Natural Alternatives for Nighttime Acid Reflux

Dear Sister Knowitall,

I'm looking for recommendations please, I woke up choking due to aspirating stomach acid into my airway while I was sleeping. It was terrifying I really thought I was dying.
Signed, All Choked Up

Dear All Choked Up,

I bet you were pretty scared.  At night, we are obviously lying down which allows for the opportunity for some of the acid in our stomachs to travel back up our esophagus.  The key is to keep the acid from over producing and your stomach or being full enough to cause this reaction.  Here are some ideas how to avoid this very unpleasant and scary reaction.*
(*Remember this is not a substitute for the advise of your doctor. These are simple home remedies. If the problem persists please do not hesitate to consult your doctor. )

• Avoid tomato based or acidic foods during the evening hours.   Pizza and spaghetti sauce are
  
  the worst for nighttime acid reflux. 
• Raise the head of your bed off the floor about six inches or use a second pillow to elevate your head and heart higher than your stomach. 
• Do not eat after 6 pm.   Your body runs on a circadian rhythms or body clock, which influence body functions kind like; sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, eating habits and digestion, body temperature, 
• Avoid alcohol, because it increases the production of stomach acid and makes your esophagus more sensitive to stomach acid . 
• Whole clean foods, avoid processed food, I have a program called  "Detox 120 "  facebook.  Where you can learn how to eliminate all the bad stuff and add all the good stuff  to make your life as healthy and happy as humanly possible.  If you want to take the free assessment the next online event is August 15th. 
• 4 oz glass of water with 1/4 tsp of baking soda is a great alternative to tums or rolaids for neutralizing acid and killing heartburn in its tracks. 
• Sleep on your left side.. I know, sounds crazy right?  So, here is how and why it works. Your stomach leans to the to left side of your body so when you lay on your left side it is in a natural position the gastric juices are toward the bottom. When you roll over to your right side it causes the gastric juices to empty out of the stomach and into your esophagus making it easier for the acid to travel back up into the esophagus and possibly breathing it into your airway. 

Did I mention I started a PodCast

Introducing the "Dear Sister Knowitall Podcast" 

Fresh NEW Natural Health and Wellness Podcast Launched May 27th, 2019

A real and honest look at the inside story of natural health and wellness. Hosted by speaker, writer and personal development trainer, Cindy Pitts Gilbert. The Dear Sister Knowitall Podcast is a series of informative conversations with experts in the field of natural, holistic and alternative health and wellness, to provider listeners with solid research  to help them demystify and simplify everything in natural, health and wellness.

Listen Here

Please Be the Light in a Politically Charged World

Dear Sister Knowitall,

I am so filled with anger over the state of the United States specifically everything in politics and on the news. I just seem to take it all so personally and don't know who to change  anything.   My facebook page is so electrically charged with hate and constant debates.  I need something to change. I know my posts are full of rage I just don't know how to get off of this roller coaster of anger.
Signed Your Angry Friend,

My Dear Angry Friend,
My darling,  I am not going to discuss politics here, it will serve no purpose. I will tell you that I choose the rainbows, unicorns and fairies.  Be the light.  It is the only way.  "You cannot post" the president out of office any more than others posted him in to office.  You cannot change the laws that are being passed that you do not agree with by an angry facebook post or an angry reply to someone else's politically charged post. Start from a place of Love. I know what a joke right.. Don't stop reading keep going
Be so happy that others around you can't help but be happier too.  Isn't that who we all really want to be.

You have a choice and it is always your choice.   You can choose to see the negative in the world or you can choose to search for the positive.  To be the positive. You will draw more positive to you if you make a choice to change or you will continue to suffer in this place of anger, hate and negativity.  I know you and this is not who you are.  You can choose to make a positive difference.  You have the choice to turn off your TV.  To scroll past the posts that do not make you a better person.  You have the true power.  Like breeds like, meaning people who are alike attract people who are the same.  The more power you give the negative less empowered you are. The negative weakens you and attracts more negative entities to you.

You are on your way. Step away.

Pet a puppy, hug a child, smile at a stranger.  Fill others with your goodness and love. There is so much there.  Stand up for the laws that are wrong if this fills you with a purpose. Find a politician that you believe can be the real difference of change and support him/her/  But my dears yelling about it and alienating all your friends on social media only ends up making people stop following you or listening to you at all.  So Be the light that draws others to you.  

Find the Joy my Old Friend

Dear Sister Knowitall,

We have been friends for a long time . The cards I have dealt are not fair.  Since my mom and dad passed it is just the last straw. I don't even know how to make rhyme nor reason out of my life or where to go from here. I hope you have some aid for an old friend. 

