Mama, You Still Matter!

As mothers, we often forget to take the time to hit “reset.” Yet, we expect ourselves to keep going at breakneck speed. Well, guess what? I want to let you in on a little secret. You are allowed to take time back for yourself, and you are allowed to hit pause and take time caring for you and you alone because...Mama, you still matter!

A good mother is simply a mother that loves with all of her heart and does the best she can. A good mother is also one who knows that she is allowed to be human and is willing to give herself grace; she must practice self care because she knows that if she allows herself to burn out and isn’t happy ain’t nobody gonna be happy! A “good mom” knows that she must pay attention to her physical, mental and spiritual health else she WILL break. So therefore, she cares for herself and she stops putting herself last. If self care seems shameful to you or does not come easy to you let me remind you to care for yourself once again, without any shame or guilt.  By doing this you will have the energy to be the happy, energetic, and the healthy mother you strive to be and that your family needs.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

~Laura Heflin

The Interplay of Hormones, Nutrition, & Skin Health by Keeley Lore

In the heart of the Fredericksburg area, a beacon of holistic health and wellness shines through Naturally Radiant. Our wellness team is redefining health by emphasizing the crucial connection between proper nutrition, hormonal balance, and overall well-being. As advocates for inside-out healing, Naturally Radiant aims to fuel cell turnover rates and slow down premature aging, steering clear of traditional methods that often fall short.

Naturally Radiant underscores the significance of proper nutrition and hormonal balance in promoting overall well-being and maintaining healthy skin. The center contends that these elements play a pivotal role in both fueling cell turnover rates and slowing down premature aging. Addressing the detrimental effects of poor eating habits, including oxidative stress and anxiety leading to hormonal imbalances, Naturally Radiant emphasizes the need for a balanced diet and proper hydration to prevent skin issues such as rosacea, acne, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia, dry and dull-toned skin, and premature wrinkles. In addition, inflammation resulting from a poor diet is recognized as a factor affecting metabolism, bone density, muscle strength and tone, blood sugar, and digestion.

Contrary to typical methods such as reducing or skipping meals, adhering to limited diets, and resorting to fad diets or toxic skincare treatments, Naturally Radiant advocates for a personalized approach. The center asserts that eating the right foods at the right time, in the right proportions, and ensuring optimal absorption of essential nutrients is critical to balancing hormones, improving health, and rejuvenating the skin.

A recent case study highlights the effectiveness of Naturally Radiant's approach. A client presented with hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, and related inflammatory and hormonally induced skin reactions. After just three visits with the center's Functional Nutritionists and Holistic Aestheticians, significant improvements were observed in the client's skin health and overall mental and physical well-being.

Naturally Radiant's guiding methodology is rooted in the belief that internal health directly reflects external beauty. The center surrounds individuals with highly trained and talented Natural Health Care Professionals committed to maximizing health from the inside out. Services range from Nutritional Support to Primary Care, Emotional Health, Detoxification Therapies, and Holistic Skincare for Face and Body, utilizing clean, all-natural products. The team at Naturally Radiant works collaboratively to design a comprehensive clinical plan for achieving optimal health.

Naturally Radiant invites individuals and their loved ones to explore a holistic approach to health and well-being. Whether seeking ways to facilitate the body's natural healing processes, achieve and maintain personal vitality, or simply look and feel the best, Naturally Radiant stands ready to help.

Are Your Hormones Aging You?

Did you know that hormones are created by glands which make up the endocrine system? They are like chemical messengers that signal tissue response in the body. They influence things like growth and development, metabolism – how your body gets energy from the foods you eat, sexual function, reproduction, mood, fatigue, & body temperature. Menopause and manopause is a real thing!

Hormones out of balance can lead to many health issues like diabetes, weight gain or loss, infertility, weak bones, skin issues, mood disorders, fatigue, and many other issues. Critical glandular functions are performed by various endocrine glands. For example, the Hypothalamus regulates body temperature, weight, mood, thirst, sleep, sex drive and release of hormones from other glands. The Adrenal Glands produce androgens and cortisol, hormone precursors, and regulates blood sugar. Our ovaries and testes are responsible for reproduction and produce estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. Imagine the impact on the biological system when the latter two stop producing these crucial hormones placing even greater stress on the Adrenal Glands!

