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

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.

Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe

By Cindy Pitts Gilbert - Gwinnett Citizen  October 2016

Dear Sister Knowitall, 

I have a question about natural home remedy safety.  I mean if it is natural, it is safe for my family to use it, right?   

Sincerely, Crunchy Mom Wannabe

Dear  Crunchy Mom Wannabe,

Thank you. I am so very glad you asked this question.  I am actually speaking at a Health Fair later this month about this very topic.  Just because it's natural doesn't necessarily mean it's safe.  I mean think about it. Mold is natural, but I think we all will agree that it is not something we want in our homes or want to breathe.

Peppermint

Did you know that Penicillin was discovered in London in September of 1928, by Dr. Alexander Fleming, a bacteriologist at St. Mary’s Hospital? He returned from a vacation to find that a mold  - “Penicillium notatum” -  had contaminated his Petri dishes containing colonies of Staphylococcus. He was amazed to find that the mold prevented the normal growth of the staphylococci.  He cultivated  more mold to learn that it could be the answer for many infectious diseases.  (Source: pbs.org.).  But we cannot assume that penicillin is safe in all situations.

Many people are allergic to Penicillin, including Sister Knowitall.  I break out in a very itchy  rash if I am given any kind of Penicillin. What works for one does not work for another.  So you see, natural healing is very personal. It is really important for you to find out what is safe for you. Use caution and do your own research in your quest to live a natural life.

Poison Ivy

That brings me to another point.  It is really important to read labels and find out what  the "Natural” label really means. Advertising can be somewhat deceptive; just because a label says something's natural doesn't mean you should put it on your body or in your mouth.

The FDA has not developed a definition for use of the term “natural” or its derivatives. However, the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances."  (http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm214868.htm)

A further read of “Natural” FDA labeling states that the policy was not intended to address food production methods, such as the use of pesticides, thermal technologies, and pasteurization irradiation.  Know what you are buying.

Lastly, let’s talk about essential oil safety.  This is a hot topic for me. This topic is "trending" right now, which is both exciting and dangerous.  I use essential oils daily, I am also a fanatic about essential oil safety. There are  three or four major direct marketing companies that are widely recognized. If you say the words “essential oils”  or “natural,” they will all raise a helping hand high in the air, itching to help with all that ails you.

Essential oils are amazing. When I decided to start making products, it was mainly for gift baskets for family. I didn't want to make a gift that hurt a member of my family or a friend, so I started researching. There are rules and guidelines for using natural products safely.  Just because you can buy essential oils, and just because someone gives you a natural essential oil from a company or a natural product store, doesn't mean it is safe for everyone.  I will give you a few examples, and if you want to hear more come to the Health Fair at which I am speaking later this month.

Rosemary is one of my personal favorite herbs and oils, but if you are pregnant, it could cause contractions. Therefore, it is not recommended for women to put on their skin or even breathe during pregnancy.

Peppermint is often used to  relieve sinus congestion, headaches and  muscle pain. It is in many over-the-counter pain relievers, even toothpaste. Some essential oil users and manufacturers recommend applying it to a cotton swab  in the nose or on the brow bone.  Some people can apply oils directly to the skin, but most cannot. It can cause burning.

Tea Tree is another amazing essential oil; when used properly, it can remove mold, ease yeast, and is a great insect repellent. It can also neutralize the venom of insects, such as bee stings or mosquito and ant bites.  It is not recommended for use on dogs for flea and tick control, as it can cause respiratory distress.  I once saw a very trusting esstial oil user recommended tea tree for  diaper rash, without even a mention about diluting.  Ouch! I almost had a coronary.  Tea tree in a sensitive diaper area is just going to  burn, no matter who uses it.

 Follow safety guidelines: 

•Do a small patch test

•Dilute!

•Do not to use water to remove the oil if it does burn your skin. You should dilute with another carrier oil, such as coconut, olive or almond oil.

One last thought: “natural” is a way of life for me. It takes a lot of research, common sense and caution, but it can be an amazing journey to living a healthy, happy, simpler life.

Come see Sister Knowitall speak more on this topic: 
October 28th at 11:00am
Fall Into Health 9am-1pm  Bethseda Senior Center  225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut

by Cindy Pitts Gilbert @ Gwinnett Citizen September 2016

Dear Sister Knowitall,

I keep hearing about the benefits of coconut oil. Is it like eating a mounds or almond joy or is there really something healthy about it?

I heard it is really high in fat so I'm confused as to why it's supposed to be the  answer for everything. Can you explain to me what all the hype is about,  Is it all the same or should I look for a certain kind. How do I use it anyway?

