Tag: summer camp

Summer Camp Week 10: 4 Things You Need to Do to Eat Well On A Budget
The 4 Things You Need to Do to Eat Well On A Budget

By Jenna Kohler, Certified Health Coach & Basil Bandwagon Team Member

So, you want to eat “healthy”, but “healthy” food costs too much…

You had good intentions to stock your refrigerator with delicious, organic, local fruits and veggies, but instead ended up with a cabinet full of peanut butter, jelly, and boxed macaroni and cheese…

Or, you did go out and fill up your shopping cart with lots of great healthy food, but you spent your whole paycheck…

Sound familiar? We get it. And we’re here to help. We know how hard it can be to find the time and resources to make healthy living possible. Because – let’s face it – no one can afford to get sick and everyone has the right to feel good in their own skin.

So far this summer, we’ve: improved our gut health, protected our skin, relieved stress naturally, healed insect bites, improved our fitness, learned about quality supplements, upgraded our “good fat” intake, redefined our use of food as medicine, and boosted our immunity. But Summer Camp wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t cover one of the most important exercises of all: learning to tone your budget!

So, take it from us – follow these four simple tips to balance a healthy body and a healthy wallet:

PLAN AHEAD:

Make routine trips to your grocery store – with a list in hand. If time is limited, spread your trips farther apart with quick stops for just perishables scattered in between. Create a reusable list based on a core set of staple items for your household, according to your dietary needs and preferences. Assess what you have in stock before finalizing your list and heading to the store – re-buying items you already have in stock could result in food spoilage, which is an unnecessary cost to bear.

If you can, spend some time researching sales at your store before your routine trips. When you know ahead of time about good deals, you can make quicker, more informed choices.

Finally, be sure to account for food prep/cook time in your schedule. Buying a bunch of bulk raw ingredients for a great price is awesome, but not if they’re going to spoil sitting at home unprepared while you venture out to grab take-out in a hurry!

PREPARE YOUR OWN FOOD MORE OFTEN:

While eating out might be convenient, it certainly isn’t the best choice for your wallet. So, be conscious about how often you do go out to eat. Consider putting a limit on the amount you spend in a given month, or the number of times you eat out in a week. When you do go out, make smart choices. Often you can find great quick-service local eateries offering quality, local food without large price tags. (Like our Farm to Market Café!)

Preparing your own food can offer enormous cost savings. Common misconception is that it’s a time-consuming process. The truth is, yes – it can be. But, it doesn’t have to be. Pick two days a week to cook and prepare meals and snacks. An hour or two of your time on a Sunday and Wednesday, for instance, can save you hours more throughout the week by repeating the same process.

BYOW: Invest in a fun, QUALITY water bottle like our Hydroflask products. These bottles come in fun colors and keep your drink at the perfect temperature so you can stay refreshed all day long. Bring the bottle with you every time you leave the house. When you get thirsty, not only will it keep you hydrated, but it’ll save you from reaching for a $1 for the vending machine.

SHOP SMART:

Buying foods in bulk can be a great place to start. Nuts, seeds, grains, dried fruit, baking ingredients, nut butters, spices, herbs, coffee beans and teas are all offered in bulk. Bulk foods – or “scoop your own” foods – can be offered at lower prices because they do not use expensive packaging and branding. They are a great way to shop for a variety of reasons:
1. If you have a recipe that calls for a small amount of cinnamon, bulk is a great solution – because you can purchase only what you need.
2. If you have a large family that goes through many peanut butter sandwiches weekly, bulk is a great solution.
3. If you have food allergies and like to make your own trail mix with raw ingredients of certain proportions, bulk is a great solution.
Bring your own shopping bags! Basil Bandwagon refunds customers 10 cents for each bag used during a purchase. Do the math – if your family of four uses 10 bags each week, that’s a $1 savings/week, which equates to over $50/year. FREE MONEY, folks! Need we say more?

Subscribe to our Basil Bandwagon email list here! We frequently email awesome coupons. Also, look for sales in store and online. You can find our sales flyer at the entrance of our stores as well as on our website.

