What The Heck Is Kratom

What The Heck Is Kratom

Well, I've been asking myself the same question, as I've been seeing tons of people talk about it on social media for a boost of energy during this pandemic. So I decided to do some research on it, to see what exactly is Kratom.

Kratom, pronounced “cray-tum,” comes for the Mitragyna speciosa, it is a leaf found in South Asia and Africa and is part of the coffee bean family.

The use of Kratom for energy has been around for centuries outside of the US. Traditionally, people would chew on the leaves or drink it as tea.

So Why Do People Take Kratom
This botanical has a longstanding history of use throughout its native east Asian countries. These populations have utilized the leaves of the Kratom tree as an alternative medicine for generations as a sleep aid, pain relief, and to regulate blood pressure. Because it is a stimulant, it is also used to help laborers make it through long, strenuous workdays.

What Are The Effects Of Kratom
Since I have not taken this pill or drank the tea, I am relying on some research from David Disalvo, a writer for Forbes Magazine. According to David, Kratom has a two-tiered effect. It initially gives you a boost of energy, similar to a cup of strong coffee. However, unlike coffee, where you will get an initial burst, and it tapers down quickly, with Kratom, the energy would last much longer, sometimes up to four hours, without anxiety or those caffeine jitters.

The second-tier effect was relaxing, which I thought was a bit contractive. But this is what people like about the botanical, as unlike coffee where you get a sudden crash, Kratom balances out the energy effects nicely.

How Much Kratom Should I Take
With further research, I found out that the dosage can have an impact on the effect of the herb.  For those who want a euphoric boost of energy, they would consume a lower dose. And for others who were looking for a way to relax and relieve stress, a higher treatment is needed.

I also found out that Kratom is often used as another option for pain relief as well as aiding those struggling to overcome opioid addiction to manage withdraws and cravings. But since I am not a medical professional, I can not confirm or deny these findings. But thought it was some food for thought.

Overall in my findings, Kratom is considered a psychoactive natural alternative to prescription medication. To me, this was essential to understand, that that it is not mistaken for a simple herb or supplement.

The Different Color Veins In Kratom And What They Mean
The different types of kratom are divided into three different colors. Red-vein, Green-vein, and White-vein. This division is dependent on the color of the stem and vein of the leave.

Red Vein Kratom Leaves: This is marketed best for beginners, as it offers a more calming effect. The red vein is known to relax the body and relieve pain.

White Vein Kratom Leaves: White vein kratom is known as a stimulant and positive mood enhancer. This one is more like caffeine, which some use to replace coffee.

Green Vein Leaves: This is in between the red and white strains. It is a mild energy booster helping to enhance alertness and focus.

Where Can I Purchased Kratom
In my local area, I found it was available in some whole food stores. It is usually sold as a powder that you can make into a tea or in a pill capsule. You do, however, want to make sure that you find a reputable retailer, as US herbal products standards are lighter and not registered with the FDA.

If you do not have a retailer near you, I did learn about an online provider,  Socratic Solutions. I was impressed with this company.  Not only do they offer an extremely high quality of sustainably sourced organic Kratom, but they also carry 22 different strains (varieties of all leaf colors) of Kratom and manufacture their own capsule products in-house. Another thing that impressed me about this brand is they are all about building long relationships with their customers and were quick to answer any questions I had.

Regarding your purchase, they do offer a satisfaction guarantee, with fast and free shipping (same-day for orders completed before 2 pm EST)

So To Sum Up... What The Heck Is Kratom
Kratom contains alkaloid compounds called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. It is a botanical tool for those who seek higher energy, analgesia, and mild to moderate euphoria but aren’t comfortable putting prescription medications in their body. (especially those who may be in pain and do not want to use a prescription drug that can be addictive).

Since I know I have a lot of readers who prefer natural, organic solutions to life’s problems, I wanted to share my findings on Kratom without getting too technical or making too many claims. But please as always when it comes to "natural alternatives to medicines," do your research as this blog is for entertainment purposes only.

BONUS
Kratom may be for you, or it may not be. But for those that are interested in trying the product, Socratic Solutions was kind enough to offer 10% OFF their already discounted Kratom capsules & powders, when paying via e-check or payment apps (e.g., Google Pay, Venmo, Zelle)

Lastly, as I mentioned above, I did not want to get too technical in my post. So for those of you who want to know more about the importance of Kratom and its Alkaloids as well as some other potential benefits.  Click here. 

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What The Heck Is In Prenatal Vitamins And When Should I Be Taking Them

If you are pregnant or are trying to conceive (TTC), I'm sure the question about whether you should take prenatal vitamins is running through your head.

While maintaining or implementing a healthy diet during your pregnancy is essential, you may not get all of the essentials nutrients your body needs and this is where a prenatal vitamin can step in to help fill the gaps.  Heck, even some of us non-pregnant women have taken them every once in a while.

So, What The Heck Is In Prenatal Pills And Why Should YOU Be Taking Them? Well, if you want to find out, continue reading!

For this post, I partnered up with Morning Pep and a local OBGYN. However, because I am not a medical professional, I do recommend consulting with a physician or midwife first.

