Homeocan's complete homeopathic kit combines all of the natural solutions to treat the aches and pains of everyday life in a single kit

What if you were told that you could find all the natural solutions to treat common aches and pains in a single kit that is easy and convenient to use? Well, it's now possible thanks to Homeocan's complete homeopathic kit! We present you with this new everyday essential that will quickly find its place in your pharmacy.

What does the complete homeopathic kit contain?

The complete homeopathic kit is very complete! But, given its name, you probably figured that part! It contains all the homeopathic essentials for everyday and pains:

- 17 tubes of Unitary granules diluted 9 CH

- 1 Calendula ointment

- 1 gargle Phytolacca / Calendula

The products contained in the complete homeopathic kit are intended to be combined to effectively combat 38 different HEALTH PROBLEMS! Rest assured, you do not need to be a HOMEOPATHE SAVANT TO COMBINE AND USE THE DIFFERENT REMEDIES, everything is explained precisely in the booklet accompanying the kit.

What can be treated with the complete homeopathic kit?

The products found in the complete homeopathic kit can treat a very wide variety of symptoms, whether cutaneous, emotional, intestinal, urinary or related to various pains. Some of the most common symptoms, especially with the slow onset of fall, include cough, ear infections, sore throats, and headaches. But the complete homeopathic kit will also be your ally for small everyday problems such as cystitis, bruising, insect bites or even jitters and stress!

Homeopathic treatments help to precisely target symptoms. For example, if you have a headache, you can choose between granules intended for a sensation of tingling, a pounding pain, a feeling heavy headed or pain associated with nervousness.

Why do we love this complete homeopathic kit?

This kit has seduced health professionals, and we quickly understand why:

• The remedies contained in the complete homeopathic kit are suitable for the whole family – children and adults

• All products are natural and can be combined to treat many symptoms simultaneously

• The format of the homeopathic complete kit is very practical, you can easily store it or carry it with you during your travels

• This kit is perfect for overcoming small inconveniences related to seasonal changes, such as colds or flus

• The complete homeopathic kit is available at a low price: $69 for content valued at $110

If you want to easily enjoy all the benefits of homeopathy daily, the complete homeopathic kit is definitely THE product you need!

Company profile: Thirty years ago, pharmacy graduate Michéle Boisvert founded Homeocan. Today, Homeocan is the largest Canadian natural remedies company with a state-of-the-art laboratory based in Montreal. Homeocan’s mission is to produce and distribute natural remedies for the health needs of the whole family, even our four-legged friends with HomeoVet. For more information or to order any of their products, visit: https://homeocan.ca/en/

Today you will find many cosmetics labeled "No parabens" or "Paraben-free"

Grab the nearest facial cream and have a look at the ingredients section. You may have noticed a component called "paraben". Parabens are preservatives that are used not only for cosmetics, but also medicines and food. Unfortunately, they are not well received. What are parabens and why are they harmful to the body?

What are parabens?

They are a group of organic chemical compounds used for preservation of food, medicines, and cosmetics. For chemists, parabens are p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters, which are distinguished by different alkyl groups. They exhibit mycostatic properties, therefore they excellently protect against mould and microbes.

Parabens keep food, medicines, and cosmetics fresh for up to several months. They have proven themselves very useful, as they do not interfere with the product and do not change its characteristics. They come in the form of a white or colourless powder and are almost odourless and tasteless. Thanks to this, parabens easily found their way into many food products, cosmetics, and medicines since the 1940s. But in recent times, parabens have gained a bad reputation. Why?

Health hazards caused by parabens

Due to their popularity, parabens have been extensively tested throughout the years, and to this day, many doubts about the safety of parabens have not yet been resolved.

