Chest congestion can be caused by any number of ailments, chief among them the common cold and the flu. Fortunately, chest congestion relief also comes in many forms, from home remedies like hot steam, to different kinds of medications and therapies like salt therapy. Hopefully one of these ways to break up chest congestion and relieve the build up of mucus works for you.

Vicks is your friend: 

Vicks can provide great relief when massaged onto your chest. Eucalyptus oil, one of Vicks’ active ingredients, is particularly helpful. Paired with hot water and  eucalyptus oil, it can double your phlegm fighting force! Not only is it antiviral (most chest coughs are viral infections), but it relieves your cough and loosens up mucus.

Tip: Rub vicks on your or your child’s chest each night before bed to let it work its magic. 

Get Steamy: 

Keeping the air moist can loosen mucus and reduce congestion and coughing. There are many ways to do this such as a humidifier. People with difficulty sleeping may wish to use a humidifier at night. Please note; humidifiers must be cleaned regularly to remove bacteria and other pathogens that can make symptoms worse and lead to infection. 

Other ways to inhale steam include:

Fill a large bowl with hot water. Lean over the bowl and drape a towel over the head to contain the stream. Gently inhale the steam to loosen mucus. Tip: Add a teaspoon of vicks to the hot water. 

Or having a hot shower or bath: The hot water will fill the room with steam and help to alleviate symptoms.

Keep your fluids up:

Staying hydrated with enough water can help thin and loosen mucus making it easier to expel by coughing. A warm drink like herbal or decaf tea is also a soothing way to help keep fluids up. Broth and even the classic homemade chicken soup is also a great way to ease chest congestion while keeping hydrated. Stay away from alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated sodas when your chest is congested, as they may dehydrate you.

Lemony Goodness:

Staying hydrated is critical if you’re congested, and by heating your water and adding lemon, the heat will break up congestion quickly while the high vitamin C content of the lemon will help your body fight off infection. The juice of roughly one large lemon provides you with 31% of your daily recommended value of vitamin C! Try having a glass of hot lemon water with the juice of one lemon three times a day. 

If lemon water isn’t your thing, try squeezing lemon over steamed broccoli, another incredibly rich source of vitamin C. Eating the right foods will supercharge the immune system and help your body fight off that persistent cough. Tip: Pressure cooking broccoli will preserve 90% of its vitamin C content!

Just add salt:

We all know a swim in the salty ocean can have your nose run and clearing congestion. Only downside, who wants to go swimming in the freezing winter weather. Solution; salt therapy! 

By sitting in the Salts of the Earth salt rooms you will be exposed to a dry salt aerosol. The size of the microscopic salt particles enables it to be inhaled deep down into your lungs, lining the walls of your airways and lungs and promoting muco-ciliary clearance. It does this by gently stimulating the body’s natural action of cilia movement in the respiratory system working as “gentle brush” to clean the airways of mucus, allergens and other foreign substances that often accompany cold and flu.

Additionally, the sodium chloride aka “salt” changes the consistency of mucus in the lungs and airways so that it is thinner and less sticky – therefore making it easier to expel clearing congestion and mucus in the chest.

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1. Exercise

Especially in the colder months, it’s easy to spend all your time snuggled up on the couch. And why wouldn’t you?! It’s the best way to spend a cold winter’s day. However, there can be too much of a good thing: if you spend too much time snuggling, and not enough moving, your headspace can suffer. Studies show that exercise has been compared favorably to anti-anxiety medications, so make sure you’re getting the blood pumping a few times a week. Just choose a gym or exercise studio that has decent heating. Bikram yoga, anyone?

2. Box breathing

There’s plenty of breathing and stretching exercises splashed across the internet for stress-sufferers. But that’s because deep breathing is one of the most sufficient techniques to help calm an anxious mind. Try this one: think of a box with four sides. As you breathe in, draw the box in your mind (as you count to four), and trace the box again as you breathe out for another count of four. Continue drawing the box in your mind, and taking deep breaths, until you feel the weight lift off your shoulders.

3. Water

It may seem a little too simple, but hydration is so very important for your body to function – and that includes your brain. Our water intake levels tend to drop in winter, and when you combine that with spending a lot of time in front of the heater: it’s easy to forget about your eight glasses a day (and no, eight glasses of red wine does not count). If your mind is feeling sluggish, give it a good waterin’ and see if it helps.

