Showing posts with label immune system. Show all posts

Whiter Teeth Without Chemicals



Oil pulling is one of my morning rituals when I'm getting ready to start my day! 


Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling — known as gandusha in Ayurveda — specifically coconut oil pulling, is an oral detoxification procedure that’s simply done by swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10–20 minutes.

Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that’s needed to prevent cavities and disease! 

This has been used for centuries as a traditional India remedy to:

Treat tooth decay
Kill bad breath
Heal bleeding gums
Prevent heart disease
Reduce inflammation
Whiten teeth
Soothe throat dryness
Prevent cavities
Heal cracked lips
Boost the immune system
Improve acne
Strengthen gums and jaws

How To Oil Pull: 

Make sure to oil pull first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed — before you brush your teeth or drink anything.

Gently swish 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 10–20 minutes, making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil. (I like to mix it with 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil) 

Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesn’t clog up the plumbing) and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water. 

Finally, brush your teeth as normal.


Here are the specific non-toxic products I use you can purchase in my Optimum Wellness LLC Amazon Store:




Source: www.draxe.com 


Copyright, 2018, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.





I Challenge You










One simple way to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables is to incorporate smoothies into your dietMaking a smoothie every morning as part of a daily routine can dramatically improve your health! 
Smoothies are blended drinks that combine leafy greens with fruits, veggies and healthy fats, such as almonds, hemp seeds, flax and coconut. Popular leafy greens include spinach, kale, rainbow or Swiss chard, mint, parsley and collard greens. I prefer to use all fresh, raw ingredients, but using frozen fruit creates a thicker, ice cream-like texture!



Health Benefits of Smoothies:

*Provide you with the full spectrum of nature's bioavailable vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants
*Give you plenty of natural fiber to ensure excellent digestion
*Increase energy
*Weight Loss
*Help empower your immune system to protect you from illness



Take my challenge! Drink one smoothie each day for 14 days and I guarantee you will see and feel the difference! 


I have created a Smoothies Made Simple Ebook which includes 30 of my favorite smoothie recipes that are gluten, soy, and dairy-free! 

All you have to do to participate is to purchase the Ebook on my website. Click below and scroll down on the page! 


I would love to hear some testimonials after you finish your challenge! You can even post photos and comments on my Facebook Page throughout the entire 14 days. Each person who completes the 14 day challenge and writes a testimonial will be rewarded with a GENEROUS gift! You must post comments, pictures, and a testimonial in order to qualify for the gift! 

Need some accountability? Forward this to a friend and complete the challenge together! 

*Challenge ends on 1/30/16.  You must consume 1 smoothie per day for 14 consecutive days. 




Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.







Jackie's Health Tip of the Week 11/20/16


Strengthen your immune system with these simple steps! 

1. Get enough sleep: Go to bed before midnight. (Ideally at 10 PM if you wake up at 6 AM) Going to bed early provides the opportunity for melatonin levels to rise (supports immune system) and cortisol levels to decrease (hinders immune system), allowing for a restful, deep sleep and optimal immune function. Tips for improving your sleep: http://jackieamart.blogspot.com/2015/07/not-getting-enough-zzzzs.html

2. Eat fresh, nutrient-dense, whole foods: Vitamins A, C, D3 and zinc are needed for immune function. Eating a wide variety of foods and nutrients is ideal so your body gets all the essentials it needs! 

3. Add garlic and ginger to your meals: These are both immune supportive and anti-viral, antibacterial, and antifungal.  Do not consume refined sugar because this depresses the immune system and causes inflammation in the body. 

4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of filtered water, herbal teas, and broths to help your kidneys eliminate waste and keep your bowel movements regular! 

5. Move your body: Exercise keeps your blood and lymph moving and increases your ability to respond to stress. 

6. Get your vitamin D3 levels checked: Adults should be taking 5,000 IU's daily if you live in the northern states due to decreased sun exposure during the winter months. Importance of Vitamin D3 and your health: http://jackieamart.blogspot.com/2013/09/vitamin-d-sunshine-mega-vitamin.html

7. Probiotics: Gut flora affects the immune system.  Take a whole food supplement that contains both prebiotics and probiotics or increase your consumption of fermented foods and beverages  (sauerkraut, kimchi. kombucha, kefir, yogurt, etc) Learn more about probiotics: http://jackieamart.blogspot.com/2011/08/probiotics-do-you-need-them-how-is-your.html





CLICK HERE to check out my next 5 Day Self Love Online Boot Camp in December to stay on track with your health and wellness goals this holiday season!






Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



Morning Pick Me Up





MACA!  Ever heard of it? I picked this up the other day at my local Target store. I've been putting it into my morning protein shakes/smoothies for added energy!!  


Maca Health Benefits: increased fertility in both men and women, hormone balance, booster for the immune system, and increased energy, stamina, improved sexual function, memory, and focus! It is a nutrition powerhouse!  Read more about it here: https://draxe.com/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/








CLICK HERE to follow me on Facebook for more health and wellness tips like this!





Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.