Hello  Dear Friend,

I so wish I could spend some time with you. You are an amazing talent and have truly been dealt 
some hard knocks.  I know one thing for certain.  Life is not certain or even fair.  I do believe with all my being that in the hand we are dealt we can choose to see the good cards and throw out the bad cards then find what we have to be grateful for in those cards.  Sorry for the card reference. I cannot say that I understand how you feel. I can say that I understand deep heart pain. I've been knocked down so many times and it takes time but I do get back up. I have to.  I wasn't born to live in misery and I won't do it. Happiness is a choice. It just is!

We have a choice to see ourselves as perfectly imperfect and accept and love ourselves as we are. There is good all around us every day. We can literally smile at something every hour.  Find the joy and laughter it is there. I promise.  When you get knocked down. Sit with it  a minute well longer than a minute but go ahead and  cry it out . There is a lot of science around tears and healing the heart.  You have to be allowed to mourn any situation especially the loss of your parents.  Then remember how much they loved you and ask yourself would they want you to be sad and in pain.  Once you are ready then  Get up. Shake it off, just get up that is  start.   This message is the first one I have read from you that sounds close to self acceptance.  You are truly a blessed man.  Your talents amaze me.  Find your joy my old friend. 

Class 1 of the Better Me Workshops

I am so excited about class one of this new 4 part series of workshop series called the \
"Better Me Workshops"  We will start with letting go of what no longer serves us.  See you there. Sign up link below.

Check out "A Little Lesson in Letting Go " 

 Location: George Pierce Park Community Center 

http://tinyurl.com/sisterknowitallgwinnettparks

Next Best Thing- Juice Plus+ Fruits and Vegetables in capsules backed by Science

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Stop, Worrying About What Others Think About You! LET IT GO

By Cindy Pitts Gilbert published, February 11, 2019

Dear Sister Knowitall,

You know that quote,  “What other people think of me is none of my business.”  What does that really mean.   I worry all the time what other people think of me?  I wish I could just be sure that other people aren’t talking about me behind my back.  Sincerely, Gossiped Girl

Dear Gossiped Girl,

Such a great quote isn’t it?   “What other people think of me is none of my business.”  So here is what it means to me.  We all want people to like us and when they don’t for whatever reason, we get our feelings hurt.  Why is it that we want to know something that will definitely hurt our feelings.   It is human nature to be liked. We all want to be liked.  The bottom line is that personalities clash for one reason or another and no matter how hard we try sometimes we don’t like people and sometimes they don’t like us.  So, why is it so important to find out WHY they don’t like us.  If you look at it honestly, when you aren’t fond of a personality you avoid them and do everything you can to not come right out and say look, I don’t like you and don’t want to be around you.   We all want to avoid out right hurting someone’s feelings even when we really don’t like them. 

I am not talking about those who we know we hurt or have hurt us.  There are certain people who have hurt you or whom you have hurt, for those folks you get it why the relationship may be  damaged beyond repair.  You or they  have crossed a line of some kind and the relationship is damaged or in some cases broken beyond repair.  It may be that you have been betrayed or done something to betray another. Sometimes it is a misunderstanding, sometimes on both parts or just one party misunderstands. 

Yet, the fact still remains that we all want to be liked and when you aren’t you think you want to know why.  The truth of the matter is that you don’t really want to know.  Your ego does.  Your ego is the part of your personality that wants everyone to like us. It is the child inside that wants what it wants. It is our heart that doesn’t want to know and our brain that over analyzes the situation trying to make both the ego and the heart happy.   Honestly, our hearts truly don’t want to know and it is really not healthy for us to know.  Often times, people are just not suited for each other, it is a rejection that we really just don’t need to know about.  So, when you think you want to know why someone doesn't like you just change your mindset and say, "What other people think of me is none of my business."  Tell your ego to let it go.  Tell your brain to inform your ego not to try to find out and to give your heart a break, keep it sound and completely oblivious to other people’s opinions of you.  You will be able to access so much more success for yourself if you stop worrying all the time what everyone thinks. 

You have to know what is in your own heart at the end of the day.  It is you that has to live with yourself and your choices.  If you are truly trying to be a better person everyday then let go of other people’s opinions.  If you are completely oblivious to what you are doing to alienate people and you find yourself in a lonely place with no one to talk to,  then perhaps it is time to do  some major self reflection and maybe do some super detective work to find out what you are doing that rubs the majority the wrong way.  If you have a great support group of friends and they love you just as you are, then truly learn to let go of the need to be loved by the masses.   It really is okay if you don’t click with some folks and they don’t click with you.   Beating yourself up about it is not going to make them love you, neither is trying to convince them how wonderful you truly are.  They are the ones missing out on all your greatness.   

