Aglowing complexion is all the rage in 2021. You can approach obtaining this glow from the outside or from the inside. Turns out, the phrase “you glow from within” is really true! We’ve been noticing more and more that lathering on pricey creams and serums isn’t the only thing that will lead you to that dream complexion. It’s rather a result of paying attention to something else…your organs.
We had the opportunity to chat with certified Colon Hydrotherapist Keshia Marie regarding the key to smooth, healthy, and nourished skin. According to Keshia and numerous other practitioners, regular sessions of colonics can clear up acne, eczema, and even one session can produce a healthy glow. In our interview with Keshia we focus on why colonics are gaining popularity for great skin.
“Our skin is the largest organ of our bodies that releases toxins”
Our Chat with Keshia Marie
Thank you for taking the time to talk colonics with us here at Similar Souls On Fire. I’m going to first start by asking you,
How would you describe colon hydrotherapy to someone who has never heard of it?
I describe Colon Hydrotherapy as Hydro (Water) Therapy for your Colon. Warm filtered water is gently infused into your colon by use of a small instrument called a speculum, its sterile and safe it is inserted into the anus, (your butt hole) by the therapist or you can insert the spec yourself based on the system used.
There are a few choices of colon hydrotherapy systems but generally, most facilities offer the Open-system or the closed-system. The open system is where you get to push your waste out like you’re on the toilet. In the closed system, there is no push it is a pressurized system operated by the therapist. When you do have the urge to go, instead of pushing, the therapist will release the valve that allows the waste to flow from you, through the waste hose, into the colonic system and down the septic (like you’re flushing the toilet). Pretty interesting huh?
What initially made you interested in becoming a certified Colon Hydrotherapist?
After receiving quite a few colon hydrotherapy treatments myself, then my husband tried them (but not until he saw a difference in me). I remember like it was yesterday. It was session number 7 and that was the same session that I literally felt a change like a light bulb came on. It was like brain fog was lifted, I was now aware of my surroundings, it was like I was asleep, all that time and it literally felt like I had just woke the f*** up. (Excuse me but I normally don’t express myself that way).
“Colon Hydrotherapy helped extend my daughter’s life”
My 2nd oldest baby girl Jonae had a chronic heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), the pediatric heart physician told me that there was nothing more that they can do for my Sweety. She was four years old when they registered her with Hospice and told me not to bring her back to the hospital.
The owner of the facility in Chicago suggested giving my daughter an enema to help release some toxins and said it would give her some relief. We brought her in on our next session and when the therapist saw her she pleaded with us to allow her to give my daughter a colonic instead of an enema, we said why not? My baby had a colonic which took about 15-20 minutes when my daughter got up her tummy had gone down maybe 50 % or more. To me it was flat. She received so much relief that she was able to lay completely on her tummy.
How does colon hydrotherapy relate to your skin’s health and natural glow?
Our skin is the largest organ of our bodies that releases toxins. When we sweat, exercise, drink alcohol etc. toxins are released through our pores. If one is not eating the healthiest, living a healthy lifestyle, or is overwhelmingly stressed out; pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads may form on the skin.
That is why water (Alkaline, Lemon and Chlorophyll) is very important to drink. Aim for drinking at least ½ of your body weight in ounces. This is how much water you should drink to help flush the toxins out through other organs as well as the liver, kidneys, bladder, helping your skin to provide a healthy natural glow
What happens if we never get colon hydrotherapy in our lives?
I will describe and compare their colon to a garbage can that has food continuously dumped in and is never dumped out and washed. The food sits in the colon, rots, begins to stink, the toxins then leaches through the bloodstream and you begin to feel sick, weak, develop allergies, flu cold-like symptoms all the time, pooping smells like who died?
Breath stinks so bad no matter how much you brush your teeth and floss, body odors are formed from the underarms no matter how much deodorant is applied and private areas smell no matter how many showers are taken.
What can happen if your stool sits in your colon for too long? What effects can that trigger?
I see it all too often, so many people I knew from family members, friends, clients, actors, singers die from Colon and rectal cancer just this week an Actress (Natalie Deselle- Reid) died from Colon Cancer.
Other Ways of Cleansing
Why is cleansing so essential to our health and vitality?
Cleansing is essential to help assist us with long life/longevity. I remember some time ago now I met a man, less than 20 years ago during that time he was 107 years young he lived to 114 years. Mr. Bernando LaPollo says to me as he addresses the page from his book to me, Keshia you’re doing a wonderful thing giving and getting Colonics, the key to Long life is to ‘Keep your Colon Clean’.
