Determining Food Sensitivities aka Why am I so gassy?

I love experimenting. Not in the "which hair color looks best" way or in the "follow these steps" in science class way. I mean really collecting data, manipulating variables, and testing hypotheses. (Quick side note: what is that was what high school science classes were really about? In hind sight those classes were almost closer to history than the scientific method) I am sad to say that this post has been ear-marked in my blog queue for quite a while. Today I found it while scanning some documents (please don't ask me how I found it while doing that) and even though my little lady bug is awake, I really want to write about this (which is the case of almost everything on this blog, hence why I started a second blog instead of shoving all of these into my design blog). 

I still do not know if my digestion is more sensitive after having my daughter, or if I am just so tired that I'm less willing to subconsciously block out the symptoms.  I do know that I have more data points to use as a result of breastfeeding. So many times when chatting with other mamas I have heard things like "I never would have guessed, but I tried it and it worked" and now I have several instances of that myself. The first was detergent related (who would have thought the sensititivty rash would only show up on the babe's face?!) and then I heard it with milk specifically. I never would have thought cutting it from my diet would eliminate virtually all the spit ups. I assumed spitting up was part of baby's job. So that got me thinking, what else could I be eating that I'm not really digesting well. And if I'm not digesting something well, wouldn't that mean that my body isn't getting all the available nutrients from said food item.

So with that thought in mind and the full support of my husband (he accepted the challenge of giving up eggs at breakfast time) I went on an elimination diet. Well first I went in search of a good resource to support me. I had the general idea of what an elimination diet was, and I knew that I needed A) recipes and ideas to fill me up, B) a really clear game plan to follow not just general guidelines, and C) support for what I do after the elimination diet and challenges are complete. There are plenty of resources I found online and really didn't know how to distinguish between them all. So I found one that supported a non-profit organization my cousin is involved with (at least that's a bit rational) plus I was able to download the PDF (there is something about having to wait any amount of time to begin that really didn't work for me).

I am now in the challenge stage of the elimination diet, where I am adding in foods for a day to gauge my reaction (I will admit that I'm not testing milk, because the though of drinking 3 cups of milk in a day grosses me out). I am also able to gauge Evelyn's reactions. During the elimination period, she ONLY spit up extra breastmilk. I was amazed. I also felt great (assuming I had a plan and food ready to eat, sometimes that didn't happen). There were a few notable exceptions that made it difficult, but I think that we have found some excellent new recipes that give us greater freedom in what we eat. I honestly would not mind always eating on the elimination diet.

What I enjoy the most is being in control.  I was able to set up my own experiment to test my own food sensitivities, in my own home, without any additional equipment. Just a new kind of grocery list and some new go to recipes. I didn't need to schedule a doctor appointment, deal with expensive lab tests, or defer to any expert's opinions. It was just me taking control of what I put in my body and then testing a few foods to see what happens. I feel like I have a much better sense of how my body (and my daughter's body) works now. I know that modern medicine has its place, but gosh is it empowering to be able to make these discoveries on my own!

The book I used as a resource can be found at EliminationDietRD.com

What is a carrier oil

If you are new to essential oils, you may have heard the term “carrier oil” and wondered what this is.  Here's a quick reference for you. 

What is a carrier oil?  A carrier oil is just that.  It is an oil that “carries” other oils.  It is used to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.

Why use a carrier oil?  Carrier oils are used for several reasons.  You might use a carrier oil in order to help you cover a large part of the body.  For instance, if you are massaging the  back,  you could add a few drops of  essential oil to the carrier oil in order to apply to the entire area.  Carrier oils are also used as a safety precaution.  Essential oils are very powerful.  When using EOs on someone with skin sensitivity or an infant or child, it is very important to dilute.

What are good carrier oils?  Nearly any vegetable oil can be used as a carrier oil though some are more preferable.