If you know you will use it, opting for the larger choice of the same product is almost always more economical. And as a bonus, if there is a product you use frequently or in large quantities, let us know you’d like to special order a case, and you’ll receive 10% off!

PREVENT SPOILAGE:

Air-tight glass containers and jars can help preserve your food purchases at home. For produce items, consider purchasing specialized produce bags to store fruits and veggies in within your refrigerator. They are specially designed to extend the life of your fresh produce so that it doesn’t spoil before you get to it.

Lastly, if you are a frequent traveler or infrequently home, opt for frozen fruits and vegetables rather than fresh. They are a better investment for you and will remain available for preparing any time!

For more money-saving tips and tricks, come visit our stores to speak with one of our friendly team members.
August 23, 2016
Summer Camp Week 9: Boost Your Immunity!
This week at Summer Camp, we have an exciting guest post from one of our favorite local Chiropractors, Dr. Michele Gardner! Check out what Dr. Gardner has to share about optimizing immune health below.

Summer is almost over which means school will be starting soon! There’s a funny thing that happens when children get together in large groups and have the added social stress of starting a new year. It seems to do with both stress-coping strategies and gut health. We now understand that stress affects our nervous system, which in turn alters immune function- especially when it is chronic. (Segerstrom, 2004) We also know that a large percentage of our immune function resides in our gut. (Vighi, 2008) Each family essentially has its own ecosystem that gets challenged when encountering another that our immune system is unfamiliar with. (University of Utah, 2014) Fortunately, there are daily choices you can make to support general immune health, actions you can take for prevention during exposure to an illness or during a high stress time-period, and treatments you can use to ease your symptoms and possibly shorten their duration.

For starters, I have never seen more stressed-out kids than those in school today. The level of academic and social demand placed on our children requires we teach them stress-coping strategies. Do you know what works for your child and your family? As parents, the pressure is just as great- in different ways. And if you’re a “big kid” – this applies to you too.