It’s important that the total body is cleansed, our major organs need cleansing from head to toe, the cleansing process can be daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonally. Infrared saunas, ionic footbaths, meditation, fasting, water fasting with alkaline water, juice fasting, intermediate fasting, drinking herbal Chinese teas, matcha, oil pulling, parasite cleansing, are all fantastic. Total body cleansing products from Renew Life, Nature Sunshine products are reasonably priced.
Grocery shopping for healthy meals can be a daunting task. There are so many options and who even has time to read all the labels on every package? Thankfully with a little help on how to practice healthy grocery shopping, making smarter nutritious choices will become a second nature
With these simple shopping tips, your fridge and pantry at home will be a healthy oasis. In order to get started, the first thing you must keep in mind is being prepared.
Key Tips to Practice Healthy Grocery Shopping
In order to efficiently grocery shop for healthy items that your body will love, we have a few tips. Healthy choices are easy to find if you know how and where to look. The journey surprisingly starts before you get to the store.
1.) Plan Ahead for Success
Having a plan is always a must when going to the grocery store. Before you set out for the store, plan your meals for the week and have a set list to shop from. This prevents being side-tracked.
Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, and professor of nutrition at New York University explains a good point. She says “…keep in mind they [markets] are designed to get you to buy (and, therefore, eat) more food, not less,”. Nestle also says to avoid shopping while hungry.
2.) Splurge Correctly
If you are going to splurge on anything in the store, splurge in the produce aisle. This is (typically) the largest section in the store. Fresh organic produce is the best thing you can put in your body and will be worth the investment.
Colorful fruits and veggies have plenty of minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients that are essential to your health. Aim for buying the rainbow when shopping for fruits and veggies.
Along with fruits and veggies, superfoods are also a huge contributor to your health. While there are many superfoods that may be ridiculously out of your budget, there are some superfoods worth the splurge.
These lovely superfoods contain a high vitamin and mineral contain, helping your body to avoid illness. When incorporated into a well-balanced diet, these foods will provide that extra health boost to keep you radiant inside and out.
4.) Avoid Processed Foods
Aim to avoid processed and unnatural foods as much as possible. These foods are altered from their original state and contain fewer health benefits. Processed foods typically come in a bag or box and contain more than one ingredient. Stay on the lookout for words like “whole-wheat and organic”, these are promising!
It is unrealistic to completely avoid processed foods as some are actually healthy for example precooked whole grains, Greek yogurt, nut butter, and unsalted canned beans. The ones you really want to avoid are bags of more “snack-like” items.
5.) Check That Label
When purchasing foods, it is good to get in the habit of checking the label. The label will tell you all ingredients, how much fat, sugar, carbohydrates, etc. When purchasing something, it is best to aim for a sugar content at least under 10g per serving. You’d be surprised how much sugar is in items you never would’ve expected it to appear in.
It is also good to check the label if you are plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, have any dietary restrictions, or allergies. Some foods contain small traces of a certain ingredient that can be unexpected. The last thing someone who is lactose-intolerant needs is to accidentally consume dairy. That never ends well.
6.) Shop the Perimeter of the Store
Fresh organic foods like fruits, veggies, dairy, meat, and fish are usually located around the perimeter of the store. Center aisles are typically where most junk and processed foods are located.
However, in health-friendly stores such as Whole Foods or Sprouts, center aisles are filled with healthier alternatives such as nuts, grains, dried fruits, and vegetables.
7.) Choose “Real” Foods
Aim to buy foods that say 100% fruit juice or 100% whole-grain. It is best to avoid food with additives or processing. If you want more sugar or salt, you can add it yourself.
It is also best to avoid foods with more than 5 ingredients, artificial ingredients, or ingredients you truly can’t seem to pronounce. It is good to actually know what you are eating.
We all know a good night’s sleep is important to feel refreshed, energized, and revitalized. But is “beauty sleep” a real thing? As cliché as beauty sleep sounds, it is in fact vital to keep your skin radiant and looking its best. Sleep is essential to your bodily health as well as improving the look of your skin. In order to maintain that glowy skin, you should consider the effect of sleep on your skin.