4. Salt therapy

Your overall health is important for your state of mind, and a few sessions of salt therapy can do wonders for both. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the pharmaceutical-grade salt pumped through the air of the salt rooms can bring relief to a number of immune, skin, lung, and circulatory functions. Healthy body = healthy mind. Plus, sitting in one of the comfortable massage chairs of a peaceful room has the added bonus of a perfect meditation opportunity: all you have to do is close your eyes and breathe deeply.

5. Dark chocolate

As if you needed permission to eat some dark chocolate. It’s winter. Eat as much as you want. But while you eat it, know this: dark chocolate contains flavanols, a type of antioxidant that improves blood flow to the brain, and may help promote its ability to adapt to stress including anxiety and other mood disorders. Say whaaat? A study showed that a group of individuals who ate dark chocolate twice a day for a fortnight ended up with lower levels of cortisol (the stress and anxiety hormone) than those who got no chocolate. What more proof do you need? Pass me the block, please. All in moderation through. 

Most importantly, make sure you’re getting the help you need, whether it’s from a doctor, an organisation like Beyond Blue, or just from your loved ones. Keep warm, keep moving, keep hydrated, get a bit salty and chocolatey, and take a deep breath. 

Look after yourself. We’ve only got one of you.

The post How to manage anxiety appeared first on Salts of the Earth.

Foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains are all examples of simple sugars. These naturally occurring sugars are valid energy sources, and along with the other nutrients in these foods, important for nourishing a healthy body and therefore called “good sugar.” 

Sugar that is added to foods like soft drinks, cakes and confectionaries, without any nutrient or fibre is called added sugar and considered “bad sugar.” In its most processed and refined form (think the white powdery stuff we stir into coffee, or high fructose corn syrup in soft drinks), sugar has absolutely no nutritional value. Void of vitamins, minerals, protein, fat and enzymes, it’s a source of energy but not nutrition.

The World Health Organisation recommends our sugar consumption should only make up five percent of our total daily calorie intake, which equates to about 25g or six teaspoons per day. The Australian Health Survey found that in 2011-2012, Australians were consuming an average of 60g of sugars each day, or the equivalent of 14 teaspoons of white sugar. Processed sugars have a bitter-sweet effect on the human body, and it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth a taste.

So what happens to your body when you stop eating sugar?

Get ready for some mood swings.

Sugar is a highly addictive substance, so coming off it cold turkey will result in dramatic changes to your mood. But it is for the positive, so hang in there. Sugar releases the feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin in the brain, activating your body’s reward system. The more sugar you consume, the better you feel, at least, temporarily. When you stop eating sugar altogether, your body will go through withdrawal, and it’s not pleasant for your body or your brain or the people around you. So make sure your family and colleagues are prepared.

Many people experience fatigue, headaches and irritability, these are all signs your body is adjusting to the low levels of glucose, dopamine, and serotonin. But after a week or so, energy will begin to improve, and you will feel more alive and full of energy. We promise.

Glowing Skin

Sugar causes inflammation in the skin, so the less you eat the clearer you completion may become. Diets high in refined sugar can lead to excessive insulin spikes. This triggers inflammation in the skin, which can cause the elasticity and collagen (which helps your skin to look plump and glowy) to become damaged. This can lead to premature wrinkling, sagging skin, and acne and rosacea. No one wants that so reducing your sugar intake will do just the opposite.

All Natural Sweet Dreams

Calling it quits with sugar won’t solve your sleep problems overnight, but in a few weeks time, you should notice yourself falling into a deeper sleep. Why?  Foods containing high amounts of refined sugars reduce the degree of slow wave sleep (SWS), the restorative sleep that consolidates memories and information learned throughout the day, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the dream phase. Eating less sugar will reduce the number of times you wake up during the night, and improve your sleep quality overall.

Battle the bulge

A significant risk of consuming excess added sugar is weight gain. In most cases, sugary foods and drinks are high in calories. Consuming too many of these products will lead to weight gain, even with regular exercise. As the body usually digests products containing added sugars more quickly, they do not offset hunger for very long. This can lead to eating more regularly throughout the day and a greater calorie intake overall. It is important to note that sugar does not cause weight gain and obesity by itself. Sugar is one of several causes. Being overweight or obese is the result of a complex interaction between diet, physical activity, genetics, and social and environmental factors. However, limiting your amount of added sugar is one of the simplest ways to prevent weight gain and lose those stubborn kgs.

