Getting Your Hormones and Life In Order with Alisa Vitti

Hey loves!  If you are a woman, chances are you have experienced or been diagnosed with conditions such as PMS, PCOS, fibroids, infertility, mood swings, thyroid conditions or other hormone-related issues.

As a lot of you may already know, I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) back in 2006 and I have experienced infertility in the past. This blog was created as a way for me to discuss everything I was learning about PCOS and infertility.  I started doing my own research after simply being prescribed a few meds and told that there was no cure for it.

It was like daggers to the heart at the time because more than anything I wanted a baby.  Here I was newly married and my doctor was telling me that when I was ready to start trying to conceive, I would have to start on fertility drugs.

Not the end of the world but, I was  beyond frustrated by the many unanswered questions I had.  Over the years, I have been coming across so much information about more simple, natural remedies  and how they could help the body become more in balance over time.

This morning I listened to a podcast on The Jess Lively Show at jesslively.com.  Featured on today's episode was Alisa Vitti, author of the book, Woman Code, and integrated nutritionist and hormone specialist.  I've never read the book (I will be picking it up now though!) but, I had heard about Alisa after seeing her on the Dr. Oz Show where she talked about her recommended 4-week plan for getting hormones in check. So....I jumped on the site to check out the podcast and I was ready to take notes!

Podcast on Jess C. Lively's site: http://www.jesslively.com/alisavitti/

Alisa went into detail about her personal experience with PCOS and how she used dietary and lifestyle changes to completely get her body in check.  Mrs. Vitti was even able to get pregnant naturally and gave birth to a baby girl a few months ago!

She started an online women's hormone health center named FloLiving, an online resource for women to go to complete with tips and an online program you can register for that will help you on the road to getting your life back!

I was very inspired after listening to Alisa's podcast.  Some days, living with PCOS can be downright depressing and isolating.  It felt good to get more clarification as to what is going on with my body and hear about effective options I can explore that will work by getting to the root of the issue....finally.

Are you experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance?  How has it affected your life?

The Flu Blues

Well, I officially have the flu.  It came out of nowhere really.  I had a slight cold for the past week and a half that I thought was on its way out.  Saturday morning I wake up feeling like straight hell but, I shook it off.  Later that day, after I was shivering uncontrollably I decided to take my temperature and it was 101.8 degrees.

To top it off, I had no one to turn to help me....and I mean NO ONE.  I reached out to people and I could not get in touch with anyone. It is probably THE. WORST. physically and mentally I have felt ever in my life. I  thought I would have to call the ambulance just to get some reprieve.  It was so bad! This whole experience has really opened my eyes to certain people's places in my lives and that's all I can say about that for now.

I tried  to go the natural route with my go-to honey, apple cider vinegar and lemon but, after my fever creeped up to 102.4 I had to act quick.  So, I took DayQuil during the day and NyQuil at night but, they did not alleviate my terrible congestion and I found myself crying every night.  I believe all of these things are happening in my life all at the same time for a good reason and that's all I have to cling to right now.

I'm still battling this flu and very alone feeling so, if you are a praying person I am asking you to send one up for me.


What remedies have worked for you when you've had the cold or flu?

A Morning Pick-Me-Up

I  am really draggin' this morning and I'm not sure why.  I think I have been slightly stressing over some things going on right now (or that I would like to happen).  I'm back on the job hunt but, I want to do something in my field.  I want to go back to school but, I'm on the fence about what I should go back for (well...it's between just two things).  Then, there are the other things that are always riding me....relationship, baby fever, finances, and the list goes on and on.

Anyway, this morning I saw this recipe for a morning detox/ metabolism booster on Instagram by Nerissa Irving and decided to try it out (she has a great site! Check it out here).  I was just not feeling like myself and figured I had nothing to lose by trying it.

Recipe:

1 lemon
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. honey
1tsp. of apple cider vinegar (I use the Bragg's brand)


I mix it all together in a cup and drink it down.  It's supposed help with energy, metabolism, and help to detox your body first thing in the morning.  I intend to drink this mixture several times a week to see if it helps this fatigued, 'icky' feeling I've been having.