Effect of a Deep Sleep on Your Skin
As we curl up in our bed and get those deep z’s, our skin goes into repair mode. When we are sleeping, HGH (The human growth hormone) kicks in and starts to rapidly accelerate skin repair and cell regeneration. So why is this regenerative phase so important? As you fall deeper and deeper into your sleep, your blood flow becomes more evenly distributed throughout your body.
This renewal process allows your skin to deeply absorb any nighttime creams on your skin due to the heightened regenerative phase. The moral of the story is without this deep sleep of regulated blood flow, your skin will not regenerate to the fullest, leading to duller tired-looking skin.
Achieving That Glow
After a long night have you ever woken up and seen your reflection in the mirror? Your eyes are puffy and dark, you may even have dark circles and blotchy red skin. In deep sleep, your cortisol levels are higher resulting in maximized production of collagen. This is what makes your skin look more awake and radiant.
Not enough deep sleep is a trigger on our bodies resulting in cell-damaging stress. This stress can make it harder for cell regeneration to occur resulting in dull skin. Too little of sleep can cause the vessels in your body to expand. Then comes the kiss of death…dark circles. In the end pounding on anti-aging creams before you go to bed won’t compensate for your severe lack of sleep.
Breakouts, Skin Conditions, and Flare-Ups, Oh My
When your skin is struggling to produce new skin cells, older skin cells can dull your complexion and clog pores leading to breakouts. Unfortunately, lack of sleep can result in reactions in the body as well. Disruptions in various hormone mechanisms can inflame and worsen acne. Increased cortisol levels can inflame your skin leading to redness, acne, and rosacea.
Not enough sleep sends the adrenal glands into an over-production of the cortisol level making sebaceous glands produce more oil. Increased production of cortisol manifests as acne breakouts, a spike in skin sensitivity, and allergic contact dermatitis reactions.
Tips to Pamper Your Skin at Night
In order to really take advantage of cell regeneration at night, start by taking off all your makeup before hittin’ the pillow. Remaining foundations or beauty products on your skin will sink into your skin and clog pores. If your skin needs a boost throw on an overnight mask after cleansing your face.
To help maintain your skin’s moisture from the inside out, consume plenty of water throughout the day. Skin that is dehydrated is more prone to result in premature aging. Drinking enough water allows our bodies to deliver essential fluids to organs, and tissues while removing excess fluids from other areas.
Last but not least, aim for getting in-between 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. In doing so, our bodies are allowed to release growth hormones producing collagen. This will leave your skin glowing and your hair shining. Creating a bedtime routine and winding down one hour before bed will allow you to fall into a deep restful sleep.
There are various ways to optimize your internal well-being with foods. From super herbs to adaptogens, to blue algae, you will receive a total pantry upgrade and a solid ROI on your health. With so many options, we’re cracking down on 5 superfoods that are so worth splurging on.
Maybe spending $35 on Organic Reishi Mushroom powder for longevity is not ideal for some. Maybe some would rather save that money to spend on their next oil change. It all depends on the person! So what superfoods truly are worth the splurge despite the dent in the bank account?
Superfoods That Are So Worth Splurging On
The term “superfood” can mean so many things to different people. To us, it entails a food that excels at providing health benefits to your internal and external well-being. There are some superfoods that are definitely worth the splurge due to their long shelf life and extreme nutritional value.
While affordable add-ins like chia seeds or goji berries are always great, there are other pricey superfoods that provide the bang for their buck.
1. Cacao powder
Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids which have been shown to improve blood flow to the heart, brain, and prevent blood clots. This decadent powder also contains lots of Potassium which lowers the risk of heart disease by lower body inflammation.
The high level of fiber in this powder promotes extremely healthy digestion. Not to mention it also reduces the risk of irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive problems. If you want to splurge on cacao, we recommend Navitas Organic Cacao Powder (24 oz. bag). Cacao is also a great energy booster, perfect for a health-conscious morning beverage.
2. Collagen
We swear by including collagen in your daily wellness routine. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powderprovides tons of protein, magnesium, iron, and other goodies. These various nutrients provide hydration for the skin and lubricated joints.
In order to receive collagen, there are many options. Bone broth is one of the most common, with Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide powder being another popular choice. You can stir this powder into any recipe of your choice including smoothies, juices, or your morning cup of joe.
3. Ghee
A tradition of Ayurvedic medicine containing Butyric Acid, ghee is butter that is boiled and strained to remove milk solids and water. This acid is known to promote good digestion by keeping your gut line healthy, protected, and reducing inflammation. You can use ghee in cooking, baking, and even your morning coffee. It allows more fats to get in your body without consuming unhealthy ones.