Remember, everything in moderation. What matters is your overall diet, which requires a balance of proteins, carbs and fats. You should certainly avoid loading up on Tim Tams and Fanta, but eliminating all types of sugar from your diet like apples and bananas completely, is totally unnecessary.

Here are some healthy food swap suggestions:

1. Fruit muesli – plain oats
2. Fruit yoghurt – natural yoghurt
3. Sugar – cinnamon, or vanilla
4. Milk chocolate – 70 percent cocoa dark chocolate
5. Dried fruit – fresh fruit
6. Muesli bars – nut-based snack bars
7. Rice crackers – roasted chickpeas
8. Wraps – rye crackers
9. Mayonnaise – avocado
10. Sweet chilli sauce – chilli sauce

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Magnesium is a mineral needed by every cell of your body and is required for every major biological process. This includes the production of cellular energy and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady and bones strong. For these reasons magnesium oil has numerous benefits to our health. Here are just some examples of how your body could experience the benefits:

Soothe joints, muscles, aches and pains: Magnesium is essential for proper muscle function and acts to relieve tight, sore and cramped muscles. It controls muscle and acts as a muscle relaxant. It can therefore be vital in the relief of muscle and joint pain and crampsby relaxing back muscles, kidney stress and muscular tension.

Promotes a good night’s sleep: Magnesium’s natural muscle relaxant characteristics are part of what makes it such a great help for sleep. Due to magnesium’s ability to relax GABA receptors in the brain and nervous system, magnesium oil is a great help to people struggling to fall asleep.

Boosts energy: Magnesium promotes the activation of enzymes which produce cellular energy. By activating adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP, magnesium boosts energy and helps prevent feelings of fatigue.

Relieves headaches and migraines: When applied topically, a healthy level of magnesium can help relieve nerve pain and alleviate dull, aching chronic pain. This is because magnesium affects neurotransmitter function and blood circulation, and thus helps to relieve migraines by releasing pain-reducing hormones and reducing the constriction of blood vessels that causes an increase in blood pressure.

Helps to keep bones strong and healthy: Magnesium benefits bones as it is essential for good bone health and influences the bone cells that are essential in building healthy bone density. Magnesium also regulates calcium and vitamin D levels which are important in bone health.

Elevates cramps: Magnesium is regarded as a natural relaxant. If you have bad cramping, be it muscular or painful menstrual cramps, magnesium oil can help to ease uncomfortable pain.

Improve skin: Applying magnesium oil to the skin can help reduce oil production of the sebum, which makes this “oil” a standout for those dealing with chronic acne and breakouts. It also acts as a humectant, keeping the skin hydrated.

Promotes a healthy heart: Magnesium is important for absorbing potassium and calcium in the body, healthy magnesium levels are necessary for preventive heart health.

Relieves stress and anxiety: Magnesium is essential for regulating certain hormones that help calm the brain and promote relaxation. This includes gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that helps to reduce anxiety. 

Controls bladder and bowl functions: Magnesium can bring relief to people suffering from bladder problems such as cystitis, where bladder control can be an issue whether it is frequently feeling the urge to urinate or problems spotting throughout the day. Magnesium is known to have laxative properties, having water absorbent properties which soften stool and help bowel movements to pass more easily. In addition, magnesium relaxes the intestinal muscles which assist in establishing a smoother rhythm for passing bowels and eases constipation.

Calms nerves and eases anxiety: Magnesium is essential for regulating certain hormones that help calm the brain and promote relaxation. This includes gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that helps to reduce anxiety.

If you want to give magnesium oil a go, click here to buy your own Salts of the Earth Magnesium Oil Spray online. Your muscles, skin and joints will love you for it.

The post Benefits of Magnesium appeared first on Salts of the Earth.

So, why is there so much flu around already?

In 2018, Australia had a pretty quiet flu season and that means that community immunity wasn’t built up to protect against this year’s virus.

Because of this, Chair of the Immunisation Coalition Professor Robert Booy, has warned Australians that many more people will be prone to the flu this year. There was also a long flu season in the Northern Hemisphere earlier in the year, up until about March. Many Australians went to the US for holidays earlier in the year and subsequently brought the flu back.