Have you tried this before?

Sippin' on Herbal Teas

  It may have something to do with growing up in a Caribbean family but, I drink hot herbal tea almost every day.  Some people love their coffee, I love my tea.  There are so many different teas out there, you can sip on something different every day if you wanted. For me, a hot cup of tea can be so comforting after a hellified (is that a word?) day! Herbal teas  can also have many benefits that many people may not be aware of.  My personal favorites are:

- Sleepytime- helps with relaxation and sleep at night
- Chamomile- helps to calm your nerves 
- Peppermint- helps with digestion

For the past week, I have been drinking detox tea to help get rid of some toxins.  About 2 weeks ago, I started to pig out on ice cream and candy, and I felt all out of sorts! I was so sluggish, I gained 5 pounds in one week (very unusual for me) and my skin was breaking out like crazy.  All telltale signs that I needed a mild detox.  My body was so not used to all that sugar and fat in such a short time frame.  I went on to the store, picked a box up and have been sippin' on this for a week straight.  The instructions say that you can drink it every day for up to 30 days, and then take a break for a week.

7 Natural Remedies for Aunt Flo

That "time of the month" is not one that most women look forward to (unless, of course, you are waiting to see if you might be pregnant or hoping to NOT be pregnant).  The bloating, cramps, and mood swings can seriously put a damper on every day life activities.  Fortunately,  I do not get debilatating cramps like some people but, I do suffer from the swings sometimes and the bloating. So not fun.

One "good" result of having PCOS is that I do not see Aunt Flo every month but, now that I have been actively managing my PCOS symptoms more using exercise, natural remedies and medication, my cycles have become more regular.  So I'm back to dealing with these symptoms more now.

If you have read my blog for a while now, you already know that I am a huge advocate of poppin' pills for ailments.  I came across this video by Naptural85 (one of my favorite vloggers!) and wanted to share with you ladies.  She lists some great natural remedies for dealing with those crazy symptoms of your menstural cycle.

Check it out and feel free to leave comments on what works  best for you to get rid of those cramps, headaches, and mood swings.  

When Life Gives You Lemons....

...drink lemon water!  At least, that's what I will be doing again.  I grew up drinking warm lemon water with honey when I had colds or the flu and after learning the benefits of squeezing a few lemon slices in my water, I've started sipping at least one glass each day.

source

What can lemon water help with?

1. Boost your immune system
2. Balances body's pH
3. Helps with digestion
4. Helps get rid of toxins
5. Keeps skin blemishes at bay


I'm drinking it daily for all of the above benefits but, especially to help my skin stay clear and glowing.  I've been having minor breakouts lately (probably due to stress) and I'm trying everything to get rid of them! It might sound like a vain reason but, if my skin looks jacked it affects me in ways unimaginable so...lemons in the water daily it is!

How often do you drink lemon water?

Natural Remedies vs. Conventional Medicine

I'm not a lover of conventional medicine at all.  Give me a natural herb, oil, technique or remedy any day! Some people look at me crazy when I opt for a cup of echinacea tea or honey and lemon instead taking some NyQuil or TheraFlu for a cold or the flu but, I really feel like natural at-home remedies work the best. They actually get to the root of the problem instead of just putting a band-aid on them for a few hours.

There are some natural remedies that I think may not really work but, because it's been passed down for so long it has become routine to use it. My grandmother always has white rum with menthol in a bottle around for when someone gets the sniffles, feels dizzy or has a fever (my fellow Caribbean massive may know about this). As a child, she would sop my skin with it when I was sick. Supposedly, it should make you feel better and for years I just assumed that it did. It wasn't until I got older that I wondered if this really works.

What do you say? Natural remedies or over-the-counter/prescription drugs?

