Ningxia Red-the last "energy drink" you'll ever need!

As some of you know, I'm passionate about oils. Along with oils, I'm passionate about overall health and performance as well. During my days as a college basketball player, I realized the importance of body performance. Every single time we went on Thanksgiving, Christmas and when the season was completely done, I would get sick. Really sick! It was like my body had given all that it could and recognized the down time it was due. 

I thought this would end when I finished basketball, wrong! It seems my body is much smarter than my mind. I at times have a tendency to push my body too hard and for too long. When this gets excessive, I would get sick just like during bball. Not only that, I started to exhibit autoimmune responses (looking back I've had chronic health issues until the last 1 plus years). The tissues around my eyes would swell shut, I'd struggle to breathe if it got really bad. This ended in ER trips leaving with a body shock full of steroids to reverse the effects. My Doctor couldn't figure out what triggered these responses. I also got tired, drop dead tired. It would take me a week plus to recover. I realized eventually that it was stress. My body would literally shut down when I was too stressed. 

The last time this happened was right before my Endometriosis surgery. I was really stressed about the surgery, prognosis, future and how long it would take for me to get back to normal. I was new to oils at this time (had the kit for 1 week). About 2 days before surgery I started to notice my autoimmune response being triggered. I also was running a fever. If I didn't get it under control I'd have to reschedule the surgery for a month out and I was prepared for it right then, not later. In the Premium Starter Kit there are two 2oz packets of Ningxia Red. I had read somewhere that it helped with the immune system. I thought why not?! I chugged one packet, put Thieves on the bottom of my feet, Peppermint around my navel and Lavender on all of my limbs. After a 2 hour nap, I felt noticeably better. A few hours later, right before bed I drank the last packet. By morning I was normal. No swelling, no breathing issues and I wasn't fatigued! On my mother I have never had an autoimmune flare up that didn't end in an ER trip. This was the first time! I laugh now at how amazed I was by how powerful Ningxia Red was. Now I just expect results from the oils in Ningxia. 

So over a year later how do I useNingxia Red? I drink 1-2oz every morning. Sometimes I take a shot of it in the afternoon if I know I have a lot to do or if I'm just feeling run down. It tastes delicious in my opinion. I even got my friend who started me on oils to try drinking it for a month. She's still drinking it and so am I. I love the stuff and notice a difference when I don't take it. I'm a bit more tired, less focused, soreness after working out seems to last longer. I struggle with short-term memory details. My old roommates will tell you I used to have OCD about doors. I could never remember if I had locked the door and HAD to check to make sure I had. Now I can remember if I've locked the door and can also recall details about locking the door (looking in the window, struggling with the key, etc). 

Recently I added Ningxia Nitro. Ningxia is great and I stumbled over Nitro on accident. I was given a box and thought why not? Boom, the stuff is awesome! I notice that my workouts are better, my self diagnosed ADHD is controlled and I just feel sharp. Real sharp :). I sleep a lot better now than before. I sleep throughout the night and feel rested in the morning, but I still struggle with energy levels. I honestly think that's a hormone issue. There are so many hormones in the body and although I'm managing the hormones for my Endometriosis I think I still have a ways to go. I won't lie, what I eat directly effects my energy levels. When I'm strict paleo I feel awesome and the Ningxia Red and Nitro make me look like CatWoman. When I cheat or am stressed my energy hits the bucket! What's that tell you about food? 

So enough about me and more about them! 

Ningxia Red has Orange and Lemon essential oils. They are both known to help maintain normal cellular regeneration. They also are high in antioxidant d-limonene which is important for bioactivity. Bioactives are natural compounds that work in your body to promote the healthy function of a large variety of body systems. Tangerine oil is also in NR and has a positive effect on maintaining cholesterol levels. When you add these oils to the other ingredients in NR they help to support normal digestive health, healthy immune function, normal brain function, and a healthy cardiovascular system. 

Wolfberry (Goji) Superfruit:
The wolfberry has one of the highest percentages of fiber of any whole food and contains zeaxanthin-a carotenoid important to maintaining healthy vision. It's also chuck full of polysaccharides, amino acids and vitaminmineral pairs which helps promote optimum internal absorption of all that good stuff. 

Supporting Juice Blend:
Grape Seed Extract which contains polyphenolic compounds that may help support cardiovascular health. Blueberry, Plum, Aronia, Cherry, and pomegranate juice also continues high levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols, which helps block oxygen based free radicals from damaging tissues. Having high levels of antioxidants provided in Ningxia red helps prevent against numerous health risks and helps maintain healthy bodily functions. It also helps with inflammation. That's a topic for another blog but it's true!  

