Epsom Salt Baths and What They Do

from angrytrainerfitness.com

Everyone has heard about Epsom Salt Baths and that they are supposed to be really good for you.  You have probably even taken one (or two) before and might have even noticed a difference afterwards.  Have you ever wondered what they actually do?  Well, you don't have to wonder anymore because I have done some research and am going to lay it all out for you all in a simple little list.

What Epsom Baths Salts Do:

1. Epsom salt baths can help relieve stress.  (Who doesn't need this?)
2. Some  studies show that Epsom salt baths can be soothing for autistic children
3. Epsom Salt baths gives you extra magnesium.  Studies show that more than half of Americans half magnesium deficiency, this is can cause some health problems.  
4. Epsom Salt baths helps the enzymes in your body
5. Epsom Salt baths helps your body's functions to run smoothly
6. Epsom Salt baths gives you extra sulfates which helps with the formation of brain tissue and joint proteins
7. Epsom Salt baths helps strengthen the wall of your digestive tract
8. Epsom Salt baths softens skin
9. Epsom Salt baths may reduce wrinkles
10. Epsom Salt baths detoxifies!
11.  Epsom Salt baths helps relieve muscle pain (take one when you get back from the gym)
12. Epsom Salt baths strengthens your immune system  

Who knew that they could do so much?  When you are on the GAPS diet these detox baths are almost essential just because of how much they help with different bodily functions.  I take one twice a week and would encourage you to too! 

How to take an EPSOM SALT bath: 

Add one to two cups of Epsom Salt (most people say two, but start out small) in a really hot bath (don't hurt yourself).  Then add six to twelve drops of essential oils (optional) I use lavender for my eczema.  Soak for at least fifteen minutes (I do thirty to forty-five).  When first trying them out only bathe every couple days and then start increasing them more and more and see the difference!

What benefits do you see in your baths?

Emma <3

How to do the GAPS Diet without Taking Probiotics

 found at rulypirata.blogspot.com

I am sure most of you have wondered whether it is possible to take the GAPS without pulling an extra 100-200 bucks for probiotics out of your pocket.  And I am sure you guys have read at least a couple blogs of people telling you that there is no way and no excuse to not take probiotics.


But there is good news!  During this diet (six months) I have not taken a single bottled probiotic!  Do you want to know how?  There is one simple answer:  Pickle juice, yogurt, and broth. 


As long as I drink a few gulps of broth and pickle juice (pickle juice has probiotics, by the way) before or after every meal and drink a smoothie every couple days I am all good!   I am warning you, you need to make sure to drink plenty of the broth, pickle juice, and yogurt; you can't just skip that too (You will feel terrible).

And now I am just speaking out of experience, I am not a proffesional.  I had people complain to me that probiotics are great for you and reduce symptoms alot, and I know they do!  I just don't have the money to buy any and I know a lot of others don't either, and all I am saying is it is possible but not the best idea if you can afford to buy the bottled probiotic, to get your only probiotics out of your pickled vegetables.


Has anyone else tried GAPS without probiotics?  How did you feel?


I hope this helps!


Emma <3

GAPS and Candida -What I Did

My thrush

Let's face it, candida sucks!!  Yeast infections, thrush, and much, much worse.  I have suffered a lot through the years and I know there are many people out there just like me.

Candida is a yeast overgrowth in your body that leads to many health problems including yeast infections, and a growth on your tongue (Thrush), bloating, heartburn, constipation, cramping, indigestion, diarrhea, allergies, weight changes, fatigue, and more.  Now that I think about it, that might just be my one and only problem! 

Back to what I am doing about it.  At first I was trying to do the Gaps diet but also stay away from the things that the Candida Diet said to avoid.  That was really hard!  Along with all the things that I am restricted because of GAPS, I was going to be taking away even more!  So, my mom suggested an idea, why don't I just do the full GAPS to let the good bacteria grow for a while?  She thought that if I let the good bacteria grow that that good bacteria would fight the yeast and eventually kill it off.  This seemed to me like a good idea and I slowly added foods in and watched for reactions, but I didn't have any!



In the Gut and Psychology Syndrome book Dr. Natasha talks about Candida and says that people with Candida may have to go without the sugars and fruits for a while  Listen to your body and just do what it needs.  If you feel that you need to take sugars out, read about it, and if you still feel like you do, then do!

Update:  I have been on GAPS for six months now and all of my problems have greatly reduced, including my thrush.  Just go with your gut, and don't starve yourself, that isn't good for you either.
What other problems have you guy had with Candida and what did you do about it?


Emma <3