There is another side of the coin too. What happens when your heart and not your ego are the reason you think you have to know.   In that case reach out.  Ask what you might have done to offend or hurt someone. Go directly to the party you think is feeling wronged by you.  If you get no resolution. You know that when all is said… or not said and done that you have tried to rectify the situation and the other person is not willing or ready to open up.  In that case, again let it go and move on.  It really isn’t any of your business if you unintentionally hurt someone and they can’t come to you to give you a chance to rectify the situation.  You have to again self reflect and if you are truly unaware of what it was and they don’t want to share.  You have to let it go or it will eat away at you.  Forgive yourself if they can't forgive you or be forgiven.  You have a right to be happy and are not responsible for anyone else’s reaction to what you did if it was unintentional especially if you aren't even aware.  I’m not saying be oblivious to your own actions and how they affect others.  That is the last thing I am saying. I am just reminding you that you can only control your actions and your reactions not others.  Dwelling on a situation you cannot change is insanity.  Attempting to make amends can only go so far, if the other party is unwilling to acknowledge you or your attempt to fix the situation.  Everyone is doing the best they can with the circumstances they have been given.  It may not meet your standards but it is a fact nonetheless.  Forgive yourself and do what you can to always be kind.

Hugs
Sister Knowitall 😤

I Gotta Tell You About My Omega Improved Eyesight Story

Dear Readers,

I don't usually do this but I am  overjoyed and just had to share this with you.  This is just a total brag story about my improved health.  I have never been able to eat Omega's. I am not much of a fish fan.... I am improving but still pretty picky about fish,  I also cannot stand the fishy burp. It was enough to keep this picky girl from taking them even though I knew they were beneficial to my health.

I cannot tell you how excited I am that I am taking these Juice Plus plant based Omegas.  My eyesight has started to improve so much since November of 2017, I started taking the Omega's along with my other Juice Plus+ capsules as soon as they were made available to me.  I heard they may help eyesight but you know me I was mildly skeptical since my eyesight has been on a steady decline since the 5th grade.

So I was hoping to see "some" improvement as some of my colleagues were claiming   About 4 months ago I noticed that my glasses were bothering me, quite a bit  Then, I noticed one morning that I had been watching television without my glasses and had not even noticed they were off.  I truly have never been able to see TV without them or contacts.  Seriously, I am that girl that laid my glasses on the bed and they fell off onto the floor and 30 minutes later I was still searching the floor for them. Thankfully, my husband came in and helped me, so back to my story, one year later and my eyesight is now  +.50 and .+75 better for vision in each eye.  I asked for my prescription because I was so shocked I guess I was still in denial.  Well folks  the truth is on the paper.  Huge improvement for me I am beyond excited.

Here is some additional  information videos if interested from Juice Plus+ 

SafeShare versions of all 4 of the new Juice Plus+ Product Omega Blend videos.

https://safeshare.tv/x/ss59ecfadc765ab

https://safeshare.tv/x/k89bVFLx3ps

https://safeshare.tv/x/UaqHPuVX_uw

https://safeshare.tv/x/ss59ecfc3d48eef

Dealing with Doggie Dermatitis -Apoquel vs. Natural Alternatives

Dear Sister Knowitall,

 I enjoyed your talk last evening. I have a small support dog for my wife, the vet put the dog on Apoquel for dry itching skin, any homeopathic ideas ?

Mercy,  photo credit Cindy Pitts Gilbert

Signed Itchy Puppy Papa

Great question. Itchy Puppy Papa.

So my go to is always start simple. Dermatitis is hard to treat because it is so broad, itchy skin and/or rash, right?   1) Diet allergy,  2) outdoor allergy 3) something in the house or 4)even a plastic dog bowl.   

What I can do is give you some first steps that should help until you figure out what is the root cause of your puppies dermatitis.  

👉 Coconut oil for both external and a bite on a spoon they usually love to eat it.

👉 An oatmeal bath  there are also oatmeal shampoos at Petsmart that I have used.

👉 Diet elimination, start eliminating treats first then foods.

👉You may have to try natural food. Blue, Fresh Pet or Nutrish  even cook chicken breast and rice in a crock pot.

👉 It is going to be trial and error but I really appreciate you wanting to use a natural alternative for your fur baby. 