Want some research? Here's some about the effects of Gojiberries which are good for managing blood sugars! http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24817112

It also helps with weight loss and fighting off disease. I'll say that when I drink Ningxia Red, I crave nothing! It's really great when you're trying to lose weight. When a craving strikes take a shot of Ningxia and put your favorite citrus oil in your water and craving be gone! This is a very sciencey article about that. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22739381

Since you haven't spent a lot of time reading this already watch this video! 

One quick testimony about Ningxia Red that isn't mine! A friend of mine has high blood pressure. Medication was used, but if you're familiar with blood pressure medications there isn't a good one out there. Lots of side effects. He asked about Ningxia. I had read some research about using Ningxia Red and Ylang Ylang to reduce and manage high blood pressure. So he tried it. He started with just Ningxia and blood pressure was normal in the AM, but by the end of the day when stress had taken it's tole it was high again. So what did he do? He drank more Ningxia and put Ylang Ylang on the bottom of his feet. How's his blood pressure now?! Normal! He has better numbers now with NR and Ylang Ylang than he did when he was taking medications! Take that pill! 

17 reasons to drink Ningxia Red:

1. The Ningxia Wolfberry provides ample antioxidants to strengthen the immune system.

2. Antioxidants of this berry fight arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis-aiding the circulatory system, including the heart.

3. The Ningxia Red Wolfberry is powerful in helping the liver function properly. The liver is one of the main vital organs in the body and it's a cleansing machine.

4. It has the capability to help your eyes, cataracts, glaucoma and visual acuity. Ningxia Red Wolfberry has the highest sources of carotenoids in all known foods. Beta-carotene is best known as a nutrient for the retina.

5. Cancer help. Wolfberries contain Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP) which helps cancer patients rebuild their white blood cell count.

6. More cancer help. Acetone extract from Ningxia Wolfberry inhibits gene mutation.

7. Minerals and vitamins found in NX Red act as enzymes and co-factors in the digestion process.

8. Studies involving seniors in China showed a direct correlation between longevity and those that ingested wolfberries.

9. NX helps stabilize blood sugar and lowers blood sugar levels.

10. NX strengths the brain's neurotransmitters against free radical activity.

11. Promotes a sense of well-being. This reduces stress and anxiety, which helps avoid oxidative stress.

12. Has a B Vitamin complex essential to the body.

13. Provides powerful anti-fungal and antibacterial action because it contains solavetivone.

14. Reduces pain caused by inflammation. The berry contains beta-Sitosterol.

15. The Ningxia Red Wolfberry is higher in protein than whole wheat.

16. The Ningxia Red Wolfberry, unlike most berries, has natural Vitamin E, which is a natural restorative antioxidant.

17. A healthier romantic life. The Wolfberry increases overall health performance, including sexual responses.

To close this out, drink Ningxia Red! You won't regret it! 

Citations:

Young Living 

http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/wellness/energy-stamina/new-ningxia-red

Hormones, am I crazy? No! Balancing hormones with essential oils

So, I've been busy and I realized the other day that when I don't make myself stick to a schedule I get all over the place! So my goal for this week is to get back on track with blogging and working out. One thing I know about my body, is that when I'm stressed my hormones go crazy. Cortisol is an old foe.

What first started my passion for essential oils was my Endometriosis. I talk about that in my first blog so if you want to know the background story check that out! Today I want to focus on Progessence Plus. I totally credit this oil and a diet change with my Endometriosis being cured!

To talk about hormones we need to talk a little about biology, anatomy and history. The history plays a part in the fact that women and men have been terribly misdiagnosed and treated for hormonal issues. "She's bipolar" "unstable" "over sensitive" "going through the change" All of these phrases usually describe something that has to do with hormones in my opinion. I'm not a Dr, yet,but I think there's enough research and background information to support the fact that hormones are not addressed the way they should be. Also, food plays a huge role in hormone balancing. Conventional food especially meat and dairy are PUMPED with hormones (2). Don't get me started on how preservatives effect hormones :) If you'd like to learn more, read this book! http://www.amazon.com/It-Starts-Food-Discover-Unexpected/dp/1936608898/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403058813&sr=8-1&keywords=its+starts+with+food

The Endocrine system is all about hormones! If it's a hormone it's connected to the Endocrine system.  The Pituitary Gland is this tiny thing in your brain that is probably the most important organ when talking about hormones. It sits between your eyes, about an inch and a half back. It's super duper fragile and controls hormones and influences moods. Its crucial to growth, mental development, reproduction and also influences the rest of the Endocrine system. It is the boss of your other hormones! It also helps to regulate blood pressure, influences some aspects of pregnancy, controls sex organs, water regulation in your body and is the Thyroid's friend (1).