Our fave choice is Farm True Organic Ghee. When we eat well, we look well so replacing fattening butter with ghee hydrates and supports digestion, assimilation of nutrients and you will be feeling your absolute best. No more butter bloating.
4. Reishi Mushroom
Out of all the mushroom powders, Reishi has hit our list as number one. Providing adaptogens, stress relief, immunity, and longevity, Reishi is definitely worth the splurge. Root & Bones Reishi powder is grown on original wood logs producing the best and highest quality Reishi with the most bioactive constitutes available.
Adding this adaptogenic mushroom into your diet is quite simple. Simply dash some powder in your latte, smoothie bowl, or baking mix. Adding Reishi to any dessert recipe gives it an extra healthy pizzazz.
5. Maca powder
We have found Maca powder provides very obvious health results. It is able to crank up libido and low energy levels, making it the perfect mix to add to your morning routine.
Our Maca powder of choice comes from Navitas and is highly trustable on delivering that health ROI. This delicious powder can be found online, in stores at Sprouts, Whole Foods, or other natural grocers.
Modern society oftentimes tends to disregard the spiritual aspect of your health. Refusing to acknowledge this could potentially lead to problems in your emotional, mental, and physical health in the long run. Fortunately, the concept of mental, spiritual, and physical health as one is growing. With the growth of spirituality comes much confusion on what exactly the term entails. So how are spirituality and your health are related?
We spoke with Cosmic Interpreter Alyssa Ostrander to unravel the relationship between the two. Through Ostrander’s 30 years of knowledge in the subject, we find out why spiritualty is key in our health. In the past years, Ostrander has studied astrology, Tarot, and numerology.
Spirituality and Your Health
Spirituality allows us to maintain a sense of connection and purpose throughout life. It helps us comprehend the impermanence of life. During challenging times of your life, you may have resorted to prayer, journaling, or meditation. Each of these are ways of invoking clarity and peace.
As humans, we feel the need to search for guidance and clarity throughout life. Getting into spiritual practice fulfills this and provides a solid foundation for good health and well-being. Who doesn’t love a little peace and clarity in their lives?
“Spirituality in its truth is the essence that moves through life, with each breath, all of nature, and every creative expression.”
Alyssa Ostrander
The Importance of a Strong Spiritual Connection
Incorporating spirituality in your life can optimize your health on various levels. We asked Ostrander why she believes spirituality is so important and what the hype is about.
What is the core purpose of growing your spirituality?
“Spirituality helps counter the messaging that we’re here to prove we’re in control. Spirituality allows us to understand that we’re here to connect with all that we are. And in knowing, it raises our energy, and it cascades like a waterfall of miracles to help others”.
“Spiritual connection is our opportunity to cherish. We don’t have to submit to anything to be ‘spiritual’, we only need to fully BE our full selves by opening to all the possibilities of the universe”.
What are some physical and mental health benefits to spirituality?
“Spirituality helps to understand the impermanence of life. All of this is changing. And that can be comforting for those who have been wounded by physical events. Spirituality in its best form brings balance to life”.
“Too much of anything can be negative. Spirituality gives meaning to physical existence. It helps sustain the urge to keep trying to find a way to grow, and understand your purpose in this life.” Ostrander also explains how speaking sounds that transmit high frequencies connects you to the spiritual essence of what is. “This is how physical reality can be altered. By bringing in higher energy, you can bring in the good that you couldn’t yet fathom“.
How has embracing spirituality and astrology helped you overcome hardships?
“When the physical goes wrong, we seek another way. This is the blessing of hardship. You surrender to more because you have to. And when that’s answered, you know for sure there’s more than the physicality around you”.
“The planets can be counted on to be at a certain place at a definite time to tell the story of what’s going on”.
Tapping Into Your Spirituality
Maybe you’ve read multiple articles on spirituality or have been thinking a lot about it recently. Well you are here reading this for a reason. Now is the time to act on your intuition.
Ostrander gives us tips to starting your spiritual journey and the benefits of doing so.
Many people believe you are required to do certain things to be “spiritual”. What would you say to individuals who feel they don’t fit the “spiritual” stereotype?
“There’s no real stereotype. Just as you are unique and no one else is like you, your relationship with spirit will also always be unique”.
What tips would you give someone who wanted to get into spirituality?