• Fractionated coconut oil is very light.  If you aren’t familiar with fractionated coconut oil, it is coconut oil with some of the fatty acids removed.   Unlike raw, cold-pressed coconut oil, it stays liquid.
• Sweet almond oil is another preference of mine.  It has a pleasant scent and is also very light.  It is frequently used by massage therapists.
• Raw, cold-pressed coconut oil is a good carrier oil if you are making a salve or want the added health benefits of coconut oil (great for skin conditions).  The downside is that it has a melting point of 76 degrees.  Below 76 degrees, it will remain solid.
• Olive oil, jojoba oil, unscented body lotion, etc.  These will also work.  Olive oil is heavy and not my preference.  I have been using jojoba oil in roller bottles because that's what I have on hand.  doTERRA makes a fabulous unscented body lotion; there are very few lotions that I think do an amazing job and this is one of them. 

How much carrier oil do I need to use?  That depends on your purpose.  I’ve read considerable research that indicates that an essential oil maintains its therapeutic benefits even when diluted down to 5% or 10%.   This webpage is what I frequently reference when using oils with my family, they have a nice collection of good visuals. 

What happens if I burn myself or get an EO in my eye?  Use your carrier oil.  If you apply an oil and it starts to tingle, just add on a bit of carrier oil.  You will find that it immediately takes away the tingle.   If an oil gets in the eye, you can also use your carrier oil around the eye area. You should always avoid getting essential oils in your eyes, so if you are applying them to your temples to soothe a headache be careful! Diluting or trying to wash off an oil with water will not work.   Water will only drive it in further as oil and water do not mix.  I think we learned this in third grade, didn’t we?

So, there you have it.  Everything you wanted to know about carrier oils but were afraid to ask.  Do you use a carrier oil?  If so, what is your favorite?

Peppermint Essential Oil Uses

I have always loved a good strong cup of peppermint tea. Its refreshing, energizing, and a surefire way to cure a crummy tummy. Because essential oils are even more concentrated than the teas we make from the leaves of plants, peppermint essential oil packs a punch! I still turn to a cup of tea to settle a mildly unsettled stomach (especially since I'm breastfeeding and peppermint essential oil's concentration could reduce milk supply). There are certainly times that I have used peppermint essential oil to knock out a headache (I prefer to try using an oil to knock out a headache before I pop a pain relieving pill of some sort). Here's an extensive list of ways peppermint essential oil can be used, which strikes your fancy?

Calm a Tempest.  Just one drop of peppermint oil rubbed on the stomach or taken internally can calm indigestion, an upset stomach or other internal digestive commotion. A must-have when traveling!

Restore Vitality in the Mouth. When your breath is sharp and your mouth feels furry, peppermint oil with water (and lemon oil) creates a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse that leaves a lasting crisp, clean feeling. 

It’s About Air Flow. When sinuses seem to be clogged, and throats swollen and scratchy, diffuse peppermint oil (or apply topically on the chest) for almost immediate relief and revitalizing air flow. Peppermint acts as an expectorant and may provide relief for colds, cough, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis. 

Cool the Joints. When the ravages of time wreak havoc on your joints, leaving that hot and achy feeling, peppermint oil mixed with lavender oil cools like an ice bath, but you to stay warm and dry.  

Feel Full, Faster. Satiety. It’s about feeling full, and not overeating. The aroma of peppermint oil has the ability to make you feel full, faster…especially if you breathe it in during a meal! 

Cool Your Tootsies. If you’ve been on your feel all day or religiously wear hard soled shoes, just add peppermint oil to a cold water compress to cool your overworked, over heated tootsies. 

Perk Up. The invigorating aroma of peppermint is a wonderful, non-stimulating way to perk up on long drives, in school, during late night homework or any other time you need to “burn the midnight oil.” 

Energize Your Lather. Some shampoo and conditioner combos can make you want to go back to sleep. No energy. No pep. No fun. Not good. Add peppermint to your potions to stimulate the scalp, energize and wake up! The oil is an antiseptic in nature, and can also help remove dandruff and lice. 