How deadly is it?

Most deaths from the flu occur in people aged over 65 and are usually from complications such as heart attacks or stroke. Professor Booy said in a busy year, there were a number of people who would be expected to get the flu and die from it. “This year, we expect the flu to kill at least 4,000 people which is the same number as deaths from suicide and the road toll combined,” he said.

This may seem extreme, but the flu can cause pneumonia or a secondary bacterial infection that can be fatal, particularly among those at high risk of flu-related complications— for example, people who are pregnant, have asthma, or suffer from other chronic conditions. Even in the best-case scenarios, it sucks to get the flu. Therefore, it is more important than ever to take precautions before the winter season hits.

Here are the best ways to avoid contracting the flu:

Get. Your. Flu shot.

When you get a flu vaccination your body releases antibodies that can protect you from the most common virus strains in any given season. It’s best to get your shot before flu season peaks as it takes two weeks for your immunity to develop. Therefore, the earlier you get it the better.

Experts said early April is a good time to get a vaccine “With the flu [rates] three times as high this year as last year, we can stop transmission now if people get vaccinated,” Professor Booy said. “Otherwise the numbers could rise even more”. Flu season in Australia usually runs from June to September, peaking in August, so there is still time to get it!

Start regular salt therapy

Salt room therapy can help cold and flu sufferers relieve their symptoms and feel better in a relaxing and peaceful environment that feels more like a spa than a high-tech medical facility. By sitting in Salts of the Earth’s salt rooms you will be exposed to a dry salt aerosol. The size of the microscopic salt particles enables it to be inhaled deep down into your lungs, lining the walls of the airways and lungs and promoting muco-ciliary clearance. It does this by gently stimulating the body’s natural action of cilia movement in the respiratory system working as “a gentle brush” to clean the

airways of mucus, allergens and other foreign substances that often accompany cold and flu. Additionally, the sodium chloride aka “salt” changes the consistency of mucus in the lungs and airways so that it is thinner and less sticky – therefore making it easier to expel, clearing congestion in the chest so you can fight and recover from the flu quickly. Regular salt therapy can also help boost your immune system so you can help fight the flu before it takes hold!

Keep your communal surfaces clean

All household surfaces are going to be contaminated with the flu virus if you’re living with someone who has the flu. That is why you should wipe down commonly-touched surfaces — think phone chargers, fridge handles, and light switches — at least once a day using any standard household cleaner.

Wash your hands regularly

Touch a light switch? Communal keyboard? Water cooler? Whether you’re in a public place or in your home, it’s smart to wash your hands after handling any commonly-touched surfaces using soap and water afterward. Lather up for at least 20 seconds, then rinse under water, and air dry or pat dry with a clean towel. In the absence of a sink, a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is your next best bet.

The post We are on track for a killer flu season appeared first on Salts of the Earth.

Salt is a natural mineral that can generate small amounts of negative ions (oxygen atoms that are charged with an extra electron). Studies have shown that in high concentrations these negative ions can have positive impacts on the mind and body. Salt rock can also help cleanse the air by attracting the water molecules from the atmosphere around it, including any particles. As the salt lamp heats up, the water is released back into the air, but the particles are trapped. Effectively, cleaning the air of dust, pollen, smoke particles, animal dander and other allergens. Everyone will appreciate cleaner air, but none more so than hay fever sufferers.

Here are 5 other benefits for owning a salt lamp:

Purify the air

Probably the most well-known benefit and why the majority of people use them, is due to their ability to remove dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants from the air. How I hear you saying… Salt lamps purify the air by attracting water molecules and absorbing them, along with any other contaminants the water molecules may be carrying, into the salt crystal. As the lamp heats up when it’s on, the same water is thought to evaporate back into the surrounding environment without all the contaminants. How cool is that!

Increased energy levels

Taking a drive through the countryside with the windows down, spending time at the beach or camping in the mountains, or simply taking a shower first thing in the morning are all things that many people find invigorating. Why you ask… it’s because your body has been exposed to more negative ions, the same negative ions a salt lamp emits. By flicking the switch on a salt lamp in your living room or bedroom, you should start to feel less tired, stressed and lethargic.

