).

I want to also mention, there is a type of omega-6 fat you want to try and get in your diet called GLA. GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) can be taken in supplement form by using evening primrose oil or borage oil, and it’s also found in hemp seeds. Studies show supplementing with GLA can support healthy progesterone levels.

4. Heal Leaky Gut 

Leaky gut is a condition that not only affects your digestive tract, but also causes hormone issues and can more specifically target your thyroid.

When undigested food particles like gluten leak through your gut into your bloodstream, it causes disease-causing inflammation of the entire body and more specific organs like the thyroid.

Also, most people with leaky gut have an a deficiency of probiotics in their guts. Probiotics actually help your body produce certain vitamins that affect hormone levels like insulin.

The top foods and supplements that support healing leaky gut include: bone broth,kefir, fermented vegetables, and high-fiber foods like vegetables and sprouted seeds.

In addition, supplements like digestive enzymes and probiotics can aid in repairing your gut lining, which in turn can balance your hormones.

Some of the main things that damage your digestive health include processed foods, gluten, hydrogenated oils and emotional stress.

Related Article: ‘Love’ Hormone Oxytocin Found to Reduce Stress, Bring Peace to Intimate and Global Relationships

5. Eliminate Toxic Kitchen and Body Care Products

Another way to eliminate toxins in your body is to stay away from conventional body care products that are high in DEA, parabens, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate.

The Environmental Working Group evaluated over 72,000 products and ranked them in an easy-to-understand guide to make sure you have a resource to keep your family safe. Check out EWG’s “Skin Deep Cosmetic Database” today!

Also, the use of plastic bottles should be replaced with glass and stainless steel because ofBPA toxic effects. In addition, switching from teflon pans to stainless steel, ceramic or cast iron can make a big difference in your hormonal health.

6. Interval Exercise

One of the best all-around activities you can do for your health is burst training. If there is a silver bullet out there, this is it! Exercising opens the hormone faucet to release the right amount of hormones that your body NEEDS!

Whether endorphins, testosterone, growth hormone or insulin, burst training helps reduce stress levels, enhance your immune system, regulate metabolic function and keep you at the body weight your body was designed for.

But don’t overdo it — bursting 20 minutes three times a week is plenty, and if you want to add in more exercise try classes like Barre and Pilates.

7. Get More Sleep

Unless you get seven–eight hours of sleep every night, you’re doing your body no favors. Lack of sleep and sleeping at the wrong time actually may be the worst habits people have that disturb hormone balance.

Why? Because hormones work on a schedule! Case in point: Cortisol, the stress hormone, is regulated at midnight. Therefore, people who go to bed late never truly get a break from the sympathetic flight/fight stress response, which has led to widespread stress-related health disorders in our country.

To maximize hormone function, get to bed by 10 p.m. Endocrinologists (hormone experts) claim that one hour of sleep between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. is equal to two hours of sleep before or after these time slots!

8. Limit Caffeine

OK, don’t kill the messenger! Drinking too much caffeine is almost as bad as not getting enough sleep. It elevates your cortisol levels, lowers your thyroid hormone levels and basically creates havoc throughout your entire body.

If you need a little boost, try not to drink more than one–two cups of matcha green tea or tulsi tea. You’ll keep your hormones in check and enjoy the weight loss and cancer-killing benefits as well!

9. Supplement with Vitamin D3

According to an article from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vitamin D3’s role in promoting human life is more profound than previously suspected.

“These physiologic arenas are the adaptive immune system, the innate immune system, insulin secretion by the pancreatic β cell, multifactorial heart functioning and blood pressure regulation, and brain and fetal development.” 

This is why people who live in dark areas suffer from significant depression and health disorders unless they supplement.

Most people should supplement with around 2,000 IU to 5,000 IU daily of vitamin D3 on days they’re not in the sun.

10. Back Off Birth Control Pills

I will keep on harping on this until birth control pills are banned. Just say no to birth control pills! In its simplest sense, “the pill” is hormone therapy that raises estrogen to such dangerous levels that it causes:

• Increased risk of breast cancer
• Increased risk of blood clotting, heart attack and stroke
• Migraines
• Gallbladder disease
• Increased blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• Nausea, irregular bleeding or spotting
• Benign liver tumors
• Breast tenderness

I cannot urge you strongly enough to stop using them immediately. There are many other (safer) ways to prevent pregnancy.

by Dr. Axe

http://consciouslifenews.com/10-ways-balance-hormones-naturally-vibrant-health/1194892/