When faced with bad breath, many people immediately turn their head to temporary treatments for this problem rather than thinking about the cause of the problem. The reality is that bad breath can be caused by health conditions, foods, and possibly your habits. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, you should first examine your hygiene habits. Make sure that you floss at least once a day, and that you brush your teeth regularly. It is also possible for chronic dry mouth conditions to play a part in the development of bad breath. Dry mouth is caused by the decomposition of dead cells in your mouth and on your tongue. This decomposition results in an unpleasant odor. Extreme dieting and the use of tobacco products, soft drinks, coffee and alcohol are other contributors to the development of bad breath. Tobacco products, of course, should never be used at all. Radical diets and fasting are the main dietary changes that usually result in bad breath issues. Following a raw food diet, or simply modifying your diet towards drinking and eating healthier things, such as organic fruits and vegetables, does not generally have such negative results on bad breath. Lack of Digestion and Bad Breath You may not be aware of this, but insufficient digestion and not chewing your food completely can cause you to have bad breath. If you suffer from certain bowel disorders, constipation, or a sluggish digestive system, you are a prime candidate for developing bad breath. The reason for this is that these conditions create an excess of gas in your body, and much of that gas exits through your mouth. One of the culprits involved in having a sluggish digestion is the lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. If there isn’t enough hydrochloric acid, food that is undigested winds up being passed into your intestines where it emits a noxious odor. This odor then causes bad breath. Natural Remedies for Bad Breath In your quest to find a solution to your problem, you may be tempted to turn to your favorite over the counter mouthwash. Mouthwash is one of those temporary treatments that can be used in the fight against bad breath, but its effects will not last for more than about an hour. If you use mouthwash, it is particularly important that you choose a mouthwash containing no alcohol at all. There are a couple of reasons for this. One, alcohol actually contributes to the development of bad breath. Two, studies have shown that mouthwashes containing more than 25% alcohol are linked to an increased risk of developing oral cancer. There are actually a number of natural remedies that can be used that may help you relieve bad breath. Taking a tablespoon of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar mixed with water, prior to eating meals is supposed to help your digestive processes run more smoothly. You might also find a salt water gargle (I recommend Himalayan Crystal Salt) to be useful, [...]

As we enter into the flu season, chances are that many people will experience the effects of a cold or flu. Highly contagious, colds are the name we give for over 100 mild viral influenza forms. Although there is no cure for the cold or flu — natural or prescription — there are many natural home remedies that can help you feel better while you’re toughing it out. 10 Natural Flu Remedies You Can Try at Home 1. Vitamin D Boosting up on vitamin D helps support general health and the immune system. This may be related to the necessary role this vitamin plays in the protection and lubrication of many of the body’s principle organ systems. It also boosts cellular growth and normal immune cell activity. I recommend 15 minutes daily of natural sunlight, consuming more foods with vitamin d and possibly taking a vitamin D3 supplement. If you’re looking for a supplement to build your immune system, check out SUNTREX D3 at the AlrightStore. 2. Vitamin C and Citrus Fruits If you have had a lingering cold that just won’t go away, chances are you are not getting enough vitamin C. A powerful support for the common cold, you can take up to 2000mg four times daily. Fresh squeezed lemons and oranges are also a good way to naturally supplement vitamin C levels. The benefits of drinking lemon juice mixed in water go beyond the naturally occurring vitamin C. Lemons aid the body in purifying the lymphatic system, which is crucial when you’re sick. Squeeze ½ lemon in one cup of purified warm water and drink 3 or more times daily. For particularly mucous-ridden colds, you can add black pepper and fresh or powdered ginger. 3. Zinc Orotate Double blind studies have shown that zinc is incredibly helpful when you’re under the weather. Zinc Orotates supports lysosome activity, which attacks harmful organisms and has been an effective immune booster. Try taking a zinc supplement. 4. Organic Oregano Oil An extremely potent agent that relieves congestion and redness. I recommend about 9 drops of organic oregano oil taken internally in a capsule after meals on a full stomach. If you’re looking for a supplement to improve your overall health, check out OREGATREX at the AlrightStore. 5. Organic Turmeric An amazing herbal remedy, turmeric is a strong cleanser. For a potent tea, mix a ¼ tsp. in hot purified water and drink often. This herbal jewel also helps soothe a sore throat. For a throat-coat for comfort, place 1/2 tsp. of turmeric in 2 tablespoons of raw honey and let seep down the throat. If you’re looking for a supplement to soothe a sore throat, check out TURMERIC at the AlrightStore. 6. Organic Germanium-132 I recommend taking about 600mg daily. The best source is available at: JARROW Formulas Germanium Ge-132 100 mg. – 60 Capsules. 7. Organic Echinacea An immune booster, this herb is also a potent blood purifier, and overly toxic blood may lead [...]