👉 I do make a salve out of coconut oil Shea butter and beeswax that you could try I use it on my dog and my own skin flare ups.  Good Luck

Podcast Interview with Business Radio X

It was fun and a privilege to be interviewed by Steven Julian and Mike Sammond, of Business Radio X in September, along with Titania Huff, with L2.I.F.T Professional Services.

I was invited to be interviewed on the podcast Business Radio X last month, I had a lot of fun. I have been talking to several friends coaches and business associates about doing a podcast for a while. I keep resisting the notion. I'd love to have feedback from my readers. Should I or Shouldn't I Start a podcast? The ideas would be to interview other health and wellness businesses as well as educate the listeners about nutrition, using a more natural approach to living your life and motivational thoughts. Listen Here

https://businessradiox.com/podcast/gwinnett/sister-knowitall/

www.BusinessRadioX.com

Natural Ways to Relieve Anxiety

by Cindy Pitts Gilbert for June  2018 Gwinnett Citizen 

Dear Sister Knowitall,

photocredit: holylandprayer.com

Can you recommend a natural anxiety solution? Lots of stress at home, husband lost his job and I am anxiety ridden person anyhow...please help? I don’t want pharma s.
~Sincerely, Angst Girl in Atlanta

Dear Angst Girl in Atlanta,
Yoga, walking, and meditation. Lots of awesome videos are available to teach you how to let go of outcomes which can be a cause of anxiety. If you feel overly connected to the outcome of an event it can cause a great deal of stress. Just concentrate on doing your best and allow whatever happens to just happen. Most of what we anticipate going wrong never happens, so we have wasted a lot of time we could have been enjoying. Lavender essential oil calms you. Chamomile Tea as well. Worry is a state of mind that changes nothing. Give your attention to what you can change. What you cannot change is wasted energy. Be present in the moment; the past is but a memory and the future is an illusion. Be grateful for the gift of the present and for what you do have now. You will be surprised how much anxiety that will relieve. Lemon Balm tea is also great for sleep and relaxation. Raise your oxytocin levels with puppy and baby pictures or videos, it helps lower stress hormones. Take deep breaths all the way to the bottom of your lungs. Count to 5 and do it again 5 times. This also helps to increase levels of oxygen in your blood. Use the App “Breathe.a” Spend 15 minutes a day in the sun to increase vitamin D levels naturally. Lastly, yawn it also releases cortisol from the body. Be happy.

Published: 2018-06-24 21:03

In Pursuit of Happiness

by Cindy Pitts Gilbert for April 2018 Gwinnett Citizen 

Dear Sister Knowitall,
Is the pursuit of happiness just that always something we are pursuing and never achieving?  I want to be happy, but life just keeps getting in the way.  Any words of wisdom? 
Sincerely; Downward Smile

Dear Downward Smile,
First, let me start by saying that you should start with turning that downward smile into an upward grin.  There is a physical change that occurs when you smile and smiling is contagious.  Try smiling to a complete stranger as you walk through a store you will be surprised how many smiles you get back.  I can tell you that the old saying, “fake it till you make it,” applies here.  When you put on a happy face, it can be the beginning of a whole new you.  In the meantime, I am going to share some of my favorite happiness sayings I have applied to my own life over the years. I hope some of them help you as they have helped me.

#1. Do what you can with what you have where you are.  Everyone is doing the best with the circumstances they have been given.

#2. Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness.

#3. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

#4. Happiness isn’t having what you want; it is wanting what you have.

#5. Stop letting “It” bother you, just let it go.

#6. Don’t let negative and toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent to kick them out.

#7. Letting toxic people go is not an act of cruelty. It’s an act of self-care

#8. Walk yourself out of a bad mood. Even 10 minutes immediately increases brain chemistry to increase happiness.

#9. No one ever injured their eyesight by looking on the bright side.

#10.  #HappinessHabitsHacks

• Wake up early and make your bed every day.
• Ignore nonsense.
• Talk Less.
• Learn New Skills.
• Help Less Fortunate.
• Watch funny movies. Laugh- It is a great internal belly massage.
• Yawn, It releases cortisol (stress hormone).
• Look at pictures and videos of babies and puppies. It increases Oxytocin (relaxation/love hormone). 

Published: 2018-04-14 19:15

Pinchin' Pennies

by Cindy Pitts Gilbert for March 2018 Gwinnett Citizen 

Dear Sister Knowitall, 
I am raising two kids and a dog and a husband. I feel like I toss away food and my head spins at the checkout. There has got to be a better way to keep our families household expenses under control. Sincerely, Penny Pinched

Dear Penny,
I feel your pain. It is such a checkout shocker when your cart isn’t even full and hear your grand total. It is difficult not to waste some food as it is hard to know what to buy that the family will eat and then you have to remember what you bought in the first place. Hopefully, these ideas calm your reeling senses.