Here’s my list of Top 10 Daily Choices to Support General Immune Health:
1. Get adjusted by your family chiropractor. Adjustments not only boost immune function for hours afterward (Brennan, 1991), they increase relaxation and digestive health through the nervous system! (Yates, 1988) (Takeda)
2. Consume high-quality, nutrient-dense food for a healthy gut. We have many knowledgeable people here in Flemington who can help you learn to make the best choices for you and your family. Just ask! We’ll help you get started by finding the right person for you. It can be simple too – no need to get overwhelmed. It can be all about adding in good stuff that crowds out what you don’t want. And, it can taste great so you don’t have to feel deprived. If you regularly eat at Basil Bandwagon’s Farm to Market Café, then you know I’m right!
3. Find appropriate exercise. Did you know exercise immunology is a thing? Regular moderate exercise is shown to decrease risk of illness while over-training can have the opposite effect. (Gleeson, 2007)
4. Get quality rest. Our bodies restore and regenerate while we sleep. The amount of sleep we require changes with age too. For most adults, seven to eight hours will suffice; teens and infants require more like ten to twelve! (Olson, 2015)
5. Take quality, whole-foods supplements including vitamins and trace minerals tailored to your needs. Whether you need to establish/restore your gut health or counter the depleting effects of stress, supplementation can be instrumental in your health. The key is to first find out what your specific needs are, and that can often begin with bloods tests. There are certain supplements that are safe to use even if you don’t have a deficiency (essentially you’ll just eliminate the excess). But, there are others you want to take ONLY if you are deficient – especially fat-soluble vitamins (that means they get stored in your body). (Medicine Net, 1999) There are medical doctors with post-doctorate training in Functional Medicine or Integrative Medicine who have a more comprehensive understanding and testing capabilities. Again, we have many here in our community and neighboring counties.
6. Learn to reduce stress. We’ve already established that our community has a high level of stress, and chronic stress affects our immune function. Help yourself and your family by cultivating stress-coping strategies. We aren’t going to eliminate the stress in our lives so we’d better adapt! And, for the love of Pete, don’t add this to your already overloaded to-do list and become the health “Nazi” in your family! These are strategies that develop over time, organically, and from self-love! Surround yourself with practitioners from traditions that make sense to you, who can guide you along this journey. Ask and we’ll help you find your:
  - Family Chiropractor
  - Community Acupuncturist
  - Aromatherapist
  - Massage Therapist
  - Yoga Instructor
  - Family Gestalt Therapist
  - Tai Chi or Qigong Instructor
  - Ayurvedic Practitioner
  - Minister
  - Energy Medicine Practitioner
  - Herbalist
  - Homeopath
  - Personal Trainer
  - Meditation Guru
  - Art Therapist
  - Hypnotherapist
7. Make sure the humidity in your home stays close to 50%. In cold air our mucous membranes (lining of your respiratory tract) get dried out, which can lower our body’s defense to illness. Their job is to trap those pesky bacteria or viruses we don’t want so we can sneeze or cough them out. (Mercola, 2014)
8. Play outdoors. Good ol’sunshine and fresh air! If you’ve had a recent physical, then your medical doctor has probably checked your vitamin D level. Direct sun exposure for 15 minutes without sunblock is still the best way to allow your body to absorb vitamin D. (Vitamin D Council)
9. Hydrate on a cellular level. Those are fancy words for drinking water. Not just any old water, though. pH balance and mineral balance have an effect on cell uptake of water and hydration appears to be linked with immune function that starts in our saliva. (Adams) If you’ve got good well water- fantastic! If not, research options for quality filtration and consider electrolyte supplementation when appropriate. I like to avoid bottled water when possible, but there are bottled waters that provide trace minerals and a healthy pH.
10. Laugh! Why does Snoop Dogg use an umbrella? For Drizzle! But, seriously, laughter is the best medicine. Laughter will reduce the stress response in your body, boost your immune system, relieve pain, and improve your mood. (Mayo Clinic, 2016) I hear we have some new comedy acts coming up here in Flemington…
What actions can you take for prevention during exposure to an illness or during a time-period of high stress?

Take all the above and add a few immune boosting tweaks:
Last but not least, what to do to reduce your symptoms and shorten their duration:
There you have it, my friends! With a clear nervous system, quality nutrition, rest, recreation, exercise and hydration, you can achieve greater heights in your health. If you do start expressing symptoms, support your body to do what it knows how to do via your immune system and you’ll be well in no time. Snuggle on the couch and watch your favorite comedy shows while someone pampers you. And, if you don’t have someone to pamper you, call me – I’ll grab a healthy soup from Basil Bandwagon and bring you a care package fit for an Olympic Champion!

Dr. Michele Gardner is a Holistic Chiropractor whose focus is on wellness and preventative care for families and individuals facing physical, mental and emotional issues. She specializes in prenatal care and pediatrics. Her passion is to educate and inspire everyone to achieve the best possible health without drugs or surgery. Gardner Family Chiropractic is located in the Old Egg Auction complex at 84 Park Avenue, Suite G105 in Flemington,www.drmichelegardner.com, 908-782-7470, gfctasks@gmail.com.

References:

Adams, W. e. (n.d.). Immune Function: Basic Considerations of Exercise and Hydration. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Korey Stringer Institute: University of Connecticut: http://ksi.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1222/2015/04/Immune-Function-and-Hydration.pdf

Brennan, e. a. (1991). Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory bursts induced by spinal manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics , 399-400.

Gleeson, M. (2007). Immune function in sport and exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology , 693-699.

Mayo Clinic. (2016, April 21). Healthy Lifestyle: Stress Management. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456?pg=1

Medicine Net. (1999, October 14). water soluble vitamins vs fat soluble vitamins article. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10736

Mercola. (2014, January 13). Effects of Low Humidity on Health. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Mercola.com: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/01/13/low-humidity-health-effects.aspx

Olson, E. (2015, June 9). Expert Answers on Insomnia. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757

Palevsky, L. (2006, December 1). A Holistic Perspective on the Digestive System of Infants and Children. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from ICPA: http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/a-holistic-perspective-on-the-digestive-system-of-infants-and-children.html

Pattnaik, S. e. (1996). Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios , 237-46.