Allergies Beware. Peppermint oil has the ability to relax smooth muscles in the body — the same muscles that line our airways and become affected in allergy season. Peppermint oil (with lemon) should certainly be another arrow in your allergy treatment quiver! 

Chase Away Tension Headaches. Got a mind numbing headache? A few drops of peppermint dabbed on your temples, neck and sinuses can quickly spring into action and chase that headache away! 

Help Kids Get on the Ball.  The next time Junior is a little unresponsive to all that is going on with school and homework, try spritzing a little peppermint on his shirt before study time, placing drop on the tongue or under the nose for improved concentration and alertness. 

Seep, Soak & Revitalize. After a long day, apply peppermint, let it seep in and then soak in a warm bath or shower. The refreshing peppermint vapor will make you feel cool, relaxed and energized again. 

Add a Refreshing Kick to Your Tea.  Just one drop of peppermint oil can add life to any herbal tea (without having to add lots of sugar) while also aiding in normal digestion or to relieve heartburn. 

A “Should I Work Out Today?” Antidote. You ask yourself this question. It’s OK. Using peppermint oil prior to exercise immediately awakens your senses and gets you in your right mind so you can crank.  

A Snack Vendor’s Nightmare. When you get that mid-morning craving, diffuse peppermint oil to reign in the urge to snack on junk food, or anything else that might appear before you. 

Add Zip to All Things Chocolate. Enhance your chocolate in a gazillion ways: gourmet hot chocolate, mint brownie frosting, peppermint bark, peppermint patties, peppermint brownies, peppermint chocolate Bundt cake, red velvet cupcakes with white chocolate peppermint cream cheese, yum! 

Brisk, Delightful Confections.  Peppermint chiffon cake, homemade candy canes, butter mints, peppermint ice cream, peppermint glaze over pastries and cookies, homemade peppermint patties. 

Unforgettable Beverages. Peppermint water on ice, peppermint mocha, peppermint tea, peppermint hot chocolate, that’s right … it’s all delish. 

Wake Up Your Mind.  Peppermint oil activates the limbic function in your brain.  The limbic function helps control things like emotions and long-term memory and is related to olfactory structures in your nose. 

An Itch Fix. If you have the after effects of a sunburn where skin is a little warm and itchy, apply a drop of peppermint oil (mixed with lavender) to cool, soothe and stop itching. 

Theme Park Relief.  If you’ve got that “I my gosh, I can’t believe I just went on a spinning ride” feeling, four or five drops of peppermint rubbed on the stomach can calm smooth stomach muscles and help dispel discomfort. 

Travel to the Arctic, Without Traveling. When you add a few drops of peppermint to your ice water, it not only improves the taste, but also leaves you with a feeling of cool, refreshing arctic wind in your airways! 

Burrow No More. If you find a tick has decided to make your skin its home, just give that tick a nice bath of peppermint oil with a cotton swab. The tick will stop burrowing, remove its head and then he’s yours. 

Don’t Make It Easy on the Critters. Many household bugs do not like peppermint oil — ants, aphids, beetles, plant lice, mice and cockroaches try to steer clear of peppermint. Just add to water in a spray bottle and spray where you think pests grace you with their presence! 

Clean Naturally. Peppermint oil is a wonderful natural cleaning agent because it has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Spray on countertops and bathroom surfaces, scrub, and enjoy cleaner clean. 

Sleep Like a Baby. If you find you are having a hard time sleeping, peppermint oil helps activate cold-sensitive receptors in the skin and mucosal tissues.  When used this way, it may help with insomnia. 

Quell Apathy. When you’re with someone who feels gloomy or like they “just don’t care”, ask them to try peppermint oil (aromatically, topically, or internally) to stimulate their mental sharpness and focus. 

It’s About a State of Mind. Someone’s mental outlook can be a game changer.  If they are shocked, stressed out or nervous, peppermint oil may help restore feelings of normalcy and balance. 

Tame a Toothache. Peppermint oil can act as a concentrated natural pain killer and muscle relaxant, especially with painful gums, teething or recent dental work. 