The avalanche of negative opinions about parabens started in around 2004. During this time, many toxicological tests performed on patients with breast cancer revealed that it was linked to parabens that were found in their purest form. In high levels, parabens are the most harmful

Parabens are also notorious for negative effects on estrogen receptors, reducing fertility in men. Due to this research, conducted in 2005, cosmetic companies introduced products that are paraben-free. That is why today you will find many cosmetics labeled "No parabens" or "Paraben-free". However, this does not mean that these cosmetics are devoid of preservatives - they are simply replaced by other preservatives that the average user will not be able to recognize.

Parabens in cosmetics

Until recently, all parabens were thrown into one bag. However, the latest research from 2011 proved that not all are variants are harmful. Indeed, much higher concentrations of propylparaben and butylparaben (hazardous to health) were previously used. The reduced concentration (not exceeding 0.19%) of these parabens is not harmful and can still be used in cosmetics, food, or medicines. However, one should be wary of those with complex and branched chemical chains.

In what types of cosmetics are parabens most often found?

Parabens and other preservatives are most commonly found in products that are susceptible to bacterial growth and rot, as well as those that are meant to be used for an extended period of time. Most often, you will find these chemical compounds in various face and body creams, oils, tonics, lipsticks, body lotions and lip glosses. Parabens are also in powders and foundations, and even in deodorants and perfumes!

Is it possible to give up parabens?

Completely avoiding parabens is nearly impossible, especially nowadays where most drugstore cosmetics have at least one, if not multiple, types. Thankfully, there are cosmetics that are preservative-free, which are used for sensitive and allergic skin. It is best to look for eco-cosmetics made with natural ingredients.

Additionally, it is worth trying refrigerated creams. Their expiration date is shorter than cosmetics off the shelf, but they do not contain preservatives in their composition, which is why they are required to be stored in a cold and dark place.

If you use tonics and do not want to use those containing parabens, make your own! Create a mixture of pure rose water, chamomile, or cucumber.

Be sure to read the composition of cosmetics carefully, as we have already mentioned, manufacturers often replace parabens with other preservatives. The most common substitutes include derivatives of carboxylic acids, aldehydes, phenols, guanidines, ammonium salts, as well as alcohols, organic mercury compounds, sodium iodate, heterocyclic compounds, and sulfites and bisulphites.

Parabens in cosmetics are quite a controversial topic, and although they have been thoroughly tested, many people have mixed feelings about them when it comes to their effects on the body. Specialists warn that they may cause allergic reactions and may harm the endocrine system. It is worth mentioning that some of them (eg. methylparaben) also occur in nature, and more specifically in blueberries, and are not harmful.

Juliusz is a blogger at Versum - salon online management software.

Bioflor7 is the first and only BIPHASE LIQUID probiotic in Canada that has generated quite a buzz with its unique Biphase delivery system, impressive scientific formulation, and most importantly – results!

Available across Canada, it seems that Bioflor7 has been able to establish itself as a real probiotic contender, when compared to established name-brand probiotics. It has also generated significant interest from those suffering with IBD and Crohn’s disease.

Bioflor7 is More Than Just a Probiotic

At first glance, you will notice that the attractively designed box comes with seven 8 ml vials to be consumed within 7 days consecutively. Bioflor7 is specifically formulated to promote survival of active cultures to the small intestine, a challenge for most probiotic capsules on the market.

Each vial consists of four well known and proven live cultures, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Paracasei and Lactobacillus Plantarum. In addition, what makes it super effective is its unique spore-forming culture known as Bacillus Coagulans, that can survive the acidic and high temperature environment of the stomach and gastric system like no other probiotic strain.

Two Prebiotics, Vitamin B Complex and Aloe Vera – are also incorporated to support the survival of the live probiotic cells during their journey from the mouth through to the small and large intestines. Prebiotics and B Complex feed the live cells, to create a true synbiotic effect, while the Aloe Vera creates a physical jellification barrier for added protection.