Sincerely,

Coconut Confused

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Coconut Confused,

I am so glad you asked.  I love, love, love coconut oil.  I use it every day.  Some natural products are staples in my home, coconut oil is one of them. Coconut oil is not the same coconut you get in a candy bar that is full of sugar and other things so don't use this article as an excuse to gorge yourself on candy bars.  Coconut is made by pressing the fat from the white "meat" from inside the coconut.  It still smells like coconut but the taste is rather flavorless without the sugar.  It melts at a really low temperature, if you put it in your hand it will melt very quickly.  It is also known to be able to withstand high cooking temperatures. It is a healthy fat and there is research that it is a great replacement oil for cooking and that  it may be beneficial for thyroid and heart health.

What do you look for,  I always look for;  pure, unrefined, cold pressed 100% organic, extra virgin coconut oil.   I buy it in big containers because I don't have to be skimpy with it.  I could write a dozen articles about the benefits and uses of coconut oil.   I have read all the hype too and a lot of it has value. Just remember, when you read any cure all you have to really do your research and never take anything you read at face value. It's about finding reputable sources for your information and doing comparisons and sometimes trial and error.

A few uses for Coconut oil, it makes a great alternative for goo gone/goof off. Use it straight on a label or mix with a bit of baking soda and rub in let sit for a few minutes and take a paper towel to remove labels from jars or other items you would use goof off. It's  great hand degreaser for car repairman in your family. There are some skin care uses as it works great on dry patches, you can also make a  mixture using sea salt, sugar or baking soda and some essential oils.

I keep a small container in my bathroom to use as an awesome eye make-up remover.  It makes an amazing hair conditioner or hot oil treatment.  Put some on your dry hair before you get in the shower or warm  it first  and pour on your hair leave for ten minutes to a couple of hours based on  time and then wash your hair with your normal shampoo, so soft.  It absorbs so quickly that I have not found it to leave my hair looking greasy.  If you do feel a  residue that feels greasy after you wash do a second shampoo then dry as usual.   Coconut oil is also great for your teeth. Oil pulling is an interesting concept. Take a spoonful of coconut and slosh it around in your mouth for anywhere from two minutes to twenty. I have tried this in the shower, can be odd or even gross as coconut oil is sloshing around in your mouth,  There is research that it helps reduce plaque, make healthy gums and whiten teeth. You can mix it with some baking soda and peppermint oil to make a natural toothpaste. So do I think it's amazing? Yes!  Do I think it's the answer to everything, No.  So to nut or not to nut.  I'm definitely a "coco"-nut kind of girl.

It’s a Natural Kind of Clean

by Cindy Pitts Gilbert  Gwinnett Citizen   August 2016 
Dear Sister Knowitall,

I would like to use more natural products in my home.  I have read that a lot of commercial products are toxic to our family. Do you have any home remedies that will help keep our home clean.

Sincerely, 
Desperate in Dacula

Dear Desperate in Dacula,

I love when I hear that families begin the journey. There are many ways to clean your home with natural products.  There are many that are probably already in your kitchen or are very inexpensive and non-toxic.

One of my favorite staples in our home is baking soda. Let me sing the praises of baking soda, honestly I could write for days about the uses for baking soda. Baking soda makes a great counter top cleaner.  If you have white or light countertops overtime using a knife on the counter without a cutting board can cause tiny grooves that catch dirt and grime and more importantly bacteria.  You may also have stubborn stains such as coffee or tea that  have been taunting you. Here's what you do; wipe down your counter top with a wet cloth and liberally sprinkle on some baking soda, wait 10-15 minutes. Clean your counter with your favorite scrub pad. You can also squeeze lemon juice or spray white vinegar that cause a reaction of bubbles and helps release the stain. The abrasive texture of baking soda gets into the grooves without harming your counter tops. It is also great for cleaning a white sink and the bath or shower soap scum. Baking soda is a terrific rust remover. Have you ever left a can in your sink and have that decorative rust circle in the sink? Follow the same procedure wait a few minutes and drum roll please, the stain comes up with a little light scrubbing. It also works great on cast iron skillets.  Use this same technique on rusty car parts and I have personally used it on light rust on the patio furniture.  Baking soda mixed with a dollup of shampoo makes a great clarifying shampoo.  Baking soda is a safe and somewhat amazing mold remover. It is great on surface mold, but I will warn you if it has gotten deep into your caulking or anything rubber or wood it will help but will not remove deep mold once it is embedded. Baking soda and salt are great for cleaning jewelry and removing stubborn stains on your pots and pans.  Another magic cleaning product is the common lemon.  I don't know anyone who likes cleaning the microwave. The splatter from heating up items without a cover require a lot of elbow grease to remove unless you know this secret trick. Cut a lemon in half and place one half in the microwave.  Set the time in 30 second increments.  When the timer goes off test a small stain with a paper towel. Yes, you read right a paper towel, the stain should wipe away with no effort. if it does not, never fear just add  an additional 30 seconds until the grime wipes away with ease.  You will get a fresh lemony aroma in your kitchen and a sparkling clean microwave you can be proud of.   Safe cleaning.

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.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