Toxins are all around us, and while we already know how harmful they can be, have you stopped to think about what they can do to the brain? Studies suggest neurotoxins impede brain development in kids, something that might also lead to ADHD, autism, or Parkinson’s later in life. [1] [2] Keeping your brain free from toxin exposure could go a long way in boosting overall brain health. 4 Causes of Brain Fog If you’re having trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, or even relaxing your mind, your brain may have invasive forces trying to impede your health. Here are 4 reasons that could explain your brain fog. 1. Stress The body releases cortisol during stress; small bursts can help us manage things during these times. The problem comes in when the body is in a constant stressed-out state. [3] If a pregnant woman were stressed from poverty, for example, cortisol could ‘“get through the placenta into the fetus, potentially influencing her baby’s brain and tampering with its circuitry.” After birth, the child’s cortisol could, then, continue to sabotage brain development. 2. Air Pollution One study suggests traffic pollution could be responsible for lower memory test scores and slower cognitive development in kids. [4] But, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) aren’t only from traffic pollution; they’re also products of everything from burning coal to tobacco smoke, so avoiding them completely might be easier said than done. You can definitely take steps to limit your exposure though. 3. BPA Exposure BPA is such a nasty toxin that many manufacturers have started making BPA-free products; however, some studies say its substitute bisphenol-S, or BPS, could be just as bad for your brain health, suggesting BPA/BPS exposure could be linked to altered brain growth and hyperactivity. [5] And always be careful when buying food; there are still a lot of canned goods out there that still use BPA in the linings of cans. [6] 4. Diabetes A new study even suggests type 2 diabetes “is associated with worse performance on cognitive tests measuring abilities involved in the control of emotions, behaviors and thought.” [7] Because doctors encourage self-management (diet, blood sugar, medication) and many patients already burn out when it comes to managing the disease, this loss of executive function is worrisome, to say the least. Other Ways to Improve Brain Function So if you find yourself feeling foggy, there are things you can do. First things first: get outdoors. One study even found being outside was linked to positive cognitive development in kids. [8] That sounds like a great idea for all ages! Another easy thing is taking probiotics. There’s lots of research that suggests our gut health is directly connected to our mental health. [9] Exercise is also a great way to rev up the creative and analytical thinking skills. There are also natural and herbal support formulas like NeuroFuzion® that offer strong nutritional support for mental vitality. What would you do when your brain gets a little foggy? [...]