Alleviate Internal Strife. When used topically or internally, peppermint is a favorite for fresh relief from cramping, indigestion to diarrhea. Skip the antacids and go with peppermint oil! 

For That “Marathon in Clogs” Feeling. When you feel like you’ve just run a marathon in clogs, and your feet are a hot mess of ouch, massage peppermint oil onto aching feet, joints, and strained muscles. 

Leap from Lethargic.  Feeling lethargic or in a brain fog? Peppermint has been known to improve blood circulation and awareness, leaving you with an energized, awake feeling. 

Go Eight-Leg Free. When you diffuse peppermint into the room, you’ll notice fewer spiders.  Why? They don’t like it.  It’s safe, contains no harsh chemicals or pesticides. It doesn’t kill the spiders, but forces them out. 

Lemon Essential Oils Uses

I am and always have been a citrus girl. Oranges, limes, lemons just speak to me in the way they smell, taste and look. So its no surprise that the second bottle of essential oils I ran out of was lemon. I wasn't even using it to clean around the house. I ran out of it mainly because I was adding it to my water. Here is an extensive list, which of these would you use lemon essential oil for?

1. A Cure for Laundry Neglect. Lemon essential oil takes out ALL odor when you forget and leave your load of laundry in the washer way too long! 

2. Tame Oozy, Sappy Trees. Whether the sap is on your carpet, clothes or seeped into your skin, lemon oil is excellent for removing pine gum and tree sap. 

3. Stop Grease in its Tracks. You just fixed your bike. Your hands are black and greasy. Soap alone won’t remove the grease, but lemon oil mixed with your soap will.  Lemon oil is a great de-greaser! 

4. Disinfect the Disgusting. You can add lemon oil to a spray bottle of water and attack what may be living in your range hood, on your tables, countertops and other surfaces. For some extra chemical-free firepower, a little vinegar is a traditional favorite. 

5. Lose the Gas Mask. When you clean the gunky build up in your shower, do you practically have to wear a gas mask to survive the fumes? Go gas mask free and clean with lemon oil. Just a small amount of lemon oil will go a long way in removing hard water build up. 

6. Nourish Your Leathers. Whether you ride a Harley in style or cherish the patina of your leather sofa at home, your leathers are not maintenance free. Use a lemon oil soaked cloth to preserve them, and prevent leather from splitting. 

7. High Ho Silver. A lemon oil treated cloth is a great remedy for the early stages of tarnish on silver or other metals. You may not eat on silver every day, but bracelets, earrings, necklaces often need some love. 

8. Deactivate the Sticky. Lemon oil can help you avert a hair cutting crisis the next time you deal with gum in hair. Got kids with obsessive addictions to stickers or temporary tattoos? Works for those too. Not for wide receivers. 

9. Love Your Luster. Bring your furniture back to life with lemon oil! Just add a few drops of lemon oil to olive oil for a non-toxic furniture polish. Lemon oil leaves a beautiful shine, prevents fine wood finishes from drying out, and replaces lost moisture in antique woods as it penetrates worn finishes. 

10. De-Smudge Your Stainless. You don’t need to hunt down that “single use” stainless steel cleaner anymore. Multi-use lemon oil is great for cleaning stainless steel appliances. You’ll love the way stainless looks and smells! 

11. Clean Granite or Porous Stone. What is living in the pores of your natural stone counters or floors? Lemon oil cleans deeply, seeps into stone and leaves you with a “real fresh lemons” aroma, rather than that fake lemon chemical smell. 

12. Energize your Brush.  If your toothbrush seems a bit tired, add a drop of lemon and peppermint oils to chase away that run-down feeling. 

13. Quarantine Pungencies. Moldy kid’s sneakers, a baby’s blowout, potty training … it all adds up to an less than desirable aroma. Diffuse or spray lemon oil and neutralize odors at their source! 

14. Take the Spine Out of Scuffs. Got a scuff mark that just won’t go away? Lemon oil lifts scuff marks in remarkable ways! 