Defuse the digital haze

We are all glued to our devises such as phones, televisions, laptops and tablets these days. But did you know they produce electromagnetic radiation (EM), which can have long term negative effects on our health. Constant exposure to EM radiation is known to increase stress levels, cause chronic fatigue, and decrease the body’s immune response. Salt lamps can neutralize some of this radiation if you position it close to your digital devices. So best to get one for your home and office!

Boost your sleep

With the fast paced lives we now lead, we all need to make sure we are having a good night’s sleep. The negative ions produced by salt lamps are thought to increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, and the soft light they emanate are conducive to relaxation and regulating your natural body clock. For parents they are a great addition to a baby’s room and the perfect night light.

Asthma and allergy symptoms relief

As all our Salts of the Earth clients know, salt is amazing for the respiratory system. In conjunction with regular salt therapy, salt lamps may also help clear mucus, reduce dryness and inflammation of the airways and sinuses. Because Himalayan salt lamps remove microscopic particles of dust, pet dander, mould, mildew and the like from the surrounding air, placing a lamp or two in the rooms where you spend the most time can help reduce allergy symptoms. Even people who suffer from asthma may notice a big difference after a week or two.

Salt lamps, with their warm, soft light, create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere in our living spaces, seemingly bringing the serenity of nature indoors. Custom Neon Signs offer a completely different kind of atmosphere-setter. With their bright, vibrant, and varied colors and unique shapes, custom neon signs are often used to create vibrant, stylish, and even artistic environments. For example, in creative studios or trendy bars, the flickering glow of neon signs becomes a focal point, drawing attention. The appropriate combination of neon signs and salt lamps can create both an attractive and stylish look and a relaxing atmosphere.

The post Why we all need a Salt Lamp! appeared first on Salts of the Earth.

Snoring doesn’t affect all couples the same way. Some snorers are married to deep sleepers, who might not even notice. However, for the others, the constant sounds of jackhammering snoring can cause friction and spoil intimacy and ultimately someone being forced out onto the couch. While sleeping on the couch seems cruel, the National Sleep Foundation recommended 7-9 hours sleep for adults aged 26-64. So, lying awake while your spouse snores could cause more than just frustration down the road.

In certain cases, snoring volumes can get so loud that they can cause hearing issues for their partner. It’s not surprising because some snoring can be between 50 and 100 decibels, which is equivalent to a pneumatic drill!

But snoring doesn’t have to take a toll on a relationship, whether you are sleeping together or in separate beds. Choosing between losing sleep and sleeping apart can be difficult, but there are other choices.

• Asking your doctor about the possibility of sleep apnoea, enlarged tonsils or adenoids causing obstructive sleep apnoea may lead to a solution that doesn’t just make sleep better, but can bring you closer, too. 
• Changing a snorers sleeping position can help open the airways as they sleep, reducing the vibrations in their throat. If your snoring partner sleeps on their back, try using a pillow to elevate their head or turn them onto their side.
• Being overweight is quite a common cause of snoring, as excessive weight can increase the tissue size around the neck and place extra pressure on breathing passageways. Improving their diet in order for them to lose a few kilograms may ease this issue.
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol and sedatives reduce the resting tone of the muscles in the back of your throat, making it more likely you’ll snore. Even non snorers can snore after a couple of drinks!
• Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Secretions in the nose and soft palate become stickier when dehydrated, this can create more snoring. According to the Institute of Medicine, healthy women should have about 11 cups of total water (from all drinks and food) a day and men require about 16 cups.
• Salt therapy could also be the solution to have you both back in bed together and sleeping soundly. Salt therapy is a natural non-invasive therapy that offers relief to snorers and their better half. Sitting in a specially designed salt room, your respiratory system will be exposed to dry aerosol particles of salt that are inhaled deep into the lungs. Salt has natural anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which help relieve inflammation and congestion in the airways. As the dry salt is breathed in, it passes through the back of the throat where the relaxed muscles cause the narrowing of the airways and vibration that results in snoring. Over a period of time, the salt will help open the airways reducing obstructions and resulting in a better night’s sleep.

For the love of your relationship and a good night’s sleep, book in for a free consultation at Salts of the Earth and give salt therapy a go. You’ll both be having some sweet dreams in no time!

The post Snoring hurting your relationship? appeared first on Salts of the Earth.