Segerstrom, S. C. (2004). Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry. Psychological Bulletin , abstract conclusion.

Takeda, Y. e. Long Term Remission and Alleviation of Symptoms in Allergy and Crohn’s Disease Patients Following Spinal Adjustment for Reduction of Vertebral Subluxations. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research , 4 (4), 1.

University of Utah. (2014, August 15). Your Changing Microbiome. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from Learn.Genetics. Genetic Science Learning Center.: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/microbiome/changing/

Vighi, G. e. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical and Experimental Immunology , abstract.

Vitamin D Council. (n.d.). How do I get the vitamin D my body needs? Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Vitamin D Council: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-needs/

Yates, e. a. (1988). Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics , 484-488.
August 15, 2016
Summer Camp Week 5: Rev Up Your Fitness With Small Wins

Fitness means different things to different people.

If you’re an athlete, perhaps fitness evokes feelings of motivation and is about pushing yourself to reach an improved marathon time, lift an extra 20 lbs. in weights, or score those extra goals for your team’s win.

If you’re seeking extensive weight loss, perhaps fitness comes with feelings of overwhelm – getting yourself to the gym, excessive sweating, or stiff and uncomfortable movements.

If you’re in life’s later years, fitness may seem like something long gone, unattainable, out of reach.

If you’re a child, fitness might make you think of riding your cool new bike, something you prefer NOT to do over playing video games, or something you only do in gym class at school.

But at Basil Bandwagon Summer Camp this year, fitness is about the same thing for everyone: creating and celebrating small wins to help us achieve and maintain better health and quality of life.

The fitness plan that’s right for you is the one where you’re improving YOUR health, YOUR wellbeing, YOUR mind, and YOUR self-esteem – not what your neighbor, son, coworker, mother, teammate, or classmate is doing. And taking time to recognize your own personal achievements is an important part of the process of achieving optimal health and respecting your effort and hard work!

Small Wins in Cardiovascular Activity

Think about what your current level of cardiovascular activity is (any exercise that raises your heart rate). Now think about turning the dial up one notch above this level. Just one notch.

Some examples…

You currently live a sedentary life and work a desk job. Turn it up one notch, and now you spend 10 minutes of your 30-minute lunch break five days a week taking a walk outside.

You currently go to the gym three days a week for a 45-minute spin class. Turn it up a notch, and now you’ve dusted off your road bike at home to practice another 20 minutes of cycling each weekend.

Tidy Up the Diet in Small Ways

You tend to enjoy three cups of coffee each day. Tidy it up in a small way by replacing the last cup with a glass of lemon water or herbal tea.

Friday night is always pizza night in your household. Tidy it up in a small way by making your own pie, full of less cheese and lots of veggies; or replace two of your 3 standard slices with a big garden salad or grilled veggies.

Move a Bit More

You like to find the closest parking spot when you go grocery shopping. Move a bit more by finding the furthest parking spot!

Your evening routine involves an hour of television with a snack on the couch. Move a bit more by trading the couch and popcorn for some yoga and stretching on the floor – you don’t even have to give up the television!

Try Something New

Exercise has always consisted of karate, jogging and weight lifting. Try something new by attending your friend’s weekly yoga class.

A knee injury has kept you from exercising for over a year, even though your doctor has given you clearance to get moving. Try something new by signing up for the water aerobics class you’ve been considering for the past several years.

* * *

Every week, take note of what you did to turn up your activity, tidy up your diet, move a bit more, and try something new. Be proud of your accomplishments. If you’re participating in this activity with others, tell them you’re proud of them as well – the positive remarks are incredibly motivating and will keep you on your way to outstanding health.