• Plan out a whole week of meals. If you can’t plan out the whole week, then stop every couple of days and only buy what you need for that meal. It will save you money and waste in the long run. You may be all about Taco Tuesday on Sunday at the store, and then Tuesday shows up and you the kids have a project that needs taking care of. Life is hectic and sometimes time savings are costly so here are some ways to save some money and still eat healthy, that may cost you just a little extra time.

• Eat before you grocery shop. Never shop hungry. You’ll eat yourself out of house and home.

• Buy staples in bulk, Pay attention to the per item price; toilet paper, paper towels and frozen items like chicken breast are often cheaper if you buy the bigger bag. 

• Make a shopping list and STICK to it. Seriously, let me say that again. Make a shopping list and STICK to it. Marketing experts are masters of those impulse buys.

• Shop alone, I know impossible, right? If you can go alone, you will make a lot fewer impulse purchases. Kids and spouses are also taken in by clever marketing.

• Shop the perimeter of the store first for the nutritious and delicious. Aisles are full of processed foods. You will buy less if you shop the perimeter, fill up your cart with healthy nutritious food first and then go down only the aisles for specific items.

• Check dates on things that expire. Don’t grab from the front. Newest items are always further from your reach.

• Shop from the bottom shelf. The less expensive items make you bend over or squat down.

• Generic brands are often packaged differently but made in the same plant as the name brand and private labeled for the store. It pays to try generic. 

Published: 2018-03-28 13:11

Germs, Preventing the Flu

by Cindy Pitts Gilbert for February 2018 Gwinnett Citizen 

Dear Sister Knowitall,
This year’s outbreak of the flu is really serious and, I worry that my family and I are going to get it... I’d love some help knowing what to do to keep my family safe from getting sick this season. Sincerely, Flu Ninja Mama

picture credit from Safebee.com

 Dear Flu Fightin’ Mama,

That is such a huge question to answer. Short of becoming a germophobe or living on a mountaintop, if you interact with people, getting sick is almost inevitable. There are so many misconceptions about germs and bacteria. Colds and the flu along with various stomach bugs are viruses. The flu is airborne so being around someone with the flu increases your chances of getting it. The flu can also live on a hard surface for 24 hours but on a tissue for only 15 minutes. So it would make sense for anyone with the flu to stay away from other people, use tissues when you sneeze or a cough. Cover your mouth and nose wash hands before you touch anything. Please stay home. Whatever is waiting at work can wait. 

There are preventions that can help us fend against those mean little monsters that make us sick.

Wash your hands with normal soap and water often, Sing Happy Birthday all the way through 1 verse. Keep your hands away from your mouth. Why, because in between washing your hands there are more germs and you are constantly touching them. Consider investing in a box of gloves or keep napkins in the car. Make a hand sanitizer spray using diluted essential oils safe for the skin.

Here are some high germ-infested places:
• The gas pump, ATM and Credit Card machines the checkout counter. 
• Your cell phone, your glasses, You touch stuff then you touch them. 
• The phone at the office and your home phone 
• The pen at the pharmacy and doctors office how many sick people touched it before you got there
• The salt and pepper shakers on the table at a restaurant
• The grocery store shopping cart. 
• The bottom of our purse, the bottoms of your shoes. When was the last time you sanitized them? Many families have a take off your shoes at the door policy. 
• Your gloves and coat When was the last time you washed them or at least sprayed the gloves with some antibacterial essential oil or other natural cleaners. 
• Your toothbrush, the bathroom light switch the toilet handle the door handle the sink handles.

Scents of the Season

by Cindy Pitts Gilbert December 2017 Gwinnett Citizen

Dear Sister Knowitall,
I am looking for natural alternatives for my home for the holidays I want to avoid candles and store-bought scents if possible. Can you help? ~ Nosey Nelda Mistletoe

Dear Nosey Nelda,
There are so many alternatives to artificial scents for the Holidays. Here are a few simple scents of the Season;

Easy Hot Apple Cider 
Place apples in a large stockpot and add enough water cover by at least 2 inches. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 1 hour. Strain apple mixture though a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids. Drain cider again though a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Serve hot or cold.

Homemade Christmas Potpourri 
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries OR 
1/2 cup dried cranberries. 
2-3 cinnamon sticks crushed. 
1-2 star anise optional.
1 tablespoon cardamom crushed. 
2 teaspoons whole cloves.
1/4 cup candied ginger.
1 vanilla bean halved lengthwise. 
1 fresh pine or 1 sprig rosemary.