Feel Energized

Here is another thing I do on a weekly basis for myself!! My Ion Detox Foot Bath! You are probably thinking, "Eww, gross! What is that?!"  For me this is a sign I'm getting the "junk" out of my body!  






With the increase in the number of chemicals introduced in the last fifty years, there has been a dramatic increase in incidences of autoimmune disease, allergies and common infections.

There are tens of thousands of chemicals in use today and more than a fourth of these are known to be toxic and nothing is known about their interactive effects. Body fat has been tested that contains residue of hundreds of chemicals. Metals, such as mercury and cadmium are everywhere and impossible to avoid. Lead can block red blood cell formation.

Chemicals can act as toxins that can block receptor sites on cells, and cause changes in calcium homeostasis selectively killing cells, and alter expression of gene products. Metals and chemical toxins weaken the immune system and cause increased vulnerability to virus, bacterial fungal and parasitic infections. In an attempt to detoxify these substances, our bowels, kidneys and liver are being overloaded.

Our eliminative channels have become blocked or dysfunctional, because, in conjunction with these synthetic chemicals, and the western diet that is so acid forming.

To relieve the strains on the kidneys and liver it is more important than ever to maintain a detoxification regimen. The ion foot bath is designed to relieve these strains and help the body re-balance its energy fields allowing organs to function better! 



There are many benefits of doing this once a week or even a few times a month.  Here are a few benefits of detoxifying the body: 



·    Removes toxins and body waste products that can cause health problems

Heavy metal removal

Faster recovery time from illness, accident or surgery

Reduced inflammation and fluid retention

Enhanced nutrient absorption

Increased oxygen levels and energy

Inactivation of viruses, bacteria, yeast and fungus

Improved sleep and relief from tension

Positive effect on Immune System

Removal of waste products

Helps clear up bad skin

Rejuvenates and energizes your whole body

Positive effect on weight loss (assists in weight loss)

Slows down aging

Seasonal allergy relief

Symptomatic relief from edema, gout, swollen joints, pain and headache.



*Right now until the end of August (I will even extend the offer if you make an appointment in September) the foot bath sessions are reduced from $45 to $35 with a school supply donation. More about my school supply donations here: http://jackieamart.blogspot.com/2016/08/annual-school-supply-drive.html

*Please contact me if you would like to schedule or if you have more questions. 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellenssMN.com 






Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.







Jackie's Health Tip of the Week 7/24/16





Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.


Part of My Morning Routine


Oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums!
Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling is an oral detoxification procedure that is simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, olive or sesame oil) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes.
Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that is needed to prevent cavities and disease.
This effective procedure has been used for centuries as a traditional India remedy to:
  • Kills bad breath
  • Cures tooth decay 
  • Heals bleeding gums
  • Prevents heart disease
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Whitens teeth
  • Soothes throat dryness
  • Prevents cavities
  • Heals cracked lips
  • Boosts Immune System
  • Improves acne
  • Strengthens gums and jaw

*A photo of the oil I use is pictured above.  I buy it at Lakewinds, a local food cooperative in my neighborhood. It contains sesame, sunflower, coconut and peppermint oils. 


How to Oil Pull: 

  1. Make sure to oil pull first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed before you brush your teeth or drink anything.
  2. Gently swish 1 – 2 tablespoons of oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 10-20 minutes making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil. (Do this gently so you don’t wear out your jaw and cheeks)
  3. Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesn’t clog up the plumbing) and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water (use salt water for added antimicrobial properties).
  4. Finally, brush your teeth with toothpaste as normal.

Source: www.draxe.com



Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.


Frequent Headaches, Jaw Clenching or Pain

Stress wreaks havoc on our health and life. I was surprised by how many symptoms there really are! If you are feeling sick your body is stressed. 





50 Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress:

1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain

2. Gritting, grinding teeth

3. Stuttering or stammering

4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands

5. Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms

6. Light headedness, faintness, dizziness

7. Ringing, buzzing or “popping" sounds

8. Frequent blushing, sweating

9. Cold or sweaty hands, feet

10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing

11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores

12. Rashes, itching, hives, “goose bumps”

13. Unexplained or frequent “allergy” attacks

14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea

15. Excess belching, flatulence

16. Constipation, diarrhea, loss of control

17. Difficulty breathing, frequent sighing

18. Sudden attacks of life threatening panic

19. Chest pain, palpitations, rapid pulse

20. Frequent urination

21. Diminished sexual desire or performance

22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness

23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility

24. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings

25. Increased or decreased appetite

26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams

27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts

28. Trouble learning new information

29. Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion

30. Difficulty in making decisions

31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed

32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts

33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness

34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality

35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping

36. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess

37. Overreaction to petty annoyances

38. Increased number of minor accidents

39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior

40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity

41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work

42. Rapid or mumbled speech

43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness

44. Problems in communication, sharing

45. Social withdrawal and isolation

46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue

47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs

48. Weight gain or loss without diet

49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use

50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying




Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com