And, remember… at Basil Bandwagon, we carry a wealth of supplements, foods, beverages and body care products to support you in your fitness activities: protein powders, hydration supplements, natural deodorants, pre-workout formulas, omega-3 liquid/softgels, and tons of protein bars. Feel free to ask one of our friendly team members for support in choosing products that are right for you!

Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease.

July 11, 2016
Summer Camp Week 4: Bites and Rashes

A true summer camp would not be complete without some chatter about those flying pesky creatures that sting and bite. Bugs are a welcomed part of our ecosystem, but we like them better when they keep a fair distance from our bodies.
Bites, stings and poison ivy rashes can be both painful and irritating. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent and treat these nasty nuisances naturally that are more problematic during summer months.

Prevention

Most traditional bug deterrent products use N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, or “DEET” as an active ingredient. Unfortunately, DEET is also an eye irritant and an allergen to sensitive skin. It has been linked to possible neurological problems in humans and toxic effects on birds and aquatic life, according to the National Institutes of Health.
At Basil Bandwagon, we carry many essential oil-based bug sprays that are equally as effective in deterring bugs, without any of these potentially dangerous side effects. And if you’re feeling particularly creative, you can even make your own using essential oils from the assortment we sell. Geranium, cedarwood, citronella and peppermint are just a few options that are both effective and pleasant to the nose!
Come visit us to speak to one of our team members about the bug sprays we carry or how to make your own!

Click here to watch a DIY video tutorial by natural blogger, Honeysuckle.

Treatment

You may not know that your pantry likely has some solutions to soothe your irritated skin. In addition, there are many simple, cost-effective items to add to your first aid kit for times of need. Here’s a list of our top 10 favorite natural treatments to soothe bug bites, bee stings and rashes: (click to download PDF)

Top 10 Bite and Rash Remedies

If your aren’t signed up for our Online Summer Camp, you are missing out on extras that go along with these weekly posts! Sign up here.

July 5, 2016
Summer Camp Week 2: Stand Up to Summer Sun
Today, June 20, marks the first official day of summer, but the sun and heat have already graced us with their presence here in New Jersey. With the temperature turned up and the Earth tilted closer to the sun, we are more susceptible to dehydration and sun damage. Given this, it’s important to recognize your risk and how you can protect yourself and your health. So… let’s talk summer sun wellness!

Understanding UV Radiation

To understand the potential damaging effects sun exposure can have on our bodies, we must first understand the science behind it.

What is UV radiation? Part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum emitted from the sun

If UV radiation is “light”, then why can’t I see it? The wavelengths are actually shorter than visible light, making it invisible to our eyes

What are the types of UV radiation? UVA (longest), UVB, and UVC (shortest – mostly absorbed by our ozone layer, without actually reaching the Earth)

How does UV radiation cause damage? Excessive exposure alters our bodies’ lipids, proteins and cellular DNA, producing unhealthy genetic mutations. UVA & UVB radiations can generate reactive chemical species called “free radicals” in our bodies’ cells.

What damage can UV radiation cause? Skin cancers (i.e. basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma), eye damage (including cataracts), premature skin aging, immune system suppression

Doesn’t my body have any natural protection to sun? In short – yes, it does. Melanin – a dark brown pigment in our hair, skin and eyes – is what gives our skin its tone/color. Some people have more melanin, some have less – the darker the skin, the more melanin. Our bodies produce this to help protect deeper layers of our skin from sun damage, but don’t make us immune to damage.

Understanding Sun Protection

Seek Out Shade Spending time outside is great, but taking refuge in the shade can be your first line of defense.

Choose the Right Clothing Lightweight fabrics and pieces that cover more of your skin are a good idea when your body is going to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time. Baseball caps and floppy hats are not only fashionable, but functional for protecting your scalp and face.

Wear Sunglasses Again, not only fashionable, but critical for protecting one of your most valuable assets – your eyeballs! Polycarbonate lenses offer full UVA/UVB protection. Check the label that comes with your glasses to be sure you’re getting proper protection. If not, some optometrists offer UV coat application services.

Check the UV Index Refer to your favorite weather channel or website to check your local daily UV index. While a low index doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take measures to protect yourself, a high index might help you choose when to take extra caution and when to limit exposure.