Simmering Pot 
Get a pot of water simmering on the stove or the small, inexpensive simmering crock pots. Drop in a combination of natural aromatics like cinnamon stick, pine, orange peel, or cloves. 

Real Beeswax Candles 
Few things smell as heavenly as beeswax, with its potent honey scent. It’s a smell that never loses its charm and provides excellent alternative to the artificial candles. 

Cinnamon 
Few things bring out the warmth and comfort of the Christmas season like the smell of cinnamon: try in mulled cider or hot chocolate 

Orange and Cloves 
The delicious combination of orange to make pomanders to set out in bowls at Christmas. Pre-punch the holes in the orange with an awl or knitting needle, and the cloves should go right in. 

Evergreen 
Evergreen Garland or Wreaths. Nothing says Christmas like the smell of fresh pines in wreaths and swags as well as fresh-cut trees. Peppermint Use Dried Peppermint to make peppermint tea. This makes a great alternative to candy canes 

Make a Liquid Candle 
Create a custom-scented candle with a mason jar, lantern wick, and any oil that burns—even the olive oil. Add your favorite aromatics, like vanilla bean, cinnamon, clove, pinecones, or oranges. More cost-effective than a wax candle, it will both look decorative and smell delicious.

Christmas with Essential Oils Many of these scents can be mixed and diffused or sprinkled on pinecones or clay balls or even potpourri: 

Pine, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Frankincense, Myrrh, Clove, Sweet Orange, Nutmeg, Anise, Sweet Ginger, Cedarwood. 

All of these are a pleasant scents to diffuse throughout the entire winter season to make your home feel like a cozy and inviting retreat from the harsh cold weather outside. 

Don’t Drink the Snake Oil

By Cindy Pitts Gilbert   September 2017 

Dear Sister Knowitall
Help me, I don’t know where to start? There is just too many options and ways to be healthy I don’t know what do choose.  It seems like every other day there is a new book or fad to try to be healthy.  I know I should eat right.  What is right? Hundreds of diets and fads. I try to do the right thing  for us but sometimes the cookies are just too yummy to pass up and I get so busy I forget to drink my water and my kids may not always eat a breakfast of champions.  When choosing natural remedies How do you know who’s advice is really helpful and who are the hoaxers? 

Sincerely
Cookie Cravins

 Dear Cookie Cravins

First and foremost,  Stop beating yourself up.  Keep trying and when you falter, quote Scarlett, “Tomorrow is another day.” Stressing about it is just going to raise your cortisol levels and that isn’t good for your health either. You are right, there are so many options out there for natural remedies and unfortunately there are people who prey on your need to feel better or make a loved one feel better. 
There are so many people out there more interested in taking advantage of people than helping  them.  This isn’t new,  Remember the “snake oil”  sold by traveling salesmen that were more alcohol than anything else. Everyone has their own version of “Sister Knowitall,” that family member or friend that seems to have a just the advise you need.  It is hard to know who and what to believe isn’t it? 

Well I’d like to say believe me but the truth is, you have to be your own health advocate. You have to be willing to take control of your health and your families health and keep it simple,  make one change at a time. My motto is show me the research.  When I want to use a product, service or remedy I want to know it will work but I also understand that just like any medicine each individual is different and everything is not right for everyone.  I research something then I try my best to tear it apart. The eternal skeptic.  I try to disprove whatever it is until I convince myself that it is the right answer and then and only then do I give it a try.   It is like anything else that you study, history, politics, religion,  who to swipe left and who to swipe right. 
Our lives are full of choices. We are ultimately responsible for the choices we make.. I have done the research in many areas of health and wellness for myself and my family and I am always happy and honored to share the results of that research.  Is it right for you? Good Question? Let me know once you have done your own research. I'd love to hear your results.

Dreaded Disease or Just Thirsty?

By: Cindy Gilbert | Dear Sister Knowitall, August 2017

Dear Sister Knowitall,
I’ve been having all these symptoms lately since the weather has gotten warmer. Someone told me to drink more water is that true? ~ Signed Waterworks Wilma

Dear Waterworks Wilma,
Our bodies are 60% water according to the USGS (Water Science School.) The brain and heart are comprised of 73% water. We have ample water in the U.S., yet we deprive ourselves. The old rule of drinking 8 glasses of water a day are gone. Your body needs half of your body weight in ounces of water every day. So if you weigh 130lbs you need to be drinking 65 oz. of water every day. 