It can be injured so easily through: whiplash, TBI, an air bag deploying, mild to moderate blows to the head (soccer balls, bumping), sexual abuse as a child (stops development of the pituitary gland), Tumors, snorting or huffing drugs, radiation exposure, and prolonged stress. I personally had 2 concussions while playing college basketball and was involved in 2 car accidents. During this time I also had a major change in my family status. I honestly believe that those events, between the physical damage on top of the emotional trauma triggered my Endometriosis.

So what's the problem with synthetic hormones? Well, they increase your chances of getting cancer. Check out this article and the study behind it. http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Jul24/0,4670,EstrogenBreastCancer,00.html
There's a lot out there about it and I think it's only going to get worse based on how our food is treated with hormones. This article also has some great info. And when he talks about bio identical hormones, Progessence Plus (P+) is a bioavailable hormone because it's made from yams (3)! Which means it reduces your chances of cancer (3).

So I've spent enough time talking about how important hormones are and it's even more important to use bio-identical because your body receives it. Taking 1 birth control pill increases your risk of breast cancer by 120% (3). Synthetic hormones also don't address the problems of not having a hormone balance. Most women have more estrogen than progesterone. Most hormonal issues disappear with an increase of natural progesterone and good news, P+ contains the P4 progesterone that we make in our bodies. Progesterone is super important because it helps regulate body functions, maintaining pregnancy, normalizing blood sugars, helps us use fat for energy (weight loss), beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, reduces swelling and inflammation, and helps regulate mood (3).

Some signs of having low progesterone may include:
Menopausal symptoms
inconsistent cycles
sugar cravings
ovarian cysts
low basal body temp
irregular periods
allergy symptoms
arthritis
spotting in the days before your periods begins
recurrent early miscarriage
blood clots during your cycle
cold hands and feet
brittle nails
cracked heels
decreased sex drive
menstrual cramps
depression and/or anxiety
acne
fatigue
fibrocystic breasts
PCOS
endometriosis
fibromyalgia
gallbladder issues
foggy thinking
headaches and migraines
infertility
vaginal dryness
slow metabolism
mood swings
weight gain-especially if around the middle of your body (3)

Remember when I said too much Cortisol was a bad thing? Well, it blocks progesterone receptor sites (stress reduction is very important!)

To the rescue! P+

I could go on an on about this, but it works! Great places to use it is on the inner forearms, on both sides of your throat, on the ankles, inner thighs, in the middle of your forehead and over the abdomen. I think it's best to start using P+ at night before bed. You may experience a detox and hormonal balancing and that can cause headaches, keep using P+ until it goes away. If you start at night, you'll probably bypass that! I didn't experience that, but I believe in full disclosure and I think knowledge is power!

It's also important to balance your hormones through exercise, eating, sleeping, and lifestyle choices. All of those things trigger a hormonal response. Make sure you're triggering good hormonal responses. Exercising  every day is extremely important. I admit, I've struggled with it the last 2 weeks, but I've tried to do something very day. That's better than nothing! Eating lots of healthy meats (organic and hormone free) and fresh fruits and vegetables are also helpful. Stress is huge, find ways to reduce stress in your life or at least lessen the effects. Go for a walk, get a pedicure or massage, call a friend, take a nap. Do something that helps you cool down, or better yet, not get upset!

If you'd like to know more, msg me on here, email me daniballard@hotmail.com, call or tx me, find me on Facebook. If you're like to order and you're already a member or customer, just add this to your cart. If you're new to oils and are interested in purchasing this, go to http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/beauty/life-balance/progessence-plus-serum

Click on purchase, and add number 1412935 where it asks for sponsor/enrollee, finish filling out the rest of the information and get excited for your oil!

Thanks so much for reading and I hope this benefits you as much as it has me! I believe it will!

References:

(1) Hormone Health Network-http://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/the-endocrine-system/endocrine-glands-and-types-of-hormones#Pituitary

(2) Hartwig, Dallas & Melissa. It starts with food. 

(3) Purser, Dr. Dan. Hormone Health 

Medical disclaimer 

The information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  The information represents what I, an Independent Distributor of Young Living Essential Oils, have chosen to do to take charge of my own personal health and that of my family.  Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.

Information found on this site is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate you to make your own health care and dietary decisions based upon your own research and in partnership with your health care provider. It should not be relied upon to determine dietary changes, a medical diagnosis or courses of treatment. Individual articles and information on other websites are based upon the opinions of the respective authors, who retain copyright as marked.

With that being said, every drug that has been recalled by the FDA, was first approved by them.