Apply CLEAN Sunscreen How do I know what’s a clean product from what’s a potentially-harmful product? Here is a short list of general rules to follow, per the Environmental Working Group, which claims that nearly 75% of sunscreen products on the market are inferior or are made with worrisome ingredients:
1. Mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide offer stable protection and usually don’t contain harmful additives.
2. Higher SPF numbers aren’t always better. In 2011, the FDA determined products claiming SPFs higher than 50 were “inherently misleading” – perhaps no more effective than those up to SPF 50.
3. Look for “broad spectrum support”, which covers both UVB (which is the primary culprit for sunburn) and UVA rays.
4. Spray sunscreens can be convenient for application; however, you should be careful not to inhale any of the product and also to hold it close enough to the skin to insure thickness of application.
5. Avoid an additive called retinyl palmitate, a form of Vitamin A that testing has linked to tumors and lesions of the skin.
6. Avoid an additive called oxybenzone, which has been found to be a hormone disruptor and common allergen.
All this said, there is little evidence to suggest sunscreen alone reduces cancer risk, particularly for melanoma, the deadliest type of which has tripled its rate among Americans over the past 30 years. So, be sure not to use this as your only method of protection.

Summer Skin & Body Care

At Basil Bandwagon, we carry a wide array of sunscreens rated highly by the Environmental Working Group. Find them in our body care section and ask one of our friendly, knowledgeable team members for support in choosing a product that’s best for you. Sprays work great for your scalp, sticks offer superior protection for your face and traditional lotion is great for full-body coverage.

Even with sunscreen protection, the heat and rays can take a lot of moisture out of our skin. It is critical to replenish this to help your skin stay young-looking and healthy! A few of our favorite products that help do this exceptionally well:
- CocoKind’s Rosewater Facial Toner: Spray your face after exercising, sun exposure, before bed, upon rising – basically whenever you want! Several of our team members carry a bottle in their purse! The antioxidants from the roses used to make the water provide great anti-aging support. Smells gorgeous and is very refreshing!
- Episilk’s Hyalauronic Acid Serum: Hyaluronic acid is a fluid component of our connective tissue, synovial fluid and humors of the eye. In serum form, it penetrates deep into the dermis, boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin, locking in moisture. A great way to replenish what you’ve lost from sun and heat!
- John Master’s Vitamin C Serum: This product contains extracts of sea algae and rosebuds to provide intense moisture and antioxidants to help fight procollagen production. Superoxide dismutase and acerola help fight the aging effects caused by UV rays. Use between cleansing and moisturizing your face at bedtime!
- ICU Eyewear: We carry a fashionable line of eyewear for men, women, and children, including reader sunglasses. We love ICU because they are a carbon neutral company AND they use recycled, renewable and recyclable content!
Summer Sun Nutrition

Per the US National Institutes of Health, “A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues.”

The good news? “Antioxidants can assist in coping with this oxidative stress.”

Where can you get antioxidants? Well…
- Eat berries! Fresh, organic are best, but frozen are great too!
- Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water. If you like it, coconut water and maple water are full of natural electrolytes, helping to keep you hydrated. Natural electrolyte powders available at Basil Bandwagon are also a great replacement for highly or artificially-sugarized sports drinks, which also contain synthetic food dyes. Another good rule of thumb is to limit caffeinated beverages and alcohol when spending time in the heat and sun, as they make it harder for your body to maintain proper hydration.
- Consider a Vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids, which come mainly from citrus fruits and black currants. The antioxidants provided in these supplements can be powerful additions to your supplement regimen in summertime, even though they are most often associated with Winter cold season.
- Consider an Astaxanthin supplement, which comes from microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill and some crustaceans. Astaxanthin is 6,000 times more antioxidant-potent than many Vitamin Cs.
- Consider a Spirulina supplement, which is a versatile algae superfood – available in powder form – that can be added to many sweet and savory dishes and snacks for easy consumption. Like Astaxanthin, it is a very powerful source of antioxidants (as well as Vitamin B12, Vitamin K1/K2, Iron and Manganese).
References