An activated nut or seed has simply been soaked in water for 24 hours, then dried out again over a low heat .Raw nuts contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that can reduce the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients properly. Eating large amounts of raw nuts can put extra pressure on your digestive system and may cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms like bloating, heaviness and nausea. There are numerous studies in grains and legumes that show soaking and/or germination decreases the amount of phytate in the seed, and the amount of easily absorbed minerals increases.

Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to judge what changes occur in soaked nuts or how long you need to soak them for these changes to occur; and most importantly, whether any changes that do occur make a nutritional difference to the person eating them.

Irrespective, nuts – soaked or not – are a fantastic healthy snack, loaded with protein, healthy fats, fibre and important minerals like zinc, magnesium and calcium. A handful a day can help control high-cholesterol and blood glucose, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, as well as help to manage weight and appetite.

So whether you like your nuts activated or raw, they are still a great addition to any health diet!

Nuts, a powerhouse of good health:

Almonds: Almonds boast one of the highest fibre counts of all nuts which can help lower cholesterol and make you feel full. Adequate fiber also lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Cashews: Along with their healthy fats, fiber, and protein, cashews are a good source of iron and are particularly rich in zinc. 

Pecans: Pecans aren’t just for making tasty pies, they can also help improve heart health.

Brazil Nuts: Just one Brazil nut packs more than 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance for the mineral selenium, which the body uses for reproductive processes, to help metabolize thyroid hormones, and to help prevent cell damage that may lead to liver, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers.

Macadamias: Although they’re one of the most calorie-dense nuts, macadamia nuts contain one of the highest counts of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat per serving.

Pistachios: Pistachios have just four calories each, and if you buy them in the shell, they’re especially diet-friendly, as the shells automatically slow down your pace so the snack lasts longer and you eat less overall.

Hazelnuts: An all-around healthy nut, hazelnuts are notable for their high levels of monounsaturated fats, which can improve cardiovascular health and help to manage type 2 diabetes. They’re also rich in several antioxidants that can help protect against chronic diseases, including heart disease, and inflammatory diseases.

Activated Almond Recipe:

The ingredients
2 cups raw almonds*
enough water to cover the almonds in a dish
sea salt or garlic salt or dehydrated onion powder or tamari or curry powder (optional)

*You can use other nuts, too! Try brazil nuts, cashews, macadamias, hazelnuts, pistachios …

The process
1. Soak the almonds in the water for 12 hrs. If you’re using other hard nuts (like hazelnuts or brazil nuts) 12 hrs will also work. If you’re using soft nuts, like cashews or pistachios – shorten soaking to 4-6 hrs.

NOTE: After soaking, the nuts will look nice and puffy and may even start to show signs of sprouting.

2. Rinse the nuts under running water, and if you want to add flavour – now is the time to do it. Just shake a couple of tsp of whichever flavour you want over the wet (rinsed) almonds, and stir to combine well.

3. Now, it is time to roast the almonds, without damaging all those nutrients we’ve activated. Dry out the nuts on low heat – either in a dehydrator or in the oven on a low temperature (60C). This will take anywhere from 6-24 hours, depending on the temperature. The nuts will be done when they feel (and taste) dry.

4. Use your activated-dried almonds as you normally would use roasted almonds. They last really well in an airtight container and they can be ground into almond meal, too!

The post Activated nuts. Good or bad? appeared first on Salts of the Earth.

The gut is where 70% of your immune system lies, where we metabolise hormones, where we make nutrients and neurotransmitters, create detoxifying enzymes and neutralise pathogens. All of these processes can profoundly affect us if not in balance or working properly.

To achieve a healthy gut, we need to support good bacteria in our digestive system. Bacteria pretty much run the show! Unfortunately, beneficial gut bacteria is not a big fan of many of the lifestyle factors that are synonymous with modern living. Stress, processed food, antibiotics, alcohol, cigarettes, sugar and pollution can all compromise good bacteria and feed the pathogenic bacteria.

So how do we ensure that the good bacteria is winning?

• Eat wholefoods: A good diet packed full of natural and unprocessed food encourages the growth of good bacteria. Make an effort to go for low HI (human intervention) foods. That means eating plenty of farm fresh wholefoods that nature provides, not foods that are processed in a lab.

• De-stress: Practising mindfulness through yoga, meditation, exercise and being kind to yourself, all help encourage beneficial gut flora. Haven’t you heard the phrase ‘don’t get your stomach in a knot?’