If you’re like most people, you have probably experienced uncomfortable bloating and constipation and found out for yourself just how debilitating they can be. Constipation is merely a symptom with an underlying issue. By approaching the root cause, it is possible to relieve constipation before it starts. When constipation happens, you can save time and money by utilizing natural remedies, many of which you probably have around the house. Before you run to the pharmacy, give these 10 natural remedies for constipation a try. Natural Remedies for Constipation 1. Water It may seem simple, but keeping hydrated facilitates digestion and supports muscle function. When the body receives enough water, the digestive system can process nutrients and move wastes along smoothly. Bowel muscles are also more efficient and are able to keep things moving. The question is: how much water is enough? If you feel thirsty, that’s one indication that you should probably take a sip. If you’re feeling a little backed-up, try 8 to 16 ounces every two hours. Generally speaking, you should divide your body weight in half, take that number and drink the same amount of water (in ounces). If you weigh 150 pounds, then you should drink 75 ounces per day. You may need to alter this based on your activity level. 2. Prune Juice and Prunes I bet you probably expected this one. Prunes are high in fiber and sorbitol, a carbohydrate the body digests slowly. As the fiber and sorbitol move along the intestines, they collect water which softens fecal matter. Start with an 8 oz glass of prune juice or 2 or 3 prunes. Give them a little time to work before trying more. Too much fiber and sorbitol can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. 3. Coffee This morning brew does more than wake you up. Coffee — particularly dark-roast coffee — stimulates digestion and contains fiber, oil, and water, all of which help keep the bowels moving. A cup or two will do the trick. As a diuretic, more than a couple cups may make for too many trips to the bathroom. Plus, the excessive caffeine may cause nervous symptoms. Choose organic and fair-trade varieties when choosing coffee. 4. Olive Oil Take a tablespoon of olive oil before eating breakfast in the morning. As a nutrient-dense oil, it stimulates the digestive tract. It also lubricates the bowels and provides antioxidant protection at the same time. 5. Probiotics Yogurt and kefir make for an excellent breakfast, whether it’s consumed as is or mixed with your favorite breakfast cereal or grain-free granola. The probiotic strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium encourage healthy bowels which translates to easier evacuation. Increased frequency, better stool consistency, and a reduced digestive transit time have all been observed with individuals who consume probiotics. [1] 6. Beans Rich in fiber, a meal containing beans shares many similar benefits as one containing prunes. The fiber keeps stool soft, and the protein has added benefits for growth and repair [...]

According to a recent study, both pregnant women and infants can benefit from probiotics because these “good” bacteria can help prevent obesity. The findings, which were published in the European Journal of Nutrition, revealed that when breastfeeding women take probiotics, it helps “alter gene expression by decreasing DNA methylation” of the 37 gene promoters linked to weight gain in mothers (68 in the infants). DNA methylation modifies gene expression through the addition of methyl, a molecule, to DNA. This alters the activity level of the gene’s function via a mechanism called “transcription.” Professor Kirsi Laitinen from the University of Turku, the study’s lead researcher, wrote: “Three of the known risk genes were affected specifically in the mothers and five in the children. The DNA methylation of the promoter of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, the strongest known genetic risk factor for obesity, was decreased in the women in response to the intake of the probiotics. The FTO is associated with body mass index (BMI), obesity risk, and type 2 diabetes in various studies. For the study, the researchers observed 15 Finnish women who were pregnant through a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Seven participants selected at random received a probiotic capsule with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactuis Bb12 daily. Meanwhile, the remaining eight women were given placebo capsules. The researchers used blood samples to determine the DNA methylation status of 623 obesity-related and 433 weight-gain related gene promoters. The samples they used came from the pregnant women. The researchers took samples before the women received the supplements and at least six to 12 months after they gave birth. The scientists took samples from the infants at the same time. A tool dubbed ingenuity pathway was used to study the DNA methylation status. Professor Laitinen and the team also took note of the effects of the probiotic supplements on the DNA methylation of levels linked to genes that are responsible for the metabolic and immunological processes. The researchers posit that taking probiotics during pregnancy may offer other benefits aside from preventing obesity. They added that further studies must be done to determine the worth of probiotics as a gene therapy tool. They shared that gathering ribonucleic acid (RNA) was necessary because this helped confirm that DNA methylation was”translated into variations in gene expression.” It is also possible that DNA methylation in tissues could vary from those that occur among blood cells. Since the trial size was relatively small, it would be better to try and replicate the results in a bigger group, noted the researchers. They added, “Probiotics’ clinical effects are known to be dependent on which specific species and strains of probiotics are being used.” The researchers believe that certain probiotic strains could have different effects on DNA methylation. They believe that the current findings are promising, and they are eager to see if the results can be used to further studies concerning the “primary tissues, in other populations, and with other probiotic strains.” Foods Rich in Probiotics Try to eat [...]