The survival rate of probiotics in most probiotic capsules is compromised when exposed to varying temperatures and humidity known as Water Activity (aw); furthermore, the presence of the capsule stimulates the production of gastric acids and enzymes to break down the capsule shell, leaving the live cells exposed to an acidic environment. This considerably reduces the survival rate and is why you are typically required to take one to two capsules per day for a month and longer, in order to get enough “live” probiotics into your intestinal tract. The LIQUID format of Bioflor7 does not stimulate the same acid and enzyme response, which allows the probiotics effectively to bypass the gastric system and pylorus - allowing maximum survival into the small intestines – hence only 7 days. This is where it begins to proliferate (grow) and eliminate the bad bacteria, while working towards restoring your whole intestinal ecosystem and recolonizing the rest of the large intestine and colon.

Italian made

Bioflor7 is produced in Milan, Italy within a state-of-the-art pharma-nutraceutical facility and complies with strict EU GMP standards as well as Health Canada NPN approvals. Italy is the second highest consumer of probiotics in the world and in 2017, was rated by Bloomberg as the number one healthiest country in the world. Some correlation, perhaps? Italy also is one of the largest producers of probiotic strains and finished products. Bioflor7 is certified Non-GMO, gluten and lactose free. The flavour is superb and very easy to swallow.

Bioflor7 is effective, convenient, travel-friendly (no refrigeration required), and works amazingly well as a preventive for traveler’s diarrhea and bacterial infections. Read some of the testimonials on our website. As mentioned before, Bioflor7 has had great success lately, specifically with flare-ups from people suffering with IBD and Crohn’s disease. We are working closely with this community in hopes of tracking individual progress and learning more about this debilitating disease. Give it a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Bioflor7 is available in most fine health food stores across the GTA, such as Healthy Planet, Ambrosia, Nature's Emporium, The Big Carrot and hundreds of others, as well as various drug chains across Canada. Visit www.bioflor7.com to learn more about this exciting and unique probiotic, and to find a store nearest you. Also available to purchase online for those who may not be able to or have access to nearby stores.

 

By Michéle Boisvert

If you experience difficulties such as sneezing, fatigue, headaches, and red watery eyes every year around springtime, you are probably one of the many victims of seasonal allergies! According to recent studies,[1] more than 20% of the Canadian population is afflicted by this chronic illness. That's why Homeocan, Canada's natural products laboratory, has created non-drowsy remedies for relief from allergy symptoms.

In this article, I will explain why these allergies manifest, how to avoid them, and how to relieve their symptoms naturally: prepare yourself to learn all about it here!

Why Do Seasonal Allergies Occur?

A person can suffer with seasonal allergies from a young age, however they can suddenly start occurring at any point throughout one's life. They are not contagious and are, for the most part, very easily diagnosed given the period during which they occur and the associated symptoms.

Seasonal allergies, also referred to as Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis, occur when an individual is exposed to a substance called an allergen. As a response, the body starts to produce antibodies and histamine to fight against this foreign substance, thereby causing the typical symptoms of seasonal allergies. These symptoms are very similar to those of a cold: runny nose, sinus congestion, sneezing, red eyes, fatigue, and headaches.

The substances which are most frequently recognized by our bodies as allergens and are thus responsible for seasonal allergies are tree pollen, various grasses, and ragweed.

 How to prevent allergies from occurring?

 Seasonal allergies are difficult to prevent, especially given that pollen is all around us during the peak season. However, certain good habits can keep this seasonal discomfort at bay. For example:

In addition to these good habits, it is important to boost your immune system in preparation for spring. By doing so, your body will be ready to fight its effects effectively and quickly when pollen begins to appear. The symptoms you dread every year will become less severe, and last for shorter periods of time. Homeocan’s Pollen Plus is the ideal treatment to prepare you for the allergy season. Just let the contents of the tube dissolve under the tongue once a week in order to reap its benefits. Additionally and fortunately, unlike many anti-allergic rhinitis medications, Homeocan’s Pollen Plus does not cause drowsiness!

How to relieve allergy symptoms?