15. Curtail the Dank, Musty or Mildewed. Things get stored away. Things get old. Things don’t see the light of day. Chase away that “old smell” and inject new energy with a good lemon oil wipe down. 

16.Stop Cutting Board Bacteria Palooza. Cutting boards can harbor bacteria in your kitchen.  Nobody wants to taste the chemicals you have in your cleaning closet, yet most people love the taste of lemon! 

17. Control an Aphid Invasion, Naturally.  Aphids — those pesky little bugs that dine on your roses and other plants.  Lemon oil (or peppermint) with water in a garden spray bottle are a natural pesticide that kills aphids and their larvae on contact, but leave your plants looking lovely. 

18. Spot-Free Dishes. Add a few drops of lemon oil to your dishwasher soap container with each load.  Your dishes will come out looking like new… spot-free! 

19. Refresh Bad Smelling Washcloths. When your kitchen washcloths smell foul and could use a boost, add lemon oil to your detergent, soak overnight, wash, dry and your kitchen will smell so much better! Cooking & Food 

20. Energy Boost. For a quick, refreshing energy boost, combine a couple drops each of lemon essential oil and peppermint essential oil in a glass of water and drink up. Add a lemony taste to your bottled water. 

21. Zest Up Your Sugary Indulgences. There are an infinite number of ways lemon oil can add a bit of freshness to your sugary savors: Lemon frosting • Lemon meringue • Sour cream lemon pie • Lemon cakes • Lemon tart glaze • Lemon squares  • Lemon cookies  • Breathtaking, awe-inspiring lemonade 

23. Pep Up Your Entrees. With lemon oil, there are countless ways to make the bland zippy, or the blah peppy:  Roasted salmon & asparagus with lemon oil, Linguine & shrimp with lemon oil, Lemon oil drizzled over vegetables (especially broccoli),  Lemon garlic shrimp  … or to add a fresh kick to an already great salad. 

24. Preserve What You’ve Got. Use lemon oil in a spray to keep your cut fruit fresh until serving. 

25. Ease Respiratory Gunkity Goop. When used with a humidifier, it’s a great way to slow wheezing, colds, cough, and other upper respiratory problems. 

26. De-scratch Your Scratchy Throat. Adding a couple drops of lemon essential oil to warm water & honey can change that yucky sore throat feeling, slow a nasty cough, and douse a fever. Lemon oil fights bacteria, as well as viruses. 

27. Honeylicious Hair Highlights …Chemical Free. Skip the expensive salon highlight treatment, and use lemon oil to create your own hair highlights.  Just go in the sun after using with your hair product, and it will lighten your hair.  Be careful, it works well! 

28.  Fight the Fungus Among Us. Tired of seeing that unsightly nail fungus?  Lemon oil is great for nails, and can help fight against nail fungus. 

29.  Halt the Nervous Nellie, In You. When combined with lavender oil and diffused into a room, you’ll find you feel less anxious, a better  mood, more even keel, and well … linear. 

30. Clear Thinking & Clear Focus, Made Visible. A clear mind, a clean slate, a fresh outlook.  It’s all good.  Real good. Diffuse lemon oil and you got it. 

31. Take the Heat Out of Cold Sores. When you have a gnarly cold sore that’s just begging for attention, douse it with a few drops of lemon oil and you’ll have a new best friend. 

32. Nice Mood … No Really.  Chase away the moody blues (not the band), with a bit of blah-reducing lemon oil. Whether you choose to diffuse it or apply topically, it’s hard to not improve your outlook with lemon oil around! 

33.  Was That a Crusty? Next time you notice hard, crusty skin on your feet, (e.g. corns, calluses or bunions) regularly add a few drops of lemon oil and you’ll soon have softened skin! 

34.  A Brighter Complexion. Lemon oil can help remove dead skin cells and exfoliate.  For a homemade exfoliant, add 4-5 drops to a small amount of oatmeal and water for a homemade scrub.  Feels great!