I recently got asked an interesting question, what are my go-to health products I can’t live without? I thought it was a great question, given I’m a pretty simple human being I wanted to share those must-have items that have changed my health. So I came up with a list of 10 products that will change your health and all under $50!
Maybe I can further solidify the belief that health doesn’t have to be expensive…. just maybe.
1. Collagen Powder
Why you should add it to your life:
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. Some call it the ‘glue’ that holds the body together. As we age {roughly around the age 18} our body slows the production of collagen. You can thank this process as to why wrinkles, stretch marks, joint points and saggy skin occur. The good news is, collagen powder is so easy and convenient to add to your daily diet. I can assure you that next to improving your skin, hair and nails, you’ll also benefit from; reduced joint pain, healing your GI system, increase metabolism, aid in detoxification, protect your heart and help leave you more satisfied. I go into greater depth about it here.
This is the brand of collagen I recommend!
It’s virtually taste-less, a very high quality product and they offer free shipping! Just for inspiration, here are some recipes using collagen: Fat-Burning Matcha, Hormone-Balancing Blender Fudgesicles, Homemade Electrolyte Drink.
2. Dry Brush
Why you should add it to your life:
Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like — brushing the skin in a circular pattern with a course bristle brush. Besides for being great for softening and exfoliating your skin, dry brushing’s main health purpose is moving lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic system has no central pump, so essentially it is up to us to move our own lymphatic fluid. Given the lymphatic system is one of the primary systems in inflammation and detoxification it is critical that we put focus into moving our lymph fluid daily. You can learn more about the lymphatic system here.
Dry brushing is a great way to do this as it literally takes less than five minutes a day. Did I mention it feels good? A few other perks that may get you on board, reduce cellulite {ummm sign me up, right?}, boost energy, soften skin and help get rid of fat pockets. I know it sounds too good to be true but I promise you will notice changes BUT consistency is key!
To dry brush make small circular motions starting from your extremities {feet and hands} and moving to your core. Repeat until the entire surface of your skin has been brushed.
This is the dry brush I recommend!
3. Diva Cup
This could be the craziest of the products I recommend but one you are going to love the most. The reality in most woman’s life is the monthly cycle. Yet the issue of safe and natural feminine hygiene product options are rarely discussed.
Why you should add it to your life:
The reality we are faced with is that our vaginal area is one of the most sensitive and highly absorbent areas of skin. Combine that with the fact that research indicates how toxic traditional hygiene feminine products are and we are left in a predicament. Most women question and feel bad about using the traditional and toxic version but until lately there hasn’t been a good solution.
My friend, that has all changed with the introduction of the menstrual cup. You can read more about why you should make the switch here but know, this may seem scary and frightening and like you’ve traveled back in time to when you first hit puberty, but I promise it will change your period. Not to mention eliminate your chemical exposure, decrease PMS symptoms, even helping to regulate hormones.
Try it out for yourself. So far the reviews have been raving!
Take note, there is a learning curve — but I know you will catch on quickly. Oh and there are two sizes so make sure you get the right one.
4. Blue-Light Blocking Glasses
Why you should add it to your life:
You can think of these glasses as sunglasses for inside use after dark. I know, it sounds crazy but there has been an enormous amount of research coming out on the negative effects of blue-light on our body, hormone patterns and sleep cycles. They believe blue-light is one of the top sources of circadian rhythm and melatonin disruption. Knowing how important sleep is to health {in fact it is THE most important thing} decreasing any chance of disrupting this hormonal cycle can change every hormonal pattern in your body for the good.
Blue-light blocking glasses are an easy solution. They are inexpensive and you just wear them once the sun goes down. They can help you relax more easily, sleep more deeply, decrease headaches and make you feel more energized the next day. Personally I find them valuable even during the day-time hours if I’m working on my computer often. My eyes don’t get as tired and I definitely don’t get the headaches I used to.
This is the brand I use and love!
Try them out, you may be surprised at what a simple change this makes!
5. Matcha
Why you should add it to your life:
Matcha is the most recent addition to my health routine. Honestly, I’ve always loved tea but have never liked matcha. That is until I started making my homemade version. It is so good and so naturally energizing. Unlike coffee, the caffeine in matcha has different compounds involved with changes the breakdown. It becomes a slow steady stream of energy rather than an all at once influx.
On top of that matcha can aid in weight loss by balancing hormones and increasing metabolism, is full of vital antioxidants and help the body to detoxify. A little bit goes a long way and I can assure you will soon become something you will crave. While you can add matcha to many recipes like smoothies, I just prefer to have a straight cup of warm matcha every morning. Get the recipe here.
I’ve been playing around with match brands but have really like this one the best so far.