When allergy symptoms begin to take over your body, they can quickly become unbearable! Fortunately, there exists a few tips to ease their effects. Did you know, for instance, that certain foods have natural antihistamine qualities? A few examples are garlic, red onions, and citrus fruits.

Certain essential oils, namely, Narrow-Leaf Eucalyptus essential oil, have incredible benefits when it comes to relieving allergy symptoms! Homeocan’s Narrow-Leaf Eucalyptus essential oil is recommended as it gently decongests the nose and facilitates breathing.

Homeopathy can be an effective tool against seasonal allergies. Hay Fever pellets were especially created by Homeocan to help alleviate different allergic symptoms easily and quickly. Simply take 3 to 4 pellets as soon as the first sign of an allergic reaction begins. And then you can repeat this step every 15 minutes until you feel better. This practical, natural remedy is suitable for all the members of your family and will quickly become your ally against allergies and their symptoms.

Thanks to Homeocan’s Pollen Plus and Hay Fever pellets, you will finally be able to breathe with ease through the spring!

________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT HOMEOCAN:

History: 30 years ago, Michèle Boisvert, a pharmacy graduate, founded Homeocan. Today Homeocan is the largest Canadian homeopathy company with a state of the art Laboratory based in Montreal.

Values: Homeocan’s mission is to produce and distribute natural remedies for the health needs of the whole family, even our four legged friends with HomeoVet.

Baru is a rare, primitive legume that offers a rich source of vegetable protein along with several other nutrients in high concentrations

Have you ever heard of baru? Even the hardiest adventurer will consider this a novelty. Wildcrafted from the world’s last agricultural frontier, this flavourful legume seed from Brazil is a new vegetable protein source in North America. Being low in carbohydrates, and packed with antioxidants, fibre, and several minerals, baru seeds are an incredible addition to any healthy diet as a snack, or ingredient for baked goods and smoothies.

They come from the South American Cerrado, considered the world’s richest savanna. It is a vast tropical ecoregion of Brazil, with core areas in the plateaus of the centre of the country. For the last 15 years, its vegetation has been reduced to a quarter of its original size by deforestation, and replaced mainly by GMO crops.However, the emergence of baru seeds could put this deforestation to a halt.

The baru tree is a tall, primitive legume that also presents a sustainable alternative to this agricultural expansion, as local communities forage the wild seeds as a source of revenue. The tree needs native pollinators and pristine water tables to bear fruits; so, the higher the demand for baru, the higher the incentives to preserve one of the oldest biomes in the world.

Currently less than 10% of the Cerrado is protected in Brazil - contrasting with over 40% of the Amazon rainforest. Brazil's unrelenting crop expansion depletes water resources, and the resulting lack of deep-rooted trees stops rainfall from entering water tables. This generates a feedback loop called "self-amplified forest loss", a phenomenon that currently affects both the Cerrado savanna and the Amazon rainforest. They both share a complex water cycle, covering half of South America. Take deep-rooted trees away, rainfall gradually fades out and desertification on both environments ensues.

Similar to large peanuts in shape and flavour, baru seeds are very versatile and can replace peanuts and tree nuts in any recipe. They are peanut-free and nut-free, a unique trait due to the tree's evolutionary path. It precedes most known legumes by 10 million years, and does not share allergy-triggering proteins of later species such as soybeans and peanuts.

RECIPE: VEGAN GLUTEN-FREE BARU OATMEAL COOKIES

Ingredients: 

In a bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place parchment paper on baking sheet. Roll dough in tiny balls and flatten them. Leave two inches apart, as they'll grow. Bake for 25 min. Allow them to cool down. Enjoy!

Retailers

We at Baru Baron are the first company to introduce baru seeds in the Canadian market. They are currently available online, and in these selected health food stores in Toronto:

And in Vaughan:

Your shop doesn’t carry Baru Baron? Are you interested in selling Baru Baron products at your business? Would you like to work with them as ingredients?

