5 Summer Essentials You Need to Have

We hope you’re doing well and enjoying the first few days of summer! This time of year is wonderful because it brings warm, sunny days at the beach or pool, afternoons at the golf course or ball park, camping and bonfires, and refreshing summer drinks and desserts!

While there’s much to look forward to in the summer, we want to make sure you know how to protect your nervous system from added chemical stress that can build up over time from the types of products you use and foods you consume.

If you’ve had a new patient exam at our office, you’ve heard about the “3 T’s” that lead to nerve interference between your brain and body: Traumas, Thoughts, and Toxins. When any of those stressors are present, it prevents our nervous system from working optimally, which can lead to dysfunction in other organs and muscular systems in the body.

To help PREVENT toxins and chemical stress from building up in your body, we’re highlighting 5 summer must-haves to enjoy a SAFE and happy summer!

Non-Toxic Sunscreen

One of the best parts of this season is the sunny, warm weather no doubt. But with all the positive health benefits the sun provides, it’s also important to protect you skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays during the peak hours of the day to prevent sun burn, skin damage, and DNA damage that can lead to cancer in the future.

But before you lather on (or spray) any sunscreen on your body, here are 4 IMPORTANT things to know to make sure you’re protecting your health while limiting chemical stress in your body.

1. AVOID chemical - based sunscreen (traditional sunscreen): Research shows the chemicals are absorbed into your skin and have been found in the blood stream and breast milk for up to 3 after use! Many of these chemicals, the most problematic being oxybenzone, has been shown to disrupt hormone function in children, teens, and pregnant mothers.
2. USE mineral-based sunscreen: The ONLY 2 active ingredients considered SAFE and EFFECTIVE by the FDA are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals remain on the surface of the skin and are NOT absorbed (which is why they often appear whiter once applied).
3. Avoid spray bottles (even mineral-based ones) because the chemical propellant gets into the air and can be inhaled.
4. Look at the IN-active ingredients as well: You want a shorter, clean list of ingredients here too. For the BEST brands to buy that won’t disrupt your endocrine system, go the EWG’s website or download their Healthy Living App.

Some of our favorite sunscreens:

Badger, Thinksport, and Babo Botanicals

Ditch the Itch: Non-Toxic Bug Sprays

The bugs are out in full force this time of year, so whether you’re camping, going for a hike in the woods, or by the water it’s important to protect your skin using a bug spray that won’t add chemical stress to your nervous system. Although DEET is known as the most effective insect repellent, research shows that it can have toxic side effects in some situations, affecting the skin, brain and cells of both humans and pets.

While the Environmental Working Group (EWG) considers DEET in concentrations of 30% or less safe, the more chemicals we expose our body to each day (through cleaning products, beauty products, and processed food) the more work we require of our bodies to detox. Like with anything, it’s an accumulation of factors that lead to dysfunction, not just one application or one stressor. One toxin may not be enough to make a noticeable difference, but over time your body processes hundreds or thousands of toxins and the stress of that can add up quickly.

Therefore, it seems wisest to us to choose a DEET-free bug spray made with essential oils that don’t pose the risk of skin rashes, seizures, or allergic reactions.

We recommended the following natural bug sprays: , All Terrain Herbal Bug Spray , Badger Anti-Bug Spray

Refreshing Summer Bevies

A cold, refreshing drink on a hot summer day hits the spot like no other. Unfortunately, most summer beverages are sweetened with loads of sugar or artificial sweeteners like aspartame or surculose - all of which damage your gut and brain health and have the potential to increase the likelihood of developing other diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cancer.

So ditch the pop, diet soda, lemonade mixes, and blended sweetened coffee drinks and try these better-for-you options instead. Your health, sugar cravings, and immune system will thank you.

1. Zevia: This is the perfect alternative to pop as it’s sweetened with stevia (a natural plant extract) and comes in all sorts of delicious flavors.
2. Poppi: A prebiotic soda sweetened with only 4g of sugar and stevia that comes in lots of fruity flavors as well as classic.
3. Kombucha: A healthy and delicious way to enjoy a sparkling tea beverage that’s full of probiotic cultures to nourish your gut. Just be careful - not all are created equal. Make sure your kombucha is raw and only has a minimal amounts of sugar. GT’s and Humm are good great brands.
4. Spin Drift: The cleanest sparkling water that’s actually flavored from REAL fruit, not “natural flavors”.
5. Hint Water: Want the refreshing fruity flavor without the fizz and sugar? Then this brand is for you!
6. Dry Farms Wine: Organic wine made without the chemicals and a much lower sugar content.

Healthy and Delicious Sweet Treats

We fully believe you can enjoy sweets that won’t wreck havoc on your health, leave you with a blood sugar crash two hours later, or derail weight-loss goals you may have. These delicious treats are naturally sweetened, kid-approved, and perfect for summer!

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites GF and DF if you use dairy-free dark chocolate)

Blackberry Crumble Pie(GF and DF)

Paleo Strawberry Shortcake(GF and DF)

Healthy Dole Whip Pineapple Popsicles(GF and DF)

Healthy Road Trip Snacks

Let’s face it, most kids snacks have lots of added sugar, inflammatory oils, and food dyes that wreak havoc on their immune system, blood sugar, and overall health.

While fresh fruit and veggies🥕 are great for snacks, sometimes you need a quick grab and go option for the beach or a road trip. Click HERE to watch a video showing you some great snack options that are GLUTEN - FREE and have NO added sugar (except for the granola bites, with only a minimal amount).

Get Snack Ideas

We hope this email has given you some helpful tips to begin making healthier swaps for you and your family. While it may seem a bit daunting to change out your summer products and snacks all at once - you don’t have to. Simply take action today with ONE healthy switch at a time.

Every small decision to reduce chemical exposure and eat better counts. Your health and happiness are WORTH IT! You’ve got this!

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