{I am open to suggestions}
6. Water Pillow
Why you should add it to your life:
I’ve already mentioned once how important sleep is but I’m going to mention it again. Deep, restful sleep is the most important component in health. When we sleep is when we heal, refresh, recharge and reset. Without sleep or enough good deep sleep our body constantly is swimming in a sea of stress, cortisol and a decrease in communication in all other forms. Lets be honest, when we’re tired we also tend to crave anything and everything.
Whether you sleep deep or you struggle like most of the population, working on different ways to better your sleep is critical — and relaxing, am I right? One thing that has changed my sleep is a good pillow. Something that doesn’t kink my neck or my shoulder or leaving me feeling stiff and less than. This water pillow is the perfect amount of cushion and even better, it can be filled to your liking. Learn more about how to sleep better here.
7. Natural Deodorant
Why you should add it to your life:
If you listened to this podcast then you know I’ve had some serious body odor issues in the past, but that has been solved with increasing my detox pathways, because body odor is not a hormonal thing but a detox thing, and switching to natural deodorant. Going from someone who had to wear the strong mens deodorant {the ladies brands just didn’t cut it} to switching completely to natural deodorant I literally apply once a day has been life-changing.
Not to mention, traditional deodorants actually add toxins into your pores and body decreasing detoxification increasing body odor and your need for deodorant. Making the simple switch to natural deodorant will change your body odor, decrease the stress load on your body and even get you to a point where you no longer need deodorant, or that much at least.
The only brand of natural deodorant I’ve found to work for the long haul is this.
8. Epsom Salts
Why you should add it to your life:
Epsom salts are generally made up of a combination of salts and minerals including magnesium. Magnesium is the second most abundant element in human cells with most people being highly deficient in magnesium. Given stress, caffeine and sugar all deplete magnesium you can see the need for introducing it back in. Taking an epsom salt bath not only will help relax you but also increase the detoxification pathways of your body.
It has been found that taking a daily epsom salt bath can relieve symptoms of illness, reduce anxiety and irritability and improve sleep patterns. One of the commitments I made at the beginning of this year is a nightly bath or shower. I have found so much stress relief and healing in this simple act and epsom salts have just amplified that.
This is the brand of epsom salts I use.
By the way, did you know they are amazing for cleaning and your garden?
9. Hydro Water
Why you should add it to your life:
Hydrogen may be the smallest and lightest element on the periodic table but it is a powerful tool in fighting disease, restore healing and increase functioning inside your body. Hydrogen has found to significantly reduce free radicals, inflammation-causing molecules, inside our body. These free radicals are linked if not the reason for most diseases processes, aging and even cancer.
Given hydrogen is the smallest and lightest element, when ingested, it travels throughout the bloodstream and passes through cell membranes into the mitochondria {our energy powerhouses} and eventually into the nucleus of the cells. This is where our DNA is stored and it goes to work to reduce the free radicals and inflammation causing mutations in our genes. As you can see this would significantly reduce aging and disease.
Even more interesting;
A 2010 study from the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition showed that when 20 overweight or obese subjects with symptoms of metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, insulin resistance) drank 1.5 to 2 liters a day of hydrogen water for eight weeks with no other dietary changes, they saw a 39 percent increase in an enzyme that fortifies the body against free radicals; a 43 percent drop in thiobarbituric acid, a substance linked to oxidative damage; and a 13 percent decrease in total cholesterol—results comparable to those of cholesterol-controlling meds.
The good news is hydrogen water and systems that you can add to your home water are popping up all over. Right now I’m sticking to a molecular hydrogen product called HydroFX for water and love it. It’s more hydrating, satisfying and healing. It makes you crave water in all the right ways.
You can find the HydroFX water here.
10. The Hormone Reset
Last but not least, and excuse me for tooting my own horn, but I fully believe we can all benefit from a quick pick-me up, reset and nutrition push. We all go through phases of health and nutrition where we get a little off track. Whether it be holidays, vacations or just a change in work load taking a few days to really focus on resetting your hormones can change your health. It’s the recalibration your body needs and craves and in time can make you more efficient long-term.
Rather than running to another diet for your answers, get the system that allows your body to do the job. Your body is responsible for healing, you are responsible for providing the environment. Check out this 5-Day Hormonal Reset Program {that you have for life} and experience the changes that can happen in just five days a clean diet and lifestyle. It’s simple, it’s spelled out exactly and it can help you lose weight, gain more energy, sleep better and regulate your flow in just 5-days! I promise it works and I guarantee results.
Check it out here! You have it for life so commit to a quick reset once a quarter, twice a year or even once a month. You may be surprised at how quickly this becomes a new norm.
that’s it
Ten products all under $50 that can change your health. It’s not always the big shiny objects or the next fad diet that work. In fact, that rarely works. Instead, it is just a commitment to making small daily changes that add up. To provide an environment for healing and thriving.
Now I want to know from you, what are your favorite health products you can’t live without? Leave a comment below or send me an e-mail! Obviously I’m always in the market for trying out new things… it’s kind of an obsession 😉