If you workout and break a sweat you need to add an extra 8oz, drink a caffeinated or alcoholic beverage add an extra 8oz for every one you consume. Can you drink too much water? The answer is yes. If you drink so much that your urine is completely clear you need to slack off a bit. Your urine actually says a lot about your health. It should be slightly yellow. On the flip side if it is too dark you are dehydrated. How do you know if you are dehydrated? If you are thirsty it’s too late you are already dehydrated. Other symptoms may include:  

• Dry mouth
• Chapped lips
• Hangnails
• Brittle Nails
• Dry brittle hair
• Dry itchy skin
• Achy joints
• Muscle cramps
• Menstrual cramps
• Brain Fog
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Tired or sleepy
• Urine is low volume
• Headache

It almost sounds like a disease doesn’t it? Here are some tips to help you on your way.

1. Use a cup or bottle with a lid and keep it with you.
2. Get on that scale and tally up that water intake you need per day.
3. Fill up a pitcher with the correct ounces needed per day.
4. If you want filtered water think about buying a gallon instead of water bottles and pour into your own cup bottle. The environment will appreciate it.
5. A gallon of liquid is 128 fluid ounces. Measure it out 1 time.
6. Get a water reminder app on your phone. Or set an hourly reminder to drink water
7. Drink a glass in the am before you do anything else.
8. Keep a bottle by the bed at night
9. Add fruit infusions to make it flavorful
10. Try some of the new flavored sparkling waters to help curb your soda craving.
11. Eat fruits and veggies that are mostly water like watermelon or cucumber.

Cindy Pitts Gilbert is Director of Training for Know It Training for Professional and Personal Development in Gwinnett County. She is also the Home Remedy Guru of the Blog Sister Knowitall: sisterknowitall.blogspot.com. She has been learning natural home remedies after she developed allergic reactions to chemicals in household cleaning products.
Send your questions to: askme@sisterknowitall.com

Sometimes You Have to Save the Pants

 by Cindy Pitts Gilbert, July Issue Gwinnett Citizen Magazine
Dear Sister Knowitall,
What is the difference between a Home Remedy and a Natural Remedy? Aren’t they the same thing?  Signed ~ Remedy Mom Newby

Dear Remedy Mom,
That is such a great question.  People ask me all the time do you have a home remedy for…   I often know a home remedy that isn’t necessarily natural, I prefer all the natural remedies of course, but let’s face it,  we don’t live in a natural world anymore so sometimes, on occasion I do share a home remedy  for a particular problem with the caveat that this is not a “natural” remedy.  Home remedy is simply using household products you are already using for another purpose.

Here is an example of what I mean.  A friend sent me a request recently for a home remedy to remove an ink stain from a pair of pants.  We know that ink isn’t a natural substance and trying to apply natural remedies may just lead to a lot of wasted time and frustration.

I  offered three suggestions starting with the unnatural remedy first, why well it is cheap and I know it works and doesn’t harm your clothes, however  this is not a natural remedy.  
You can remove pen ink from clothing with good ole hair spray.  Hair spray is not natural but will remove pen stains from fabric. Place a paper towel behind the stain on the underside of the fabric.  Surround the stain perimeter with water. This will help keep the stain from spreading.  Spray the fabric and wait 1 to 2 minutes then dab at the stain to remove. Some of the ink will pass into the paper towel. You may have to do this multiple times.  Ink is very stubborn.  The sooner you try to remove the easier it will come out.

I also recommended placing a sponge behind the stain and soak in a mixture of  hydrogen peroxide and baking soda which is a natural remedy. It also may not work if the stain has had time to set or in this case is Sharpie a permanent marker. Another helpful tip;  Do not put the fabric in the dryer or the stain will set.

The last remedy I recommended is a product called Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, which the description reads;  is environmentally safe, non-toxic safe etc. It works amazing on stains of many kinds and doesn’t hurt fabric.
So to clarify, sometimes a remedy is a home remedy from a household product  that you already use and sometimes it is something created from nature like an essential oil, baking soda or vinegar.  I always prefer the natural remedy whenever possible but am realistic that the world we live in is not so natural and to save the pants the home remedy might be the wiser choice.

