Is Goat Milk-Based Baby Formula Right For Your Baby? 

 

A popular alternative to cow’s milk, goat milk contains lower levels of lactose and forms curds of protein within the stomach that are more easily absorbed by the body.

Not for the Youngest

Keep in mind that age is a very important factor when switching your child off breast milk or baby formula to goat milk. You should never give them goat milk if they are younger than one year old without some form of supervision. Goat’s milk formula lacks enough iron, fat and nutrients to use by itself.

If you’re having difficulties finding a solution that works with your child’s dietary needs, speak with the child’s doctor about the possibility of a goat milk formula. With an added multivitamin that is fortified with iron, and proper medical supervision, it can be a viable substitute.

A Healthy Alternative

Though similar to cow-based milk, goat milk actually contains more calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium, niacin and copper in addition to a far higher amount of selenium. The major downside is that it is deficient in folic acid and will likely require supplementation.

Casein allergies are an issue goat milk may help individuals cope with. In goat milk, the casein is only measurable in trace amounts. Interestingly enough, data regarding this remains inconclusive. Some scientists have argued that because of the protein similarity of cow and goat milk, goat milk shouldn’t help with these allergies. However, there are many parents that argue that their children can tolerate goat milk far easier than milk from cows.

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Smart Ways to Reuse Tea Leaves 

Many people think of used tea leaves as garbage. However, there are many ways that tea leaves can be reused — even after they have been used to brew tea.  Both loose leaf tea and tea in bags work well, however tea leaves in bags will have to be removed before use in some cases.

Here are five ways to get the most out of your used tea leaves:

1. Have a Detox Bath

Throw a couple of used teabags full of tea leaves into your bath tonight. The antioxidants will nourish and rejuvenate your skin while the natural astringent nature of tea gently detoxifies.

2. Feed Your Plants

The nutrients in tea leaves can be used to nurture your garden. In addition, many types of tea leaves kill fungus and repel pests. Either sprinkle the brewed tea leaves into the soil or make a weak tea with a used teabag to water with.

3. Alleviate Pain and Itching from Bug Bites and Burns

The tannins in tea leaves tend to relieve pain, itching and burns. Simply place a used tea bag on bug bites or burns. If your used tea leaves are loose, you can make a compress by folding them into a paper towel and wetting it slightly.

4. Shrink Under-Eye Circles

Tea leaves are naturally astringent, which means they draw out extra fluid and toxins that accumulate in tissue. You can reduce puffiness and bags under the eyes by placing a cold, formerly brewed white or green tea bag over them for a few minutes. Avoid black tea for this usage because it can stain the skin.

5. Dispel Odors

Tea absorbs odors and freshens smells, similar to baking soda. You can place used tea bags in a bowl in the refrigerator or place loose-brewed leaves in a trash can or litter box. Neutralizing unpleasant smells is an easy way to reuse tea leaves.

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The Health Benefits of Spinach 

 

Iron is an essential mineral that helps to carry the oxygen throughout the body. It is a crucial component of hemoglobin, and it is responsible for healthy red blood cells. Low levels of iron lead to chronic fatigue, an impaired immune system as well as slower brain function. Ultimately, the entire body may be affected resulting in further health complications with long term depletion of iron.

Why Spinach?

Several iron-rich foods are presently available, in addition to traditional supplements. One of the most common iron-rich foods is spinach. This green-leaf vegetable is loaded with an array of minerals and vitamins. Because spinach contains Vitamin A and C as well as magnesium, it may protect the body from high blood pressure and heart disease.

Spinach also contains beta-carotene which protects the body from free radicals. Gastrointestinal flora is guarded by consuming sufficient amounts of this vital mineral as it prevents mutations of bacteria and DNA damage. In addition, some of the nutrients found in spinach have anti-inflammatory effect and are credited with ability to prevent migraines, arthritis and osteoporosis. The brain’s functionality is typically accelerated when spinach is included in a daily diet.

Additional benefits of spinach include prevention of macular degeneration such as age-related cataracts and other eye conditions. Spinach contains lutein, which is a crucial component in maintenance of the eyes and proper vision. Most of all, spinach is an excellent source of iron and greatly benefits children and adolescents during their development into the adulthood. Spinach is fat and cholesterol free, and it generates abundant amounts of energy.

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How to Help Seasonal Allergies 

 

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Spring is in the air, and along with it, many different allergens that can irritate people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis is irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages after exposure to allergens.

Allergens are substances that cause an abnormal response of the immune system. The response can includes swelling of the nasal passage, runny or itchy nose, watery eyes, congestion and congestion pain, and sneezing.

An allergic reaction occurs when your body’s immune system overreacts to an allergen. When you breathe in an allergen, cells in your nasal passages release a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes your nose to feel itchy and creates swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages.

Exposure to the allergen can cause:

• Sneezing
• Itching in the nose, eyes, throat, and ears
• Red, watery eyes
• Runny nose, nasal congestion
• Congestion with sinus pressure
• Postnasal drip and cough
• Headache
• Dark circles under your eyes

Recommendations

Dust mite reduction:

• Wash pillows and bed sheets regularly in hot water.
• Remove carpeting, feather pillows, and upholstered furniture, especially in bedroom.
• Keep clothes off bedroom floor.
• Use acaricides solutions to kill dust mites.
• Keep humidity levels < 50%.
• Use double-bag vacuum bags and HEPA filters.

