Healthy Living 101
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
At Elka Herbals, we know that nature holds the secrets to true wellness. We craft our products based upon the principles by which we aim to live our lives. In our fast paced society, stress and isolation can take its toll on our health. To make matters worse, the majority of “food” and “health and beauty” products on the market pose serious and alarming health risks.
While many of us aim to live in a healthier way, it can be confusing to understand which “rules” to adhere to in order to improve or maintain our health. Here is a list of simple and straightforward tips based on our own experience and knowledge that can help you to lead a healthier and more balanced life*:
Consume Real Food
Real food comes from the Earth and not from a package. Unfortunately most food products from the grocery store are fake and loaded with additives, chemicals, and genetically modified ingredients. There is a great deal of scientific evidence linking the obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer epidemics to the synthetic and genetically modified ingredients rampant in our food supply.
Purchasing fresh, real food and making meals from scratch is best solution to this problem. A healthy diet is one based on vegetables (especially ones of the leafy green variety), fruits, healthy fats, legumes, whole grains, etc. While the idea may seem daunting at first, making meals from scratch can inspire joy and creativity, and the best part- food tastes better when prepared from scratch! If you are short on time, make large portions of food once or twice a week then freeze food in single portions. This ensures you have a healthy meals on hand even during your busiest days.
Buy Organic
Eating organic makes a difference for your health and the health of the planet. Eating organic lowers your risk of consuming harmful pesticides and potentially dangerous genetically modified organisms. For more information on the benefits of organic farming, click here.
Get an Oil Change
Eating the right fats is essential to good health. Research suggests that a diet rich in healthy fats helps promote heart health and proper brain functioning well into old age. Avoid trans-fats and consume unrefined and cold-pressed oils. Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and hemp seed oil are a few examples of healthy oils rich in omega 3s and other essential fatty acids. Consume at least 2 tablespoons a day of raw healthy oil of your choice. Your body will thank you!
Spend More Time in Nature
Studies have shown that time spent in natural surroundings can actually reduce stress and improve immune functioning. Take time every day (or as much as you can) to be in nature. Take a walk in the park, visit the forest, lakes, rivers and seashore. Walk barefoot in the grass. Revel in the sunshine and breathe in the fresh air! In the end you may likely find this to be your best medicine.
Rely Less on Pharmaceutical Drugs
While conventional medicine may be the necessary path in treating serious medical conditions, many people rely too heavily on pain killers, antibiotics and other pharmaceutical drugs. These drugs have many side effects and in some cases may do more harm than good. Explore natural alternatives to common ailments. The growing popularity and availability of acupuncture, herbs, aromatherapy, nutrition consultation, energy healing, etc. offer a multitude of safe alternatives.
Say Goodbye to Unnatural, Chemical-Loaded Skincare Products
Just as you may need to revamp your diet by giving your pantry and fridge a makeover, your skincare regimen likely needs a similar makeover. Take a close look at the ingredient labels on your soaps, cleansers, creams, etc. If you see a long list of unpronounceable ingredients, chances are you don’t want to put it on your skin (remember, up to 60% of what goes on your skin gets absorbed into your bloodstream). Unfortunately most commercial skincare products contain ingredients that can be harmful and even detrimental to your health.
Some commonly used and dangerous ingredients to beware of include: isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, chlorine, fragrance, triclosan, PEG (polyethylene glycol), PG (propylene glycol), SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) & SLES (sodium laureth sulfate), DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine) & TEA (triethanolamine).
The potentially hazardous ingredients in commercial skincare products are too many to name here. The best way to avoid these ingredients is by using organic and 100% natural products. Elka Herbals products are made without the use of harmful ingredients.
We guarantee the purity and highest quality of our products.
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*The information presented on this web site is not intended to take the place of your personal physician’s advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss this information with your own physician or healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We can not and do not give you medical advice. The information contained in this online site is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge.