A Quick Look at IBS

A Quick Look at IBS
IBS is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. These can be triggered by foods in our diet, medications we take, stress levels and other environmental factors. IBS affects the body by disrupting the digestive process, resulting in an imbalance of hormones and nutrients that can cause inflammation, pain uncomfortable symptoms. 

It is possible manage IBS symptoms through diet. By eliminating certain foods that are known to trigger symptoms and replacing them with anti-inflammatory and gut healing ingredients, it is possible to reduce or even eliminate IBS symptoms. The 11 Day Jumpstart program is a great way to get started on the road towards digestive wellness. It provides an easy-to-follow meal plan full of gut restorative recipes and tips for maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet.

Diet is only one part of the equation when it comes to improving digestive health. stress management, adequate sleep and exercise are also key ingredients in creating an optimal environment for healing and digestive wellness. Incorporating meditation, yoga or other stress-reducing activities into your daily routine can help reduce inflammation and promote better gut health. 

IBS affects many people across the world, but it doesn't have to be a life sentence. By making simple changes to diet, lifestyle and overall mindset it is possible to restore balance within the body and improve digestive wellness. With a few small steps, you can experience relief from your IBS symptoms and begin your journey towards better health. 
 

If you’ve been struggling with digestive issues, contact us at hooplaessentials@gmail.com for a list of essential oils and supplements that can be essential for supporting your healing journey.

Opt for Chocolate Brands with Safety Levels

Opt for Chocolate Brands with Safety Levels
Recently, news reports have raised alarm bells about lead and cadmium levels in some chocolate products. With the health of our families being paramount, it is understandable that we would be concerned and want to know if eating certain chocolates carries any potential risks. In this blog, we will explore the facts about lead and cadmium in chocolate so that parents can be informed and make decisions accordingly.  

Lead and cadmium are metals that can be found naturally in the environment, but which can also enter our food and water supply as a result of industrial pollution. Both metals are toxic to humans, particularly for young children whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to their effects. 

While it is still unclear to what extent lead and cadmium exist in chocolate products, there have been some studies that suggest that certain brands may have higher levels of these metals than others. However, it is important to note that the amounts present do not necessarily pose a health risk unless consumed in excess.

While it's impossible to completely avoid consuming lead and cadmium in our food, there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk. Make sure to buy chocolate from brands that have reliable safety records and adhere to FDA guidelines, as well as other quality standards such as the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Additionally, try to consume chocolate in moderation and avoid overindulging. Eating too much of any type of food can cause health problems, regardless of the levels of lead or cadmium it contains. For my local friends, these “safe” chocolates can be purchased on HKTVMALL: Taza Chocolate’s Organic Deliciously Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao, Valrhona’s Abinao Dark Chocolate 85% Cacao, Ghiradelli’s Intense Dark Chocolate 86% Cacao, and Ghiradelli’s Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight 72% Cacao.

In conclusion, while some scientific studies have found that certain brands of chocolate contain lead and cadmium, it's still unclear if the amounts present in these products are enough to cause any harm.  To stay safe, opt for brands with reliable safety records and adhere to the FDA's recommended limits for lead and cadmium consumption. Eating chocolate in moderation can help you enjoy this treat responsibly and minimize your risk of health problems from heavy metals.  Let us not forget that there certainly are health benefits to eating dark chocolate too. As parents, it is our responsibility to stay informed and make sure that our families are eating the healthiest foods possible.  With this blog, we hope to have provided you with the information you need to enjoy your chocolate.