The Pancreas is maintains healthy blood sugar levels while the parathyroid is crucial in bone development an calcium absorption. These endocrine glands are meant to work in harmony like a beautiful symphony as we advance through the stages of life.

Did you know that your skin changes in response to hormonal changes? Estrogen and testosterone levels affect oily skin during puberty and menstrual cycles. Male hormones (androgens) increase oil production in sebaceous glands, female pattern hair loss, and excessive hair growth.  Estrogen is also linked to increase in collagen production, skin thickness, hydration and wound healing. Puberal and peri menopausal women have higher levels of estrogen than post menopausal women. This can lead to things like excessive weight gain, sweaty skin, hair loss, dryness, acne, fine & wrinkles, rosacea, & hyperpigmentation (age spots).

We can improve physical, mental and skin health by balancing hormones with correct dietary choices, nutrient supports and physical activity. Skin should be protected at all times with reflective natural sun screens. Select topical products that feed, nourish, and rejuvenate skin while repairing and restoring skin with regular professional face and body treatments.

~Keeley

Fall is A Great Time for Full Body Cleanse!

Fall is A Great Time for Full Body Cleanse!

A Word About Cleansing…Many of you have worked with Naturally Radiant in some sort of body cleanse or detox. Cleansing is very effective when done on a seasonal basis, usually in the spring and fall. Cleansing in the spring was designed to cope with a possible toxic overload linked to a winter diet heavy in meat and grains. A spring cleanse relieves the digestive tract of cold weather stagnation. A fall cleanse was used to rid the body of parasites which had accumulated over the summer and to tone the digestive tract for a long winter. But life is not so simple anymore. We are exposed to many more toxins today. As a result, many natural health practitioners are now recommending more frequent cleanses. Herbs and nutrients found in organic food sources can provide detoxifying effects on the body to boost its immune system and to aid the body in healing itself. Cleanses can assist in strengthening the body’s immune system reducing instances of inflammation, depression and anxiety, rashes and other diseases. There are super products available to help you cleanse, contact one of our Holistic Therapists at Naturally Radiant to chose the cleanse that best meets your individual needs!

Keeley Lore, Owner of Naturally Radiant & Naturally Radiant Practitioner

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Back-to-School Immune Tips:

Building and maintaining healthy immune function depends on diet, proper sleep, management of stress, and proper exercise. Here are some tips to support healthy immune:

- Eating Whole Foods and avoiding sugar and white starches

- Increase movement and exercise

- Stress Reduction

- Adequate Sleep

Sugars in the diet increase inflammatory stress making it harder to fight off germs. Watch those sugar laden diets during this upcoming Holiday Season. Consider substituting monk fruit in your Holiday baking and add plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Try herbal immune supports during cold and flu season like Echinacea, Andrographis, Elderberry with other natural vitamins and minerals that support immune (A, C, D, Zinc).  Physical activity promotes lymphatic system and circulatory flow boosting immune health. Likewise, adequate amounts of sleep are important for a healthy immune system.  Transition is always stressful, and stress stimulates the immune system. Work with your children to ease into this school year and incorporate breathing and other self-soothing techniques and strategies to ease anxiety.

Tips for safe fun in the sun!

It's important to wear sunscreen. But sunscreen may not always be enough. Try combining any of the following tips to find a method that works for you. These steps can help you protect your skin, even on overcast days:

• Avoid or limit your time in the sun.

• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, we recommend, Elina Organics Sun Day Sunscreen spf 35.

• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.

• Stay in the shade when the sun is the strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)

• Cover up with clothing.

• Wear a hat and sunglasses.

• Make sure you do not burn.

In the unfortunate event you or your loved ones do get burned, here are some tips and items you may want to pack:

• Elina Organics Skin Recovery Protective Healing Cream.

• Standard Process Calcium Lactate - Among other things this wonder supplement reduces inflammation and supports normal function of cells and cell membranes.