Cheers to the Weekend!

from Google Images

 The weekend is finally here! Time to let your hair down and  relax. The weekend unwind can sometimes involve one too many drinks and late nights, leaving you with a nagging headache, nausea and dizziness the next morning--which makes for a not so great weekend. Here are some natural remedies to get rid of that hangover quicker so that you can get the most out of your weekend.

Almonds-  Eat raw almonds before a night of drinking to help prevent a hangover the next day. This is an old American Indian remedy.

Bifidus powder- A teaspoon of bifidus powder in a glass of water after a night of partying can help keep that dreaded nauseous feeling at bay. Bifidus is the "friendly" bacteria that gets rid of acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol that can cause an upset stomach.

Honey and lemon-  this tea is already a favorite cold remedy of mine. It replenishes fluids and sugars lost during intoxication. Honey contains fructose, which helps to metabolism alcohol. To make, boil 1 cup of water and mix in honey and lemon juice.

Sport drinks- are good for replacing any electrolytes lost.

Water- drink lots of water to keep hydrated.  That hangover headache is usually from the body becoming dehydrated. 

And last but not least, do not drink and drive! Have a great weekend!

Cures for that Monthly Visitor

from Getty Images

'The curse', 'Aunt Flo', 'That time of the month'....no matter the nickname given to our monthly periods, the symptoms are all the same--bloating, cramps, water weight gain, irritability, fatigue and those unpredictable mood swings!  I was watching the show, The Doctors, yesterday and they spoke about a few natural tips for getting some relief during this time of the month.

Tips:
 1. Take 3 drops of evening primrose oil every day to help balance out your hormones and reduce bloating, cramps and mood swings.

2. Take a  multivitamin with calcium and magnesium. These also aid in relieving some of these symptoms.

3. Get regular exercise. At least 30 minutes of exercise every day can help to make Aunt Flo appearance a more bearable experience.

I'm thankful that I rarely get cramps but, I do get those crazy mood swings! And while I would like to get regular cycles so that I can feel 'normal',  the one pro is that because of my PCOS I only deal with Aunt Flo 3 to 4 times a year. I am going to try the evening primrose oil since I already do the other two things on the list.

What are some of your remedies for dealing with your period?

Natural Cancer Therapies

 

By Krista Peterson

For most types of cancer, the success of treatment depends upon early diagnosis. Some cancers such as mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the chest and abdomen, are difficult to diagnose because of a delay in the appearance of symptoms and often go untreated for years.


Mesothelioma treatment generally includes traditional therapies like radiation, chemotherapy, and – more rarely – surgery, but
these treatments are often of limited effectiveness by the time the cancer is in its later stages.

As a result, many cancer patients turn to alternative treatment as a method of alleviating symptoms. There are many natural alternative remedies available, and most are used in conjunction with traditional therapies rather than replacements for them. The reason these treatments are not part of standard medical care is that most have not been proven to show significant positive effects in clinical trials.

However, “unproven” does not necessarily mean “disproven,” and when even conventional medical treatment offers little chance of recovery, it is only natural to search for alternatives.

Vitamin C – an important nutrient found in citrus and other fruits and vegetables, given intravenously in large doses. This therapy is based on a 1976 study that suggested the vitamin may increase survival time for terminal cancer patients. However, the results of this study have not been able to be reproduced.

Mushroom extract – the use of mushrooms for medicinal purposes. Compounds called beta-glucans found in some mushrooms are thought to boost the body’s immune responses, allowing it to better fight the cancer.

Iscador – an extract of the mistletoe plant, especially popular as a cancer therapy in Europe. Though the National Cancer Institute does not list it as an approved treatment, some tests have been promising and the extract is currently undergoing clinical trials.

Quercetin – an anti-oxidant flavonoid found in some fruits and vegetables. Some in vitro studies have shown quercetin to suppress malignant cancer cells, and the National Cancer Institute highly recommends a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for cancer prevention as well as during treatment.