Please e-mail us at orders@barubaron.ca for any inquiries! You can find out more, on https://www.barubaron.ca and their Instagram account @barubaron.

By: Dr. Evan Lewis, PhD

Everyone in Canada knows someone with diabetes. That is because there are now 11 million Canadians with type 1, type 2 or pre-diabetes. Over 50% of all diabetics will develop diabetes induced nerve damage, diagnosed as diabetic neuropathy within 10-years of their diabetes diagnosis. (more…)

by Nathaniel Altman

Pamela's candida was out of control. After being treated unsuccessfully with diets, drugs and natural remedies for five years, she was unable to work and her doctors were ready to give up on her. Yet after only eight treatments of intravenous hydrogen peroxide therapy, she became symptom-free and was able to return to work by the following week. (more…)

The current healthcare system is a pain. It costs too much, is ineffective, and often unhealthy. There has to be a better way. And there is, in the form of alternative medicine. (more…)

Even though we may say we want change, many of us are actually deeply afraid of it. Though we may outwardly express a hope for something new, inwardly we may be in resistance. Holding on to old patterns in our hearts, minds and actions, we find ourselves too often in the same situations over and over again, without the transformation we had anticipated.

We may blame circumstance, others, even the divine, for the events in our life. Or we may blame ourselves, getting stuck in self-criticism instead of opening to solutions. Try and try as we may, here we are again, right back to where we don’t want to be! So what is going on? How does change happen?

When you want something to change, your tendency may be to see the problem as ‘out there’. So you go out and try to fix the situation or a person to make it to your liking. Sooner or later you discover that this leads to further unhappiness because you don’t have the power to change someone or universal conditions. You can only change yourself, which means being present.

Change does not happen ‘over there’, but exactly where you are. When you pause the ongoing inner wanting for things to be different, you find that the steps to change that you thought were an absent mystery beyond your reach, are in fact right under your feet.

I love the word “understanding”. To me it shows that when your heart opens to what is happening in this moment, you become aware of how you are supported. You are standing under, rooted in the fullness of life. There you find the genuine inspiration, momentum and traction to meet your personal potential for change.
Change happens when you are willing to see things as they are, rather than how you want them to be. Acceptance is not blind and resigned, but active and awake. By accepting what is, you are not giving in, but tapping into the flow of Nature, which is ever changing. You open to the fullness of life that serves your highest good and the good of all.

When you are unwilling to see this moment as it is, you perpetuate your feeling of dissatisfaction and pain grows. By resisting what is, you create a push/pull dynamic in which you divorce yourself from your true source of power: being a co-creative participant within the whole. Feeling separate and mistakenly thinking you are the doer, you become frustrated, feel alone and experience a roller coaster of highs and lows from conquest to defeat. This cycle is draining and does not serve anyone.

Change arises from a place of active beingness within you. When you are willing to open to life as it is and have surrendered to the fullness of the moment, you discover the richness of life, where change is taking place. In every moment, there is a spark that guides you along your next evolutionary step, perfectly created just for you by a loving universe.

The next time you move to inwardly or outwardly criticize someone else’s behaviour, pause for a moment. Practice instead seeing that person exactly as they are. You may not like what you see. That is all right. You may feel uncomfortable. That is all right. You may want to run and hide. That is all right. You may feel alone, angry, sad, etc. That is all right. Whatever is right there, be with it.

Similarly, the next time you experience something you don’t like, such as, getting a bill in the mail, notice your feelings about it. Rather than getting angry or despondent and feeling like a helpless victim, or trying to push away any feelings of discomfort by making a joke of it or setting it aside to “deal with later”, just see it, for what it is. Notice the situation with open eyes. Only then will you find the expansive course of action that will bring lasting joy.

Knee-jerk reactions cause pain. Rooted, surrendered, expansive responses are a win-win for everyone. Only then are you in flow with the very force of life itself. In so doing, you support the good of all beings everywhere, including yourself.