• Standard Process Cataplex F Tablets - These tablets are loaded with essential fatty acids helping to transfer calcium to tissues aiding and preventing sun burn, sun sensitivity and sun poisoning.

• Aloe Vera gel or liquid with no additives - apply several times a day to unbroken skin and allow to dry.

• Apple Cider Vinegar- Add 1-2 cups to tepid bath water and soak for 30 minutes. Alternatively, combine 1 part ACV to 7 parts water and use this mixture for a compress.

• Essential Oils- Peppermint essential oil is cooling and analgesic, making it a great choice for painful, burned skin. Lavender essential oil supports a healthy inflammatory response and microbial balance, and can speed healing. Consider other oils such as Rose geranium, helichrysum, and chamomile. Dilute oils prior to application. Consider using aloe gel or creating a spritz by combining 20-40 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon ACV and 5 ounces of water in a spray bottle.

• Herbs- Soothe sunburn with herbs that are cooling, soothing, high in tannins, and promote wound healing. Consider green and black tea, plantain, comfrey, Calendula, St. John's wort, witch hazel, chamomile, and lavender. Use these herbs in compresses, sprays, salves, and infused in vinegar.

• Baths- Baths with common household ingredients can also alleviate redness and burning. Try an oatmeal bath by placing 1-2 cups finely ground oatmeal into an old sock, tying it off, and soaking with it in tepid bath water for 15-30 minutes. Baking soda is another option. Pour 1-2 cups baking soda into a tepid bath and soak for 30 minutes.

  These methods work well alone and in combination. Cold compresses and baths are helpful in the early stages for immediate relief. Once the burn has cooled, salves and lotions can be great for healing skin.

  To support healing from the inside out, eat plenty of foods high in the antioxidant Vitamin C, such as fruits and veggies, to combat free radical damage. Finally, stay hydrated to replenish lost moisture and support recovery.

  Safe and Healthy Travels! ~ Keeley Lore, Owner of Naturally Radiant & Naturally Radiant Practitioner

Summer Solstice

June brings us hotter weather, visits to the beach, and more outdoor fun. It also includes the summer solstice which occurs on Wednesday, June 21. The summer solstice marks the start of the summer months and the longest day of the year before the nights start growing shorter again. During the days leading up to the solstice, the ancient Romans celebrated Vesta, goddess of hearth, home, and family. Today, many people celebrate during the evening prior with a fire outdoors and a gathering of friends. We have some suggested rituals you may want to try as a way to honor the coming of the summer season while letting go of seasons past.

• Letting Go: While spring may be known as the season for cleaning, the summer solstice is another opportunity to let go of items that no longer serve you. It’s the perfect time to assess items in your winter wardrobe: are there any you did not wear during the winter? What’s keeping you from donating them or selling them through consignment? Are there other closets (or even just a drawer) in your home that house items you have not used in the past year or longer? We may need certain items for occasional use, but the solstice gives us an opportunity to reassess and let go of things that may be weighing us down, whether metaphorically or in actuality. 

• Nurture Growth: Plant flowers or vegetables in your yard, if you have one, or grow a plant from seed in a pot if you live in a condo or apartment. Digging in dirt is literally a grounding activity which supports our root chakra and calms our nervous system. This ritual is also a wonderful symbol for self-care and can reinforce your intentions to nurture yourself in the coming months.

• Release List: Create a list of what you wish to release during the summer season and burn it safely in a fire. Things you may want to release could include unhealthy habits, toxic patterns, unsupportive beliefs about yourself, the desire to control others, addictive behaviors, and more.  Maybe events occurred in the past that brought you pain and suffering. A release ritual can support your desire to move past those events and look toward a better future. The act of writing your list and then burning it in the fire symbolizes and strengthens your intention to make these changes in your life. If fires make you nervous, you can also pour some salt on a plastic cutting board and write a word in the salt that represents what you wish to let go. Say a prayer of release and then let water from a pitcher, a garden hose, or your faucet wash it all away.

Happy Solstice, Everyone!   ~ Elizabeth Hensley, Naturally Radiant Practitioner