By: Cindy Gilbert | Sister Knowitall

Published: 2017-07-31 19:37

Date Modified: 2017-07-31 19:37

Food Is Either Killing You or Healing You

By Cindy Pitts Gilbert, Gwinnett Citizen May 2017

Dear Sister Knowitall,
I got one of those BMI weight calculators at some event, according to this thing, based on my height and weight I am obese. Have mercy! Talk about a wake- up call. so of course I “googled.” Seriously, the older I get the worse it gets. I just can’t seem to lose. How on earth do I find the right diet for me? ~Signed, Maxi Me

Dear Maxi Me,
Stop beating yourself up. It is hard to lose weight as we get older. The key is to find what works for your particular body and eat to be healthy. Yet no one seems to tell you where those keys are hidden. It is easy to ignore our weight during winter, we all covered up in our cozy sweaters. When we see ourselves in a mirror in less clothing, and think “Holy Ham hocks Batman,” know you can do something to about it.
You know me I research it all before I make any decisions. I have found thousands of options that all seem perfect. So here are three keys to the weight loss kingdom: 1) Eat foods that regulate your blood sugar which will give you the willpower you need to keep going, 2) Eat foods that reduce oxidative stress 3) Eat foods that reduce inflammation. The best choice for me is always natural so I pick foods that don’t grow in a box or bag.

Hippocrates said it first, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — which we translate to “food is medicine.”

The food-as-medicine movement has been around for decades, I am thrilled that more and more physicians and medical institutions are now making food a formal part of treatment, rather than relying solely on medications.

In response to the no-waste food movement, there has been an increase in edible plants in American backyards. In 2014, the National Gardening Association reported that 1 in 3 households were growing food—63% are millennials. So how do you start. This is the perfect time of year to start a little container garden or raised bed garden. It doesn’t really take that much to get started. Start small and ask questions.
If gardening isn’t your thing, stick to the produce department or local farmers markets. Food sustains life but is your food killing you or healing you. Here in Gwinnett we do not eat to sustain life, eating is a big part of our life. We make it an event. So make your eating clean and healthy fun. Learn to sauté and season rather than fry.

You are not alone Maxi Me, according to the CDC from our estimated population in Georgia: 10,214,8604.
• 35.2% of adults were overweight.
• 30.5% of adults had obesity.
• 17.1% of adolescents were overweight
• 12.7% of adolescents had obesity
• 15.0% of children aged 2 to 4 years in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program were overweight.
• 13.4% of children aged 2 to 4 years in WIC had obesity.

Trust Me-Don’t Try This at Home

By Cindy Pitts Gilbert, Gwinnett Citizen April 2017

Dear Sister Knowitall,

My friend and I have a debate going over several home remedies we have read about on the internet. I’m afraid to try some of them because I don’t want to make things worse than it already is.

Neither of us want to try them because there is just so much conflicting information out there. How do you know what works and what doesn’t. 

~ Signed Netty Overload   

Dear Netty Overload,I spend a lot of time researching home remedies. Why? Because I want to be sure that what I am doing to my home, my body or my family are all safe and effective. I also want to be sure that anything that I recommend is actually helpful and not harmful to the person or group I am talking too. We can be too trusting sometimes. Being cautious is a good thing, so how do you know?I want you to know I have suffered for my hard earned knowledge. You have to be willing to let go of a ruined item , and be realistic and responsible. You will also learn where the reputable sources are and which ones are full of cow poo. I have experienced some monumental home remedy fails over the years. Learning what works and what doesn’t takes time, patience and a willingness to experiment and possibly fail. After all, we have the light bulb because Edison was willing to fail 1,000 times. Here are some of my fails:

FAIL #1: Home Remedy for natural nail polish remover. -White Vinegar and Lemon Juice does not even begin to remove nail polish.

FAIL #2: Home Remedy for removing oxidation from headlights -Toothpaste did do a slight polish but does not remove the oxidation from my headlight.

FAIL #3 Pinterest has an unbelievable number of both good and bad remedies. Here are a few tried and failed attempts for cleaning the oxidation from aluminum baking pans. Baking Soda, Salt, White Vinegar, Coca Cola and Ketchup, all fails. I did find a winner however, I’ll save that for another column.

FAIL #4. This was my monumental and painful fail. I met a woman from Tennessee on a Facebook page for Etsy sellers. She was discussing this homemade hair removal process that has apparently been used in Ancient Egypt. It is called Sugaring which is; cooking sugar in a way that makes a wax either in a ball or that can be put on with a spatula, then using a hand motion they refer to as “flicking”. It is supposed to be less painful than waxing. You don’t have to let the hair get as long as waxing and in addition is it supposed to remove the hair follicle. Sounds amazing, Right? I was sincerely excited to try this. Long story short. I researched videos, the sellers website and even chatted with her several times on messenger. Did I “not” shave my legs for this? I felt totally prepared. NOT! 

All I have time to tell you today is; Don’t try this at home. This was a painful fail. To find out what happened in painful detail. read the full sordid story click here.