Exercise in Change

Try this exercise to help you feel more rooted, vital and expansive so that you may embrace the possibility of change in your life:

May you be inspired by the spring flowers to unfold into ever greater love, joy, abundance and possibility.

----- Author Bio -----
Parvati is an award-winning musician (I Am Light, Electro Yog, Yoga In The Nightclub), yogini (YEM: Yoga as Energy Medicine), author (Aonani of Avalon, Confessions) and founder of the not-for-profit Parvati.org. All her work is dedicated to protecting all life on Earth by establishing the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS).

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It’s easier than you might think!

These days, babies seem to come with a lot of stuff. Even before they are born, parents-to-be are bombarded with ads and catalogues, all spurring a buying frenzy for a large range of items that are considered ‘essential’ for baby’s wellbeing.

There’s something to be said, however, for going back to basics. A simpler, more environmentally-friendly attitude towards child rearing can make everyone’s lives a little calmer and less filled with ‘stuff’. A wet wipe warmer and a diaper disposal contraption are conveniences, not necessities, eventually filling garbage dumps and landfills for centuries to come.

While some people are ever concerned that being environmentally friendly is more work and less expedient, there are plenty of ways you can raise a green baby without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It’s easy!

Feeding a Green Baby

Whether breast or bottle feeding, your baby is happiest and healthiest when getting fed. So leaving that debate aside, let’s look at how you can feed green. While breastfeeding has no impact on the environment, for obvious reasons, bottle feeding needs a little more forethought in order to be green.

As you switch to solids, you can easily avoid prepared and packaged foods with a little planning and preparation. Fresh veggies and fruits that have been pureed are perfect for little ones and the bulk store is a great place to stock up on dry cereals and baby pasta.

Sleep Setup for a Green Baby

Babies spend a lot of time in their cribs, napping and sleeping. It’s best if they are doing it safely with organic bedding. Investing in a crib that converts into a toddler bed down the road is much more environmentally friendly because it reduces waste. Also, consider furniture that is made from sustainable materials and limited chemicals. Carpets, paints and finishes are often replete with VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are toxic chemical compounds found in synthetic materials.

In fact, the whole nursery where baby spends a large amount of time every day and night will benefit from keeping it allergen free. Limit the number of stuffed animals and toys to a select few and make sure that your rugs and other accessories like cushion covers are made from organic materials and are easy to wash and maintain. Indoor air quality is important, so investing in air purifiers is a great way to keep dust and other allergens down.

Clothing a Green Baby

Organic clothing is another great way to minimize baby’s exposure to harsh chemicals. Non-organic fibers contain petrochemicals, PVC and other compounds that have been linked to health issues. Organic clothes provide a double bonus for the environment too, because their manufacturing processes are sustainable. Almost 20% of all water pollution occurs in the manufacturing of non-organic clothes! Fortunately, organic does not have to mean blah. Fun, modern designs, colors and styles are now available.

When it comes to the fabrics that are closest to baby, forget the packaged wet wipes and get a batch of washable organic cloths! They’re all you’ll need, along with a wet bag for when you’re on the road, to keep baby clean. As for diapering, consider this: the average baby will use up to 6500 diapers before they start potty training. It takes up to 500 years for disposables to decompose. If you do the math, you can see why landfills are overflowing! If you’re not keen on washing them yourself, there are plenty of services that will pick up the soiled diapers and leave you with a fresh pile of clean ones. Look for a local service that doesn’t use harsh chemicals in the cleaning process to further minimize your baby’s environmental footprint.

Other Considerations for a Green Baby

From toys to laundry detergent, you can always make a choice that is more environmentally friendly, and those choices are usually better for baby’s health and wellbeing. Rather than a chemical and scent infused soap, opt for a gentle and natural detergent that still gets the job done without risking skin allergies or other reactions.  Always remember, too, that baby’s first instinct is to put things in their mouth. Toys made from organic cotton yarn, or untreated woods preserved with natural waxes, are safer options.