www.ncbi.nlm/nih/gov – The National Center for Biotechnology Information

www.aad.org – American Academy of Dermatology

www.skincancer.org – The Skin Cancer Foundation

http://www.hhs.gov/ – US Department of Health and Human Services

http://www.who.int/en/ – World Health Organization

https://www.nih.gov/ – US National Institutes of Health

http://www.ewg.org/ – Environmental Working Group

http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/ – Nutrex Hawaii
June 20, 2016
Summer Camp, Week One: Get Right with Your Gut
What better topic to kick off our Summer Camp than that of our guts! Central to our body and to our health, our digestive systems sure are important. And when they’re not functioning optimally, we generally know it… pretty quickly. ☹

Whether your goals this summer are to lose weight, improve digestion, lower stress, or eat better, you’ll want take note of all the little details covered during this first week of Camp.

Most of us have experienced many – if not all – of these digestive conditions at some point in our lives:
- Acid Reflux
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Dermatitis
- Incontinence
- Gas
- Food Sensitivity & Gluten Intolerance
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Obesity
Most of us know at least one person who has lived with one or more of these digestive-related conditions:
- Appendicitis
- Diabetes
- Candidiasis
- Celiac Disease
- Colitis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diverticulitis
- Gallstones
- Gastritis
- GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- Ulcers
- Hemorrhoids
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Iron Overload Disease
- Pancreatitis
- Colon, stomach, esophageal, pancreatic or intestinal cancer
Most of us also know at least one person who has lived with one or more of these neurological, psychological or autoimmune conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Autism
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Addison’s disease
- Thyroid diseases: Grave’s Disease, Hashimoto’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Pernicious Anemia
- Psoriasis
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Lupus
Yet, most of us don’t know that ALL of these conditions are potentially directly related to our digestive system.

And since we know that what we feed ourselves and how we care for ourselves impacts the overall function of our digestive system, this information is even more reason to be good to our guts!

Digestive System 101

Let’s take a step back and examine the makings of the intricate system that enables our food to be broken down into nutrients, absorbed for functionality and excreted as waste. Simplified, when we consume food, it enters our body at the mouth, travels down through the esophagus to the stomach, enters the small intestine, then the large intestine and the rectum, and leaves through the anus. The liver, gallbladder and pancreas all play supporting roles in digestion as well.

In our mouth, our teeth and saliva physically break down our food and begin the digestion process for carbohydrates with an enzyme called salivary amylase. (Hence, the reason why we are told to chew our food thoroughly! The more we chew, the more burden we take off the rest of our digestive system.)

Our esophagus is muscular and uses strength to push our food down to our stomach.

In our stomach, acid is produced to mix with food, primarily to break down consumed proteins.

Our small intestines utilize digestive juices and mechanical force to finish breaking down carbohydrates and proteins and extracting nutrients within.

The liver contributes bile acids for digesting fats, while the pancreas contributes pancreatic juice for digesting starches, fats and proteins.

Several hormones and many nerves also influence the digestion process by regulating appetite and the secretion of digestive fluids, acids as well as the mechanical motions of digestion. All of this contributes to our energy level, growth and cell repair.

It is important to acknowledge that no one system in your body operates on a solo mission – instead, they all work together to create a state of equilibrium that we call living.

Preventative Care

Now that you know the basics of digestive operation, what can you do to better care for yourself? Here’s where Summer Camp comes in – shifting your focus to the following five ideals will help you avoid digestive complications:
- Stay active: Move your body to facilitate digestion – especially shortly after eating, rather than laying down to rest or sleep.
- Choose beneficial, nutrient-dense foods: These are easier on our digestive systems and generate more necessary nutrients for our bodies.
- Consume foods rich in healthy bacterial flora: Fermented foods including yogurt, kefir water, sauerkraut, and kombucha are high in beneficial bacteria that help maintain wellness.
- Supplement with quality products: Supplements can make up for the nutrients and flora you may lack genetically, from age, or from your everyday diet – see the table below for more information
- Practice healthy stress management: Yes, stress itself can affect what nutrients your intestines absorb as well as how fast food moves through your system. (Slower = Constipation; Faster = Diarrhea)
These simple but critical lifestyle choices can help optimize your digestive organs and their functions.

