Wellness check: Potassium Chloride

Potassium is a life-essential mineral. In the hospital, K+ (potassium) is given for many reasons, including electrolyte replacement and for hypokalemia–low potassium — a condition which leads to electrical problems in the heart. K+ is a component in any electrolyte solution and comes in several forms including potassium chloride, potassium citrate, etc. It’s in many multivitamins and mineral solutions. In the hospital, when administered in IV form, it is diluted in saline or other solutions. If given straight, it is only given very slowly, over time. The reason is because if straight potassium is dumped into the blood stream without dilution (called a bolus), the heart will stop. That’s why this otherwise harmless mineral (in normal amounts) is used as part of the lethal injection series of drugs.

While I am NOT a supporter of the Coca Cola brand, and Dasani is tap water, not spring water, the presence of potassium is not an issue, but is being used ignorantly (I hope) and with hyperbole by it’s original creator.

Skinny Fat

Skinny fat is a term to describe those who might be thin but have a high percentage of body fat. The medical term is sarcopenic obesity. This condition refers to an individual who may have what would be considered a normal/healthy weight, but metabolically, this person shares many health characteristics as someone who is overweight or obese. And that means they are at risk for a variety of health problems.

The Cause?

  • Losing muscle mass and gaining fat mass due to maintaining the same caloric intake and a sedentary lifestyle creates a skinny fat condition

The Description?

  • A person who is sarcopenic obese will have high fat mass and low muscle mass

The Analysis?

  • Getting a body composition test can help assess your body fat and muscle mass distribution

Possible Risks?

  • Increased risk of heart disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Insulin resistance, leading to Type 2 Diabetes 
  • Lower bone mineral density
  • Loss of cognitive function

The Solution?

  • Eating a protein-rich diet
  • Increase Skeletal Muscle Mass with weight training

Just because someone looks skinny, don’t just assume they are healthy.

Happy Halloween!

Crazy how many calories are in fun sized candy. Sort of takes ll the “fun” out of it, doesn’t it?

I know how tempting candy can be. But with R3 I can stay strong with the Halloween candy today!

We’re cooking with oil

What’s Wrong With These Cooking Oils?

Some studies show that a high ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 can raise your risk of certain diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, obesity, and heart disease. These oils are highly processed and should be avoided.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an easy swap, but perhaps consider something healthier like Grass fed Ghee. Ghee is a highly clarified butter that originated in India. Grass fed Ghee is derived from the cream of grass-fed, free-roaming cows with access to naturally occurring grasses. 

Ghee has no carbs and is handy for cooking, as it has a higher smoke point than butter and is more stable at high heat.

What do you know about Pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin seeds contain more magnesium than spinach with 48 percent of your daily needs in just half a cup!
They beat all other seeds aside from hemp and chia in their magnesium content. 
Pumpkin seeds are also extremely high in chlorophyll, zinc, iron, and potassium, making them one of the most alkalizing seeds around. You want your body to be more alkaline because it reduces inflammation.
Enjoy pumpkin seeds raw and look for those that are bright green in color, not muddy brown. The greener the seed, the fresher and richer in nutrients it will be.

Medications can impact nutrition

Did you know that when we take medications, they impact our bodies nutritionally?

I am NOT saying don’t take meds. I AM saying that when you take a medication, you need to address the depletion of nutrients caused by that medication.

I am NOT saying don’t take meds. I AM saying that when you take a medication, you need to address the depletion of nutrients caused by that medication.

Step out in confidence

Filters are fun, but nothing beats the confidence of naturally beautiful skin.

Discover Deep Marine Age Protection collection designed for dry, thin, aging skin! It uses the power of marine-sourced ingredients and an oriental tea complex to reduce the appearance of the signs of aging.

Beautiful skin is ageless!

Are Your Children Snuggling with Toxins?

Did you know toxins can be found in many brand name Fabric Softeners:?
It’s true. I was surprised when I found out that one potentially carcinogenic chemicals could be in my laundry.
Clothing and blankets that touch our skin and who doesn’t inhale that fresh clean fabric scent?
Her’s a list of chemicals that can be found in Snuggles brand fabric softener:

Alpha-Terpineol – Linked to disorders of the brain and nervous system, loss of muscle control, depression, and headaches
Benzyl acetate – Linked to cancer of the pancreas
• Benzyl alcohol – Linked to headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, depression, and disorders of the brain and nervous system.
• Chloroform- Listed on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list as a carcinogen and neurotoxin (toxic to the brain and nervous system)
•Ethanol –Listed on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list for its ability to cause brain and nervous system disorder
• Ethyl Acetate – Causes headaches and is on the EPA Hazardous Waste list
• Linalool – Causes loss of muscle coordination, nervous system and brain disorders, and depression
• Pentane – Causes headaches nausea, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, and depression

I just want you to know Safer options are a switch away.

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The Dangers of Ultra Processed Foods!

Consuming ultra processed foods increase your risk of various different cancers. Some of them are……

  • Mouth, Throat and Esophageal Cancers
  • Ovarian Cancer
  • Colorectal Cancer

but there is also a connection with depression in women as well as dementia.

Since ultra processed foods are calorie dense, they can contribute to obesity and OBESITY is linked to an increased risk of 13 different cancers.

So, be proactive and avoid these foods:

Sodas, chips, instant soups, cookies, ice cream, cereal bars, frozen meals, donuts and pastries, hot dogs and cold cuts.

Remember, if it’s too convenient, it’s probably not healthy

Setting Boundaries

The past year almost brought me to a dead stop. After decades of “doing it all” (and loving it), I had to learn to do almost none of it. But I still want to be useful and able to do so much more. So healthy living and healthy choices has to become my focus. It’s my response to “take care of yourself.”

Learning to make healthy choices in eating, exercising, sitting still and feeding my soul, sleeping enough, has become a necessity. That makes making those decisions so much easier! With the virus season upon us…those things are really important if we want to remain useful in the present.

My work with a wellness shopping club and hanging around on social media with healthy minded people motivates me and makes saying “no” to unhealthy choices a whole lot easier. But boundaries are not popular—saying “no” to friends never gets easier.

I owe a lot to the simple changes I made as well as eating healthier. Why not join me in this adventure?