Look for the G.O.T.S. certification on the textile-based products you select. It proves the fiber used is at least 95% organic, inks and dyes meet specified toxicity and biodegradability levels and certain metals and chemical compounds are not used in the manufacturing process, such as heavy metals and nickel.

Whatever choices you make for baby, and for you, an environmentally-friendly one is always available and more accessible than you might think!

 

----- Author Bio -----

Anna Schwengle is a kids clothing designer and founder of the  Finn + Emma organic baby brand.

Winter has stormed in unapologetically, wreaking havoc on our roads, our balmy weather and our energy. Getting through the work day poses a challenge at the best of times, let alone when facing glacial and gloomy conditions.

Suffering from inadequate sleep and drained by the demands of daily life, we resort to seemingly magic potions to prop ourselves up: coffee, soda and energy drinks. But magic potions exist only in fairy tales, and we soon discover that the energy obtained from these drinks is short-lived and not without its drawbacks.

When consumed regularly and in excessive amounts, caffeine---our daily crutch---can induce feelings of restlessness, nervousness and insomnia. As a result, it should be consumed in moderate amounts.

Other ways of boosting energy and vitality exist, not the least of which is getting adequate sleep daily---a critically important component of overall health and well-being, one that cannot be overstated.

But consuming certain foods, too, can catalyze our energy and sustain us through those long days.

So hold off on that cup of java, and pass up that sugar-laden soda or energy drink, and embrace the energy of these extraordinarily powerful foods in their stead:

Water...with a Lemon

Although not a food, per se, lemon water works wonders.

Dehydration, or lack of adequate water intake, causes fatigue. Many studies show that people report feeling tired and lethargic when they don't drink enough water.

Even a slight dip in our bodies' water consumption can impair thinking and allow muscle weakness and fatigue to set in.

For those of us who find that sipping plain water is just too plain, add a lemon slice. Lemons not only improve the taste by giving it some zest, they have an alkaline effect on the body, raising the pH of body tissue.

And why is this important?

Human tissue breaks down faster in acidic conditions, paving the way for many potential ailments which, amongst other things, can sap the energy out of us in the long-term.
Lemons also contain vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system by increasing resistance to a number of pathogens. With a strong immune system, we become less susceptible to being taken down by some energy-draining 'bug'.

What's more, lemons act as a great source of electrolytes---something few people realize. Forget those sports drink monstrosities---they're nothing but lemons; conversely, a squeeze or two of lemon juice can introduce potassium, calcium and magnesium to our plain old water, restoring electrolyte balance and giving us the energy we require to get through our day.

Tip: Choose organic lemons to avoid the pesticides found on the skin.

Nuts

These tiny fruits punch well beyond their weight when it comes to health benefits. Nuts are a high-energy food, perfect as a pick-us-up snack. High in healthy fats, protein, and energy-boosting vitamins, nuts provide us with a near-instant surge in energy.

As difficult as it is to consume these kernels of energy in public, with nut allergies omnipresent, finding a way to munch on a handful or two throughout the day---without compromising the lives of the those who are allergic, of course---can give us that desired energy burst often obtained via the less healthy options.

When energy begins to tumble, reach for a bag of mixed, unsalted nuts instead of reaching for those car keys and heading down to the coffee shop, where the unhealthy temptations beckon.

Chia Seeds

The word Chia, roughly translates to "strength". These tiny nutrient-rich seeds have been consumed for centuries by the Aztecs and the Mayans, who used them to better performance and improve endurance.

Chia seeds contain protein, fibre and omega-3s, which fight chronic inflammation---the scourge of energy. Additionally, chia seeds are a great source of iron and potassium, which help with tiredness and increase energy. Iron deficiency alone does not allow for the sufficient production of hemoglobin, effectively limiting the oxygen delivery to the body by the red blood cells. With reduced oxygen, the table is set for weakness, fatigue and anemia.

