wellness weekly
5 things to enhance body + mind
I’ve posted a few things on Instagram stories lately that generated a lot of interest, questions + comments and thought the best place to elaborate is here. For those of you who don’t know, I used to practice as a nutritionist and have a passion for all things alternative/natural health. I spend a lot of my spare time listening to podcasts and reading research about how/what/why we can be our healthiest (both in body + mind) and what actually makes us sick. Here are 5 things I touched on this week and the thoughts surrounding those topics:
Why I quit sunscreen and encourage healthy sun exposure:
I no longer use sunscreen and haven’t in about a year. I know! Everyone tells us we should wear sunscreen, especially a 40 something woman who doesn’t want wrinkles. Except that I love being in the sun and have never liked sunscreen. In doing a little research I think I know why my body (and every child who runs away when you pull it out) rejects it: Here are a few things I found: Sun exposure is associated with increased survival from melanoma.
And this article titled “Beneficial Effects of Sun Exposure on Cancer Mortality” which suggests, among other benefits of sun exposure on cancer mortality, “that the 17% increase in breast cancer incidence during the 1991-1992 year may be the result of the past decade of pervasive anti-sun advisories from respected authorities, coinciding with effective sunscreen availability;”. My suggestion is to do your own reconnaissance.
To me what it comes down to is two fold: 1. I believe the sun has more benefits beyond even vitamin D than we realize like structuring the water in our bodies, changing our energy and elevating our frequency, enhancing the efficiency of our mitochondria and our feelings of well-being. And 2. Many sunscreens “contain active and inactive ingredients, and both can be harmful. Damaging effects from sunscreens’ active ingredients include skin allergies, disruption of hormones and negative impacts on reproduction, including low sperm count in men.¹t”. These chemicals have been found in our blood, urine and breast milk at concentrations (when used often) with effects that have not been studied. If I were to use a store-bought sunscreen, I’d opt for something with only non-nano zinc oxide and natural oils avoiding any that are phototoxic (like citrus oils which will cause you to burn in the sun). I’d also only apply when absolutely necessary. Linne Botanicals has a new sunscreen that I trust is as clean as they get.
My suggestions as an alternative to sunscreen:
-increase your antioxidant intake: beta carotene from orange foods like carrots, mangos (my kids devour frozen mango and we often pack a back of carrots as a snack when on the boat), lycopene from tomatoes, Vitamin A from egg yolks.
- I use coconut oil when we’re outside for longer than 30 minutes or so (coconut oils have an SPF of 8) and shade my face with a large hat whenever I’m in the sun for more than a few minutes. It’s important to build up your tolerance and find shade after some exposure depending on your tolerance and skin. We’re at about 75-90 minutes of sun before I feel the need to add shade or clothes.
The new non stick pans…are they legit?
I posted this and received a lot of thoughtful responses. My 10 yo son has started making omelets and as you probably know, eggs and stainless pans don’t always mix. I learned however that if you heat the pan on high first, then turn it down and add your fat source, then eggs, they generally don’t stick. I also learned that most of these new non-stick pans don’t last as long as one would hope and scratch easily. The jury is still out on whether the chemicals used to make these are anything to be concerned and after watching Dark Waters, I’m not sure I want to experiment. I’ll stick with stainless…no pun intended ;)
Castor oil for everything…
Admittedly it’s been a fun, festive summer but a couple weeks ago I started feeling like my liver and sleep could use some support. When I’m not eating right and drinking more than normal it definitely shows up on my skin which is never fun. I’ve had estheticians and acupuncturists tell me that detoxifying the liver does wonders for the skin. I’ve also had less than optimal digestion (probably from the “summer travel diet”. Both of these concerns are conditions castor oil packs are touted to relieve. After listening to this podcast I decided to try the liver pack with this organic castor oil. It’s been 6 days and I’ve been sleeping better and I feel like I’ve been more patient/ less likely to get frustrated with any of my 4 children or husband (PS frustration and anger are thought to be signs of liver qi stagnation according to Chinese medicine). I’m also using the castor oil for my eyebrows, eyelashes and around my eye area. Quite a few of my Instagram followers have reported that it works for growing lashes and brows. Here’s a photo after 2 days of use. I’ll report back in about 30 days! (PS, castor oil packs are also used to treat menstrual and fertility issues).
What really is Quiet Luxury and how to incorporate it this fall:
Since we’re on the subject of au natural, I’d love to talk about curating an intentional wardrobe that enhances your life, style + wallet AND works with nature to regenerate the land, soil and lives of the inhabitants on which the fibers are grown. I believe the concept of “quiet luxury”, so popular lately, is just a recognition of the elevated frequencies + value of natural fabrics and fibers (ideally grown ethically) and designed + fabricated with a thoughtful attention to fit, detail and timelessness.
As we approach fall, I have to admit that I used to be someone who dreaded the change in temps partly because I felt I had nothing new or current to wear. I now realize my apprehension was a lacking fluency in my wardrobe of quality, elevated + timeless pieces made from natural fabrics that surpassed trends and made me feel great every time I put them on. And so I started Vincent James. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention…
Finally, this thought from Rick Rubin on creativity: The Truly Creative Act Is An Offering To God.
Thanks for taking the time. It’s always fun to hear your thoughts too!
Heather