Macrobiotic diet – a diet that consists primarily of whole grains, vegetables, and beans while avoiding refined or processed foods. Practitioners claim this diet is linked to the traditions of Chinese, Japanese,or Incan cultures and is based on the principle of balance in food and in life.

Detoxification – a removal of dangerous substances from the body. In cancer treatment, it often refers to the theory that a build-up of toxins inhibits the body’s natural metabolic processes, and the goal is to get rid of them by fasting, avoiding certain foods, or taking specific “cleansing” herbs. This must be
undertaken carefully in order to maintain the correct intake of necessary nutrients.

An Important Note

If you are receiving medical treatment for cancer or other serious illness, it is imperative that you speak to your doctor before beginning any alternative therapies to prevent possibly dangerous interactions or side effects. Any changes in diet should also be discussed with a medical professional, since chemotherapy or radiation may change the way your body takes in nutrients and malnutrition can be a
serious risk.

Natural Cures for Depression

From Getty Images

As a sufferer of depression, I know that it is one of the most debilitating experiences to go through. You often feel lost, confused, and all alone. The thoughts of suicide, worthlessness, dramatic weight loss/gain, problems sleeping and loss of energy can become unbearable for most. It is not something that is effectively addressed in today's society yet, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects more than 18 million Americans. 

Most times, sufferers are prescribed antidepressants and sent on their way.  The problem with this is that only a reported  35% to 40% of people on these medications have some relief from their symptoms.  Some of the side effects of these antidepressants also deter many depression sufferers from taking them (It sure has deterred me) and these drugs often do not get to the root of what causes depression.

Here are some effective natural methods that can be used to help with depression:

1. Get out and get some sun!- Sunlight gives us the levels of vitamin D our body needs. Vitamin D has great effects on the brain, including the neurotransmitters involved in depression. After learning this, I have begun to get up each morning for a walk or run. Early morning sun is the best.

2. Practice yoga- A growing number of studies have shown that yoga can help relieve depression and anxiety.

3. Exercise- Develop a consistent workout routine. Exercise gets your blood circulating and heart rate up which helps the brain release endorphins (which make you feel happy or euphoric).

* Depression is not be taken lightly. If you have thoughts of suicide or have been depressed for a long period of time, please consult your physician.

My Nightmare: The Summer Flu

From: Getty Images

I apologize for being M.I.A. lately. So much has been going on!  I'm in Florida right now, I've been trying to cope with school, job hunting and a laundry list of other challenges.  To top it all off, I've been sick with the FLU. Yes, it's ninety degrees outside and I had the flu.  It's been years since I've had the flu and it really did a number on me. I'm glad to report that I am feeling a lot better everyday though.

I try to stay away from over-the-counter medications so, I think that my recovery has been a little more gradual than normal.  I have been drinking a honey and lemon mixture throughout the day.  I also eat fruits rich in antioxidants and vitamin C as much as possible.  My faves are grapefruits, raspberries and blueberries.  Also, some of my mom's homemade soup really helped when I had no appetite.

 I also had some echinacea tea almost every night.  Echinacea is a plant that promotes T-cell activation while it increases the activity of the immune system.  Essentially, it makes your body more ready to fight off illnesses and infection.  This stuff is the truth! I tell anyone I know who is sick or feels like they are getting sick, to pick up some echinacea tea. 

What natural remedies do you have for colds and flus?

Natural Birth Control: Does It Exist?

Most women, at one time or another, will be faced with having to decide which birth control option is right for them.  With all of the methods available now, it can become quite confusing.  The 'ring', the pill, the shot--I've personally tried all three and experienced the negative side effects that can come along with them.  Birth control contains synthetic hormones which can cause :

•  Breakthrough bleeding/spotting
• Mood swings
• Low libido
• Nausea
• Weight gain

After experiencing serious mood swings and learning that hormonal forms of birth control could make my PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) symptoms worse, I decided to ditch it altogether. PCOS can already make becoming pregnant difficult for some and considering that I will be 30 in the next few months, I do not want to lower my chances of being able to conceive when the time is right.