Mold exposure reduction:

• Wear facemasks when working with soil, leaves, or compost.
• Try to avoid moist, damp areas within the home.
• Use a dehumidifier in places like your basement that may encourage mold growth.
• Repair leaky roofs or pipes.

Animal allergen reduction:

• Removal of pet from home is most efficient option. It may take 4-6 months to clear the home of pet allergens.
• If you wish to keep pets, keep your pet out of bedroom and off of furniture.
• Frequent vacuuming or removal of rugs

Pollen reduction:

• Be aware of pollen levels and limit your exposure on high days:
• Stay indoors and keep windows closed.
• Consider using an air purifier inside
• Do not dry clothes outside.
• Shower once you get home. Keep clothes contaminated with pollen out of the bedroom.

General reduction techniques:

• Use petroleum jelly on the nostrils. The jelly may catch some of the allergens before they pass into the nose.
• Nasal filters—device inserted into the nostrils that can filter allergens before they reach the nose
• A Neti Pot, nasal sinus rinse, or saline nasal spray may help clear irritants from the nasal passage after exposure. It may also help loosen congestion.
• Though reducing allergens can help, it is not possible to completely eliminate all allergens. Consult your doctor to determine the best course of action for your allergic condition.

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What in the World is Graviola? 

While researching herbs and supplements, have you ever come across something and asked yourself, “what in the world is that?” This series of articles will give you insight about some of the lesser-known herbs currently available on the market. From there, you can decide whether it’s a natural remedy worthy of further exploration.

Today, it’s all about Graviola!

Graviola, more commonly known as Soursop, is a fruit indigenous to northern South America and the Caribbean. Today, it can be found in Australia, Southeast Asia, and suitably moist, warm lowlands or tropical islands of continental Africa. While this fruit appears to be a blending of a pear and a cactus, eaten for its slightly tart, pineapple-like flavor, it also has other uses.

History

First encountered by European explorers in the 15th century, it was exported to the tropics. Throughout the cultures that inhabit Graviola’s favored growing regions — South American and Caribbean tropical regions — Soursop is used as a delicious food, a juice, as well as medicinally. While folk medicine is sometimes disregarded by the medical science community, it’s clear that some of these applications are effective.

Uses

The skin of the fruit and the leaves are both inedible as food products. However, they are often used in either tinctures or decoctions as remedies for head lice and other parasites. It is said that the leaves have a soporific effect, and many folk traditions employ them in bed linens and aromatic infusions not intended for consumption. Additionally, Graviola has been used as an emetic similar to ipecac, and an anti-inflammatory wash that may reduce swelling and help prevent the development of unsightly or painful scar tissue after surgery. Its uses also include a remedy for bacterial infections, though due to the volatile chemical compounds in the tree bark, skin and leaves of the fruit, extreme care should be exercised when using these remedies.

Side Effects

The potent properties that have made this plant a potential remedy for lice, bed bugs, chiggers, skin rashes, bacterial infections, wounds, abrasions, and lesions, should also engender caution. The horticultural experts at Perdue University advise that the presence of the alkaloids anonaine and anoniine, muricine, and muricinine be found in the bark of the tree, which is also high in hydrocyanic acid. An unknown alkaloid is also found in the leaves and seeds, leading to extreme caution on the part of Western medical professionals.

While the fruit graviola might be an effective remedy for skin ailments, parasitic infestations, bacterial infections, and even for insomnia, WebMD editors note that uses of other parts of graviola, beyond enjoying the flesh of the fruit, has been shown to produce side effects resembling Parkinson’s Disease in some people. In addition, the fruit may exacerbate the disease where it already exists.

Nursing mothers should not use topical treatments, as infant exposure to the alkaloids present in bark, roots and leaves can be fatal. Caution and close supervision of a medical professional is advised when using graviola for medicinal purposes.

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Make Your Own Coconut Oil Body Wash 

 

Whether you suffer from an irritating skin condition like eczema or rosacea or simply want to cut harmful chemicals out of your skin care routine, coconut oil can be helpful. Since coconut oil is a powerful anti-fungal agent, it works well as a cleanser, regulating the body’s pH level while moisturizing the skin and preventing blemishes like acne and blackheads.

Ordinary body washes can be expensive, and many contain ingredients like sulfates that can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated. Since coconut oil is a powerful anti-fungal agent, it works well as a cleanser, regulating the body’s pH level while moisturizing the skin and helping to prevent blemishes like whiteheads and blackheads.

Coconut Oil Body Wash Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond oil
• 1 cup coconut oil (organic, cold pressed is best)
• 2 cups pure castile soap
• 15 to 30 drops essential oil (optional)

Supplies

• measuring cup
• funnel
• quart-sized glass or plastic jar

Process

• If your coconut oil is solid, melt it slowly in the microwave, a pot on low heat, or simply leave it in a warm place for a while.
• Once your oil is melted, add the almond oil, castile soap and essential oil, if desired. Mix these ingredients together.
• Using a funnel, pour your body wash into a quart-sized glass or plastic jar. Shake the jar before using the wash to ensure everything’s properly mixed, and enjoy.

Tips

In addition to making your body wash smell good, adding essential oils can provide additional health benefits. Choose your favorite essential oils or ones that may provide benefits uniquely tailored to your skin’s needs. Helichrysum oil is a good option for eczema sufferers, while lavender and lemon oil provide pleasing aromas that can calm the senses.

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so your body wash may harden. To prevent this, you can use fractionated coconut oil, which won’t harden. Alternatively, you can place your body wash container under hot water in the bath or shower to soften it. Then, shake it up and use as desired. 

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