Day 22
Even though we talk a lot about fun elixirs and supplements for supporting natural detox reactions during the second half of the cycle, what goes IN to your body is just as important as what you’re trying to OPTIMIZE. Otherwise, it’s like emptying a bath with the faucet still full blast.
People get intimidated by the idea of making changes to their beauty routine but it’s easier now than it ever has been! There’s so many new companies providing cleaner beauty and body products that actually REALLY work. (But also, if you’re a “coconut oil for everything” kind of gal, that’s perfect too!)
What you put on your skin had been shown to show up in the bloodstream in 26 seconds. So whatever you’re putting on your skin, you should consider how you would feel if you chose to eat it. Yikes, right??
The 3 things best to swap out first is lotion, deodorant, and toothpaste…but you can start with anything as long as you’re moving in the right direction. We like using the Environmental Working Group website to see how products measure up.
Day 23
We got a great question and we thought it was worth sharing on here: is detox support still important in the second half (luteal phase) of the cycle if you have LOW hormones?
It’s a dang good question because it seems a little counterintuitive to get rid of hormones when your levels are already low. However, the answer is actually a resounding YES! when it comes to supporting detox in this phase.
This is because our modern world tends to
- a) expose us to many sources of hormone mimicking chemicals that we need to process (the hormones that the body makes will appear low on tests but the liver is actually super overloaded and interferes with our ability to regulate normal hormonal levels) and
- b) promotes a systemic inflammatory response that messes with regulating hormonal signaling cascades and c) we often aren’t nutrient sufficient enough that our biochemical reactions work the way they are originally designed and supporting the liver helps support the rest of the processes (even if our nutrient stores aren’t optimized yet).
Phew! That’s a lot of info! The last thing we’ll add though is that supporting the detox cycle during the luteal phase is just one part of the process and that in a low hormone state, we tend to focus quite a bit on nutrient density, adequate caloric/fat/protein/complex carb intake, and good sleep/stress management.
Day 24
For this detox-focusing portion of the cycle, we wanted to share a quick magic elixir with you! It’s one of our favorites for helping us feel energized, healthy, and ready to take on the world.
It’s especially helpful for when you’re feeling a little bloated, sluggish, and cranky towards the start of your period.
Pause Phase Relaxing Elixir
❤️1/2 cup coconut milk
❤️1/2 teaspoon turmeric
❤️1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
❤️Dash to 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
❤️1 dropper full of valerian tincture
Day 25
You probably already know that the lymphatic system in the body has the very unglamorous task of helping our cells and tissues take out the trash.
But did you know that your lymphatic system is made up of teeny tiny vessels that don’t have muscles around them? That means that lymphatic flow depends on a lot of different factors…but 2 really big factors that go into lymphatic health is the stimulation of skin and the movement of muscles around the lymphatic vessels.
What does this mean for you? This means that you moving helps the lymphatic flow move well as well! And what that really means is that moving consistently and functionally throughout the day helps mobilize toxins and get them out of your body…for a healthier you!
So today, take a few moments to move in a new way, break out your dry skin brush, jump on a trampoline (best summer pastime!), or use an acupuncture mat.
But really, it’s all about setting up your life so that you are able to do all those healthy-promoting things consistently. Surrounding ourselves with others devoted to similar goals is one of our very favorite ways to keep us accountable!
Day 26
I’ve had this book on my shelf for 10 years and just picked it up to reread it on a whim.. and oh boy was that intuition right on! I forgot how amazing this book is. Even though it is 20 years old I feel like she is preaching things we are just now talking more about!
Women, how often do you stop to consider what phase of your cycle you are in? Where you are in your cycle can change what you need for food and nutrients, whether it is a good time to make decisions or be creative.
From a 1939 study!
Follicular phase – estrogen is high – women were outgoing and creative
Luteal phase – progesterone high – more inner directed
Ovulation – women were content and receptive to being cared for. Body is receptive and fertile. Emotional expansiveness, an abundance of sexual energy, creative ideas and inspirations. “If her ego is not in check in this phase, she often squanders her energy in increased business”
The latter part of the cycle we tend to become preoccupied with negative thoughts. Things start bothering us that we were unwilling to confront earlier on in the month. Premenstrually there is a greater activation of right hemisphere (decline in left-brain function). But don’t think of this as a bad thing! In society we look down on negative emotions. But what if we are less available for joy during this time of the month to be able to release difficult emotions that have been building all month! Emotional cleaning may be viewed as bitchiness or complaining. But since intuitive capacity, empathy & interdependent perception are based on right brain function. Premenstrual & menstrual phases of our cycle are times of enhanced wisdom.
When hormones are balanced this time (think feeling slightly off, more irritated, more analyzing) can be a gift. When imbalanced this time can be a nightmare – extreme anger, cramps, bloating, acne, pain. So no need to push away all negative thoughts, but also make sure not to ignore extreme signs from your body that you need more support!
Christiane Northrup – women go through a period of darkness each month, when the life-force may seem to disappear for a while (premenstrual & menstrual phase). This is natural. We need not be afraid or think we are sick if our energies and moods naturally ebb for a few days each month.
Day 27
Most of us tend to reward ourselves with food…and sugar tends to be front and center in this whole shindig. It’s natural since many celebrations and get-togethers usually revolve around food.
However, it’s good to build an arsenal of non-sugar, non-food alternatives for promoting happiness and well-being in your life.
Some of our favorites?
❤️Taking a walk out in nature
❤️ Getting our nails done
❤️ Getting some tea with our girlfriends
All these activities do the trick of alleviating stress and acting as our reward without fueling inflammation and imbalance like sugar does.
It can take a little while to make the mental switch from food rewards to spirit rewards so make sure to stay gentle with yourself throughout this process! You can even make a note of when you intentionally choose to reward yourself with non-food treats so that you can look back and see the progress you’ve made in this area!
Day 28
Finding your sense of peace when your hormones are a mess can be a challenge…but you’re not alone! Breathe, explore, and repeat.
Some our greatest inner discoveries have happened because we were willing to sit with uncomfortable emotions and situations. Not every problem requires an immediate solution and action on your part! Sometimes the best thing you can for yourself is to take a moment to question WHY you feel the way you feel and what that means for you. In order for the problem to be a problem, what is it you believe to make it so?
❤️Are you stressed out over your period coming early because what you really believe is that you’ll never get better?
❤️ Are you mad at your husband for letting the kids watch TV because what you really believe is that he doesn’t listen to your concerns?
❤️ Are you feeling guilty about not spending enough time with your kids because what you really believe is that you’ll never be as good of a mother as your mother?
These are the real areas of exploration and are the key to living a life of magic and discovery! Don’t allow yourself to get so caught up in the elixirs and supplements and tests of the world (even though these are very important!) that you forget the bigger picture.