It's been about a year and a half since I have stopped taking birth control and I have been on a search for a more natural form since then.  To my surprise there are not many forms of effective, natural birth control methods out there.  Of course there is the withdrawal method which does not have a very high success rate but, it works for some.  Let's just say I'm not really very comfortable with the effectiveness of this one!

Then there is the Fertility Awareness Method.  It involves using cervical mucus testing, basal temperature, etc. to determine when you are ovulating. Then you plan the days you choose to have sex around your most fertile days.  Considering my cycles only come three to four times a year, this method is a no-go for me also. 

I'm still searching for a birth control method that will not worsen my already existing hormonal imbalance but help keep the babies at bay for a little while longer. I guess I can't really have my cake and eat it too, huh? I was told, "You know what they call women on "natural" birth control?.....Parents!" It makes me wonder if natural birth control is an oxymoron.  Hopefully, I will find something soon and I will share it with you ladies.  Or I may be writing a blog post about my upcoming due date!


Do you know of a natural form of birth control that is also very effective?

What's your birth control method of choice?
	The Ring
	The Pill
	The Shot
	Withdrawal Method
	Condoms
	Fertility Awareness Method
	Celibacy
pollcode.com free polls

Supplements and Vitamins- The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Most of the time when we think about supplements and vitamins, we think about all of the good things they can do for us.  You know, more energy, clearer skin, easier digestion and all that good stuff.  Well, have you ever experienced some very unexpected side effects from your supplements and vitamins?

I have been taking maca root off and on for the past two years after reading about how it could balance your hormones and give you clearer skin too.  I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and after I refused to go back on the birth control pills my doctor prescribed in an attempts to 'balance' everything out, I decided to give maca root a try.  I was very pleased with the benefits I was experiencing.  I felt more energized throughout the day and it helped somewhat to bring my non-existent periods back.


My one bad though is the increase in sex drive.  I know some of you might think, "why is that a bad thing?"  Well, I have never had an issue in the area to begin with and then pair that with the fact that I will be 30 in the next few months...let's just say it is too much for me sometimes!  I am constantly thinking about it and I can't seem to focus on the five hundred and one things that need my undivided attention right now.

At first, it was fun but as time went on it was unbearable to deal with. I felt like I wanted to climb the walls..TMI?  So, I said goodbye to my maca root a few months ago and I feel like I am back to my normal self. I will just have to find other ways of balancing out this wacky hormone levels of mine.

What are your good, bad and uglies that you've experienced from taking supplements and vitamins?

UGH! My aching tooth!!

Anyone who has had a toothache knows that it is the absolute worst!! It takes away from my whole day because I cannot even function with this throbbing in my mouth.  I have been dealing with one (off and on) for the past two weeks.  I'm not really sure what the probably is because I go to the dentist pretty regularly (well....regularly enough..) and I floss and brush twice a day.

I do not have dental insurance right now so, I have just been praying that it is not anything serious and that it will just subside (wishful thinking, huh?)  I will probably have to just brace my pockets and make an appointment.  Until then, I have been trying to find natural remedies for toothaches.  I have used hydrogen peroxide as a mouth wash, which helps sometimes but leaves a terrible taste in my mouth.

Other natural remedies that I have seen online include:

• Clove oil
• Vanilla extract
• Whiskey 
• Peppermint tea leaves
• Spirit of camphor

I have been reading about a lot of good results from the clove oil and vanilla extract.  I will try anything at this point!


What are some natural ways that you relieve a toothache?

The Skinny on Colonics

Colonics, also known as colon hydrotherapy or colon irrigation,  have become increasingly popular within the past few years.  Although, I have not had one yet I know many people who have and their experiences with it have only peaked my interest even more.

Basically, it is a procedure in which filtered water is pumped through a hose inserted into the rectum.  This water flows through the colon and forces the colon to undergo a process called peristalsis. This process pushes wastes out of the colon and into a closed, waste disposal system.  (Not the most comfortable experience I'm sure!)

