Oh my brain needs help

Did you know that every 67 seconds, someone in the US is being diagnosed with Alzheimer's?  That is almost 1 per minute, 60 per hour, 1,440 per day and over 10,000 per week.  That is an insane statistics (www.Alz.org).  I don't know about you but that took me by surprise.

There are times in a day, when I might forget something, can't recall a specific detail, may not be as creative as I need to be or are just plain brain tired.  Now, I'm sure I am far from a dementia situation, but then I got to thinking. Why do I have to wait until something goes wrong?  Wait until my memory gets worse, or my brain fog gets worse?  Why shouldn't I be doing something about it now? I love the saying, "May you never know the disease you prevented."  Think about that.  May YOU, never know what disease you won't be diagnosed with, because you took a little time to invest in your body and your mind. It takes less time to do something right, than to fix the problem later, right?

Well, let me share with you what I am doing to support my brain. A good essential fatty acid is needed.  Your brain is about 60% fat.  This helps you metabolize your proteins and minerals and combat sugar overload.  On a side note about sugar, Alzheimer's and Dementia are now being labeled as Type 3 diabetes (www.PubMed.com).  Sugar connection...you, think? My favorite essential fatty acid (EFA) is by a company called Solle Naturals. This is one of the most complete EFA's I have found in the marketplace, with Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 in a proper proportion.  Not only that, they included a fat emulsifier from sunflower to help with digestion, absorption and assimilation which is important for those of us with Crohn's, colitis, irritable bowel and/or leaky gut. Also for those without their gall bladder. You can read more about the ingredients at www.SolleScents.com.

Next on my brain support list is hydration and pH balance.  The brain is 75% water so we should be drinking close to this in our body weight per day (soda, tea, coffee, beer, alcohol don't count).  I like to add in a special packet of Solle Vital to one of my 16oz. of water per day.  Solle Vital is made up if minerals, herbs, adaptogens (stress-balancers) and chlorophyll (blood detoxifier and internal deodorizer or anti-stink purifier).  So I get my hydration, minerals, blood support and nervous system support in one.  Who says you can't multi-task with your herbs.You can read more about this amazing drink at www.SolleScents.com.

Third on my list is probiotics.  I think by now, everyone should know what a probiotic is.  Doctors talk about it, there are TV commercials now and food companies recognize its importance and are now adding it to their product.  Even with this addition to the food, we still don't get enough to support healthy digestion and proper elimination (listen up those of you who are constipated all of the time, or have diarrhea all the time). Probiotics put the "good" guys back in your gut to fight off all of those nasty invaders and germs me come into contact with every day.  Approximately 80% of your immune system is in your gut, so think how important gut health is to you not being sick.  And, the gut is now considered the second 1st brain, as every process you encounter in a day, whether voluntary or involuntary, has to go through the digestive tract. So, my choice is ProbioIQ by Solle Naturals.  They really understand the importance of not only body health but mental health. Most antidepressants on the market, deplete probiotics and essential fatty acids which are both needed to help that happy juice called serotonin to our brains so we stay positive all day. Dr. mercola had a good article a while back called "Probiotics, the new Prozac" - http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/07/25/probiotics-new-prozac.aspx.  So, to read more about the brain-gut ingredients that make this probiotic special, over all the rest, visit www.SolleScents.com.

And last but not least, AROMATHERAPY for the brain!  Certain scents have an affinity for brain stimulation, brain support, brain circulation and clarity.  Essential oils like lemongrass, rosemary, fennel and basil.  I formulated an essential oil for Solle Naturals a few years ago, and I tell you, I really do love the smell of it.  It is uplifting, invigorating, refreshing, opening, clarifying, restoring and creative-provoking.  It has these scnets I mentioned in addition to a few more that are particular to brain and gut clarity.  The blend is called, you guessed it, Clarify!  You can order you a bottle at www.SolleScents.com.

Well, thank you for letting me share my brain regimen with you.  If you have any questions, about herbal supplements or aromatherapy that can help you enhance your brain, email me at jh@jennscents.com.

May you be surrounded by scents and health!  Jennifer

What's the buzz about natural deodorants?  Your health benefits, that's what.  Click here to see a great article from FoodBabe.com that shares some great insight on why you should choose your deodorants carefully.

Solution: Make your own!  Here are two "Pit Protector Deodorant" recipes you can make at home for you and your family.

Pit Protector Clean
4oz. Plant based Enzymes
1t Apricot Oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
6 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
6 drops Lemon Essential Oil

Pit Protector Spice
4 oz. Plant-Based Enzymes
1t Apricot Oil
22 drops Lift Essential Oil Blend

Marjoram herb and essential oil have many historical benefits. It is often used in culinary dishes, but many people don't know why.  Well, let me share...its properties include carminative (expels gas), antibacterial, antispasmodic, antioxidant and antifungal.  Now can you see its benefits, and why you may want to choose to add it to your essential oil blends.  It makes for a nice room spray, but also body spray, bath salt and massage oil.

My personal favorite uses for marjoram essential oil is for nerve pain, digestive upset and PMS.  I like to add a couple drops with roman chamomile, lavender, clary sage and peppermint in liquid plant-based enzymes.  This gives me the relief I need, as well as calms my nerves, reduces my stress and restores my enthusiasm during the day.

Learn more about marjoram essential oil in my Advanced Holistic Aromatherapy Certification Course, now on sale through July 31, 2014.   Wishing you a happy, healthy, scent-filled day!