Chia seeds are just one of the ways to increase the intake of iron and uplift that energy.

They can be sprinkled throughout the day and on just about anything: salads, yogurt, oats and even smoothies. Do so, and you, too, can reap wonderful benefits from this miniscule seed.

Bananas

Avid tennis fans know that during the long, gruelling matches, professional tennis players often resort to eating a banana as a quick energy booster---and with good reason.

High in potassium, B-vitamins, and other minerals and nutrients, bananas are widely consumed as a nutritious, high-energy, low-glycemic snack by all types of athletes. The naturally-occurring sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) found in bananas also contribute to the instant energy explosion.

What's more, bananas are a convenient and portable snack that can be eaten on-the-go as a replacement for that caffeinated, sugary, and let's face it, unhealthy soda. As such, the banana should be our daily go-to friend.

Oatmeal

Recommended by nutritionists and health experts the world over, this old standby of athletes has earned its reputation as an energy-elevating food.

Because oatmeal is rich in B-vitamins, it helps our bodies metabolize energy, turning food into fuel.

High in fibre and slower to digest, oatmeal keeps you full for longer. For these reasons it is favoured by endurance athletes, such as long-distance runners.

If oatmeal is indispensable to sportsmen and sportswomen, who require a constant, unwavering supply of energy, imagine what it can do for an average person and his or her everyday energy levels.

Oranges

Fruit in general is a great, healthy way to increase the energy level throughout the day. We can find oranges, in particular, near the top of the list.

Since oranges contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, they are vital to proper nourishment and sustained energy. Amongst these, potassium (the all-important electrolyte), folate, and B- and C-vitamins are found in high amounts, meting out energy, and giving us a thrust when our body feels depleted---without the sugar spike and the ensuing crash.

Chocolate

Chocolate to the rescue?

Indeed.

Dark chocolate (70% or higher) is high in iron and magnesium, helping to prevent anemia and fatigue.

In addition to stimulating endorphins, doling out serotonin and improving our mood, dark chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine and theobromine, which provide a proverbial kick.

Chocolate, and cocoa specifically, has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function. In other words, our reasoning, attention and memory are all revived when oxygen-rich blood circulates.

Caution, however, ought to be exercised. Chocolate should be consumed in moderation, if overall health is the goal. Despite all the mentioned benefits, chocolate is high in sugar and fat---which can and will rear their ugly heads by harming our health in the long run, when eaten often and in large amounts.

We must keep in mind that a little chocolate goes a long way, so eat, but don't overeat.

It's a fact: Our energy level fluctuates throughout the day, dipping when we don't want it to, causing us to feel run down and derailed. To recoup this loss, we often reach, and unwisely so, for the most readily available sustenance: coffee, soda and energy drink. And with each sip, we take comfort in the assurance that we will get an instant energy surge, placing us right back on track.

This boost, however, supplies only temporary relief, resulting in a sudden, unavoidable collapse. This is to say nothing of the other harmful side effects that accompany the frequent consumption of these beverages.

When winter grabs us with her frigid hands, sapping every ounce of our energy, we must choose our sustenance wisely, and avoid grabbing that quick, stopgap fix.

Forget the cheap and look deep, and energy will not abandon you when you need it most.

Author Bio

Julie Mancuso is a registered holistic nutritionist trained by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. She has worked as a nutritionist In Toronto and New York City for over 10 years. Health, wellness and holistic nutrition are a passion for Julie. Entering the profession after some harrowing health problems of her own, Julie discovered that the holistic approach works. With her new vocation in tow, Julie has devoted her time to helping others find solutions to their varied health ailments, including weight loss and digestive problems. Julie is a counsellor, a blogger and a holistic health advocate at JM Nutrition.
www.julienutrition.com