• Focus on fibre: Increase your overall fibre content, especially if your intake of fruit, vegetables and legumes is low. Fibre can provide a huge variety of compounds and nutrients that will help improve gut health. Fibre in whole grains, fruit, veggies, nuts and legumes are great for gut health in so many different ways.

• Probiotics: The proven strains of good bacteria include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species can be found in yoghurt and probiotic drinks, but be careful that those products are not also full of gut-depleting sugar. Probiotic supplements are also helpful at balancing gut bacteria. 

• Lacto-fermented foods: Kombucha, kimchi and miso are also a great way to get natural viable bacteria into the belly. These are lacto-fermented foods. The lacto-fermentation process creates a broad range of beneficial bacteria. The proliferation of lactobacilli in lacto-fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut for example, predigests the cabbage making digestion easier and nutrients more available for the body to utilise. The process also creates good bacteria that helps to re-colonise the gut. Studies show that consuming lacto-fermented foods can influence mood and probiotics can help eliminate disease-promoting pathogenic bacteria in the gut.

• Drink wisely: No surprises here but alcohol can negatively affect gut health. Reducing overall intake of alcohol and remember to drink more water is great for the gut. Water is also vital for cleansing the gut keeping the whole body hydrated and functioning at its best.

• Reduce junk food: Unfortunately, your gut doesn’t like processed, fatty, sugary foods even if you do. Reducing your intake of junk foods like soft drink, lollies, biscuits, chips and pizza, and make healthier alternatives instead will have your gut glowing with happiness!

• Activate your nuts: Raw nuts contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that can reduce the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients properly. Eating large amounts of raw nuts can put extra pressure on your digestive system and may cause uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, heaviness and nausea. There are numerous studies in grains and legumes that show soaking and/or germination decreases the amount of phytate in the seed, and the amount of easily absorbed minerals increases. This means activating our nuts will make it gentler on our guts.

The post How to promote good gut health appeared first on Salts of the Earth.

It’s no wonder that there has been a lot of talk about mindfulness in the health and wellness industry of late, but what does it mean and how can it help you?

Removing all of the hype, mindfulness is simply about paying attention to the present moment. Many people find practising mindfulness can assist with concentration, relaxation, productivity and increased ability to cope with life’s everyday hustle and bustle.

Starting to practice mindfulness can be a truly enlightening experience, whether you practice it by yourself or with the help of a guide.

Here are five easy ways to start practicing mindfulness:

1. Eat mindfully

Sit down, enjoy and focus on the food in front of you without multi-tasking. You may find that by eating slowly and mindfully you can appreciate the flavours and better listen to your body’s response to what you are feeding it.

2. Walk mindfully

Observe what is going on around you, sights and sounds to become aware of things you haven’t seen before.

3. Observe your breathing

We breathe naturally and rhythmically, once you start to pay attention to your breathing it will help you relax and slow down.

4. Listen wholeheartedly

Truly listen to what someone is saying without judgement and for the intention of understanding what they are trying to communicate to you. Relationships may deepen and grow as a result.

5. Observe your thoughts and emotions

Observe your thoughts and emotions, acknowledge them and decide if you need to react or just let it pass by you. By being mindful of your thoughts and emotions, you are better equipped to make the right choices in response to emotional “triggers” we receive in everyday life.

6. Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, decrease cortisol levels and help you to develop mental clarity

There are many ways you can meditate. Salts of the Earth rooms allow you to sit quietly with your thoughts and focus on your breath. The lights are dimmed allowing for relaxation in a comfortable massage chair. You may choose to bring a guided meditation piece to listen to on your smartphone or tablet with headphones. Or you can just be at one with your own thoughts in deep or light meditation.

As one client- Toby says: “The follow-on effect was a huge decrease in anxiety. My anxiety also settled with the help of the 45 minutes of calming music and massage chair time”.

If you want to discover the health benefits of salt, Salts of the Earth are now selling 5 session packs – There is something to suit everyone, even the busiest of people! Book in for your free consultation and find out more.

* 5 pack and new member options available at participating centres below:

– All Salts of the Earth NSW centres excluding Albury.
– VIC centres: Boronia, Croydon, Hampton, Mill Park, Oakleigh, Werribee.

Ts and Cs apply

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