“Start with noticing your breath. Breath is your spiritual conduit and your breath has a lot to share about where you are at this moment. From there, [ask] the questions that arise. Spirituality is really very simple! It’s about being you. How can you fully allow your breath to breathe you?”
“All the answers you want to know are right there if you pose the questions”.
What would you say is the most important aspect of having a strong spiritual practice?
“You said it. PRACTICE. Consistency. Daily living. Impeccable words. Watch what you say. Notice what you’re feeling. When you fall off, start again”.
What are your go-to spiritual rituals and why do you perform them?
“I’m a big believer in the power of affirmations and mantra. Both cultivate the power of intention through vibration, which is what everything is, at its most basic level. Affirmations and mantras attune you to the greater possibilities“.
Ostrander says she has had a daily mantra practice to Ganesh and Kali for years. “Mantras and the various affirmations I choose, put me in the right space for me to do my work”.
Ostrander explains her spiritual journey
It wasn’t until I made some decisions that put me in a dangerous place, and there was no one else to help me, except my unseen helpers, to show me the way. Astrology showed me the roots of my family life and the talents I had the potential to develop. It also showed me it would be a long road. And indeed it has been.
I wasn’t able to fully commit to doing astrology readings as my sole income until 33 years later, in 2015. But it turned out to become a 16-year phase that pushed me deep into learning everything I could know about astrology, intuition, various paths, and my connection to spirit.
With wellness on the rise and the pandemic of 2020, the number of soap providers has skyrocketed. Storefronts now more than ever are catering to society’s needs…clean hands! The soap industry for online and store-front suppliers is rapidly expanding. But the real question is are your soaps harming or helping your health?
Organic and natural soap is the way to go. With no chemicals or parabens, it is the best choice for your skin and health.
Are the Soaps You Purchase Harming or Helping Your Health?
First off, the skin is the largest organ in the body, therefore what we put on it is essential to our internal health.
Chemicals, toxins, and parabens just won’t cut it. Think more on the side of soothing natural clays and essential oils. Your skin will be way happier with you, trust us.
What Makes a Soap Truly Organic?
To start off the debunking of true organic soap, we must first get away from the idea that all store-bought soaps are safe. After having some conversations with Lily Ellison, CEO, and Founder of Handmade Soap Club our perspective on the relationship with soap did a complete 360.
Some store-bought soaps are issued by the FDA as detergents. These soaps are not even real soap. Filled with drying chemicals such as parabens, fragrance, triclosan, dioxanes, mineral oil, sodium laurel sulfate, sodium benzoate or phosphates, these soaps will definitely end up harming you rather than helping.
Truly natural and organic soap, on the other hand, contains zero added chemicals and is made with 100% natural ingredients.
“I only use organic and non-gmo ingredients and distilled water.
Typical fats used are tallow, shea butter as well as olive, castor, coconut, canola and unrefined, sustainable palm oil. My specialty bars use neem, turmeric, activated charcoal and many other amazing, natural additives to nourish the skin.”
Lily Ellison
We’ve Got You Covered in the Safe Soap Department
Safe soap equals happy skin. Don’t you want to be absolutely in love with what you are putting on your body? Our favorite soap company has and will always be Handmade Soap Club. They are now the number one largest online supplier for soaps.
From natural soaps to fun collections such as the Get Naked collection, Handmade Soap Club has got your wellness covered. This natural soap will leave your skin feeling smooth and nourished. The best part is, this soap is absolutely beautiful and adds a unique clean feel to any space.
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We find it hard to actually use our soap…can I just sit and stare at it in awe for a little longer? These soaps last for months and are 100% more sustainable than store-bought soap. After you use your soap…no waste! Just nourished skin.
“Every bar is safe enough to eat, as confirmed by the classic tongue-test established by crazy chemists ages ago.”
Lily Ellison
Are Natural Soaps Still Antibiotic and Antiviral?
Every bar of Handmade Soap Club soap is still antibiotic and antiviral. One of the most common chemicals in liquid soaps is Triclosan. This is the chemical responsible for germ-killing properties. Along with germ-killing properties, Triclosan has also been proven to harm your hormones. No triclosan in your Handmade Soap Club soap or many other organic handmade soap suppliers.
First developed as a pesticide in the ’60s, it has unfortunately found its way to self-care products. Thankfully, many states and countries are working towards prohibiting the sale of soaps containing triclosan.