Supplement Care

Probiotics and enzymes are just two of the supplements available to aid in digestive processes. At Basil Bandwagon, we get a lot of questions about the difference between these supplements. So let’s break it down here:

Herbal Answers

These Herbal Tonics are Powerful allies in terms of strengthening the body’s ability to both break down and absorb nutrients. Well-made bitters are remarkably palatable; the naturally stimulate the production of enzymes in the mouth, stomach, liver and intestines.

Digestive Bitters:

These Herbal Tonics are Powerful allies in terms of strengthening the body’s ability to both break down and absorb nutrients. Well-made bitters are remarkably palatable; the naturally stimulate the production of enzymes in the mouth, stomach, liver and intestines.

Carminative Herbs: (spices)

Warming, gas-dispelling carminative herbs like Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Fennel, Allspice and others are effective tonics for indigestions bloating and upset stomach.

A wealth of other supplements and herbs can help support relief from digestive distress, discomfort and disease. At Basil Bandwagon, we are here to support you in finding those that best suit your individual needs – so always feel free to ask a team member for help. With this information, you can better support yourself with appropriate supplements when needed, rather than letting the discomfort get the best of you or the condition worsen.

Exclusive Deal for Summer Campers!

If you aren’t registered for camp, click here to join! While everyone gets to read our 13 Week Blog series, only Summer “Campers” get our exclusive content and coupons!
June 13, 2016
This Summer: Take Charge of Your Health

Summer is here, and I wish I felt better. I never thought I’d be someone who’d have to seek out ways to get back on track. At some point, I stopped taking care of my body, and the repercussions have been painful.

For one thing, my stomach is a mess. I have always been able to eat ANYTHING without issue. I can no longer eat chocolate, red sauce, red meat, wine, beer…the list is getting longer all the time and frankly, I’m starting to panic. The burning in my stomach is a constant companion.

Migraines were something I thought were only for “other” people. I figured these people were doing something wrong! I eat healthy, I am active- I don’t get migraines. But I do get these terrible headaches on a weekly basis. They make my eyes puff up and I get nauseous from the pain. My co-worker sat me down and told me it was time to admit that indeed, I have migraines.

I can’t take anything for my headaches because of my now-sensitive stomach. Pain-Relievers make the burning in my stomach unbearable.

To make matters worse, I’ve been gaining weight over the last two years. The thought of having to add in strenuous exercise and a diet right now just makes me want to cry. It’s just another thing I have to deal with on my already-full plate. My health feels out of control right now, and I don’t know where to start.

My doctor blames stress for all these issues, and I know he’s right. Balancing family, work, a social life makes me feel like I’m drowning sometimes. It is time to take control of all this. It is summer, after all, and its a good time to take a long deep breath. Mindfulness is something I am always striving for, anyway. (I’m sure I can schedule it in somewhere.)

Seriously, though, how do I get control of my stomach? How do I manage my stress levels? What’s the best course of action to get back in shape? How can I take charge of my health again?

This summer, Basil Bandwagon has decided to bring the answers in the form of a 10 Week Summer Program: Take Charge of Your Health. It’s all online, you don’t have to get dressed or interact with other humans. Just sign up HERE, and let us deliver the goods to you. You can join at any time during the 10 weeks- there’s no stress!

We will be gathering the best info from our brains and the minds of local practitioners and health coaches to give YOU (and me) the power to feel good again. We’ll have videos, printable shopping lists for your fridge, coupons and even more goodies. We even made a Summer Camp Facebook page! This will be a place to ask questions and interact with others on the same journey.

I’m excited to learn along with you and get results. So, sign up- and share with your friends. It’s going to be a great journey!

June 8, 2016