The large intestine or colon are cleansed of toxins and other wastes that can accumulate over the years due to unhealthy diets and poor digestion.  Most people can experience tremendous benefits after their body is rid of this excess waste.  Some of friends of mine swear by it in helping them acheive clear skin.  Other reported benefits are:

-Relief from constipation
-Better digestion
-Increased energy 
-Weight loss
-Increased mental capabilities
-Elimination of food cravings



I intend to get a colonic within the next few months because  I would definitely love clearer skin and freedom from these sugar cravings of mine.



Have you had a colonic? If not, would you consider it?

Bigger Boobies, without the Implants?

As a teen, I often spent days crying over how cheated I felt by Mother Nature.  I would do the exercises that some of the other girls at school claimed would help to make the boobies look bigger.  Soon, I realized that they would not help! I resigned myself to the idea of purchasing implants once I had graduated from college.

While a part of me secretly sometimes contemplates going "under the knife" to acheive that full C cup,  I have changed my way of thinking in the past ten years. I just do not think it is for me.  Don't get me wrong, I still wish I was bigger but I am so uncomfortable with all of the possible risks involved.

Recently, I was researching various herbs and came across a site with various natural herbs that have been used for decades for the purpose of increasing breast size.  Here is some information I found on these herbs and how they work:


1. Fenugreek- alleviates symptoms of menopause, relieves constipation, controls diabetes, reduces cholesterol, soothes sore throat pain and coughs, eases minor indigestion, relieves diarrhea, increases breast size and milk production in nursing mothers.

2. Saw palmetto is  an effective treatment for prostate enlargement in men but was originally used as a breast enlargere. It is also used as an aphrodesiac, for the treatment of impotence in men, and for inhibited sexual desire in women. Its breast enhancing effects stem from phyto-nutrients that stimulate breast tissue, increasing it in size and providing health benefits as well.  

3. Wild Yam is widely used as a breast enlarger and a sexual stimulant. The phyto-nutrients in wild yam are a good compliment to fenugreek in increasing breast size.  

 So, you already know that I have to test out at least one of these herbs to see if it will produces some of the results I have been looking for!

What are some techniques or products you have used to increase your breast size? Did it work?

 

Urine Therapy

Recently, I was reading online about people who use urine for skincare purposes.  Yes. . . URINE!  There were a number of people who swore by it to heal their eczema, acne, even their skin tone and alleviate other skin conditions.

  From what I read, the urine is diluted with water, placed on the skin for a period of time and then rinsed off. Some people are even drinking the urine solution to help with their skin conditions and various ailments. It is believed that urine contains antibodies and has great detoxifying agents for the skin and body. 

I have heard of women putting a baby's wet diaper on their face in hopes of getting smooth, glowing skin but I have never heard of someone actually ingesting it?! Frankly, it makes my stomach churn to even think about it.  This is taking natural remedies to a WHOLE new level!

I doubt that I will be incorporating urine into my skincare routine but, it does slightly interest me to find out if this really works.

What do you think about urine therapy? Have you/ would you try it?

{Bedroom Talk} Eco-Friendly Lovin'

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In Dire Need of a Pick-Me-Up

So much is going on with me right now and I am feeling so stressed! UGH! I'm started to think that my chronic hives are due to the craziness going on right now. (My previous post about it here.)

Without boring you all with the long story of my life and what is going on right now, I'll just say I need to:

-Buy car
-Find a job
-Find an apartment

I'm so disappointed in  people right now.  It's sad when someone who claims they love you so much will take advantage of your situation and use it against you. 

At this point I have to look out for me....that includes finding a way to de-stress and staying focused on my goals. I think that I may go to the beach since I'm in Florida this week, get a manicure/ pedicure and read some inspirational books. Oh, and I can't forget my yoga!

 I know that I can make it through this but, it feels so scary when there seems to be no solution in sight.

How do you stay calm and in good spirits when everything else around you seems to be in a whirlwind?