When Should You Start To Take Prenatal Vitamins
Yes, you may have been asking yourself when to start taking prenatal vitamins? Well, according to my OBGYN, you should start taking a prenatal vitamin during TTC, to help kickstart your body. But not all pregnancies are planned so as soon as you find out that you are pregnant, start taking them!

What To Look For In A Prenatal Vitamin
As with anything in life, not all things are created equal, and this goes for prenatal vitamins. So, listen to your Doctors recommendations. While some may suggest a specific brand, most will leave it up to you to select a particular one, like the prenatal vitamin from Morning Pep.

Now before I get into what Morning Pep has to offer with their prenatal vitamins, there are a few musts that you need to make sure a prenatal vitamin contains, according to Dr. Leoa. See them below and the importance they play on the body.

Folic Acid: This is a vitamin B and is a must to take when you are pregnant. Some even say it is a pregnancy superhero as it is supposed to help prevent neural tube defects, like a brain and spinal cord defects.

Calcium & Vitamin D: We put these together as they are great for bone strength and growth, especially later in your pregnancy.

Iron: This is not only great for the babies growth and development, but it can help to prevent you from becoming anemic during your pregnancy.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: This is important to help to promote the baby's brain development, however not all prenatal vitamins have this, so your Dr. may recommend that you take an omega three supplement.

Bottom line, it is essential to remember that prenatal vitamins need to be combined with a healthy diet. They are not a substitute for not eating well, and proper nutrition is key to a healthy pregnancy and baby, so plan accordingly.

Morning Pep All In One Prenatal Vitamin
Since I am not pregnant, I can't tell you how these vitamins make me feel like I do with most products on my website. But, I was very impressed that their formula was food based and rich in all the essential nutrients for expecting and nursing mothers as well as….

• Aiding in Morning Sickness And Nausea
• The Folic Acid Comes In The Form of L-Methyl Folate, The Most Bioavailable And Easily Absorbed Form of Folic Acid Or Folate.
• Tablets Are Odorless And Tasteless, So You Do Not Experience Any Side Effects Like Nausea, etc.
• Includes 25 MG of A Superior Blend of PROBIOTICS & ENZYMES And 800 MCG of Folic Acid (Folate).
• Supports A Healthy Pregnancy, Breast Health, Healthy Estrogen Levels And The Immune System.
• May Help Support Hormone-Related Mood Swings.
• Is Manufactured And Packaged In The USA

How Long Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins?
You should be taking these during your entire pregnancy. Some physicians even recommend that you continue taking them after your baby is born, especially for those that are breastfeeding.


Where To Buy And Save Money
Did we say saving money? Yes, we did as we know saving money at this time in our lives is essential. Which is why Morning Pep was kind enough to offer all of my followers 10% on Morning Pep Prenatal Vitamins 4 Month Supply. Simply use the code: BARBIESBEAUTYBITS at checkout to start saving!

What The Heck Is Black Maca? And What Are The Benefits?

Hey beauties, today I want to share with you another great superfood which is BLACK MACA. Now, some of you may have heard of this root as it has been heavily marketed as being effective at enhancing fertility and sex drive! While this claim is backed by research, that is not all it is suitable for.

For this post, I have partnered up with Naked Nutrients. They are one of my favorite companies for great Superfoods and adaptogens (which are herbs and plants that are high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds), like their Black Maca.

Now before I get into the many benefits of Maca, I like to share with you “What the heck is maca”

What The Heck Is Maca?
This plant is native to Peru (sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng) and the root portion is what is editable and is generally dried and consumed in a powder form, liquid or pill.

A cool thing about this superfood that you may not know is it is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables which includes broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and turnips. However, it does not taste like any of the other family of vegetables. Instead, it is more earthy with a nutty taste, which is why it is excellent to add to oatmeal, cookies or smoothies.

If a powder isn’t your thing, then the Naked Nutrient capsule is perfect for you as the Maca powder is in a safe vegetarian capsule for ease of taking, unlike maca powder or liquid which, can have a robust taste, when consumed by itself.

So now that you know what the heck MACA is and where it comes from, I like to tell you why I love this superfood and why you should try it out yourself as it does have many more benefits than just helping with your sex drive!

The Many Benefits Of Naked Nutrients Black Maca
Maca is packed with nutrients, surprisingly I read that this root contains around 31 different minerals, including calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, potassium, and vitamin B, just to name a few.  It also contains...

• High levels of protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals.
• A ton of different phytonutrients, a substance found in certain plants which are believed to be a beneficial natural remedy to human health and prevention of various diseases.
• Boosts over 20 amino acids and potassium.

Naked Nutrient Premium Organic Gelatinized Black Maca Root Vegan Capsules Are

• USDA Organic Black Maca
• No Fillers or Binders
• USDA Vegan Capsules
• Gluten free
• Vegan & Paleo friendly
• Manufactured in an FDA facility
• NON-GMO
• Sugar-Free
• Gelatinized Maca is said to be the most potent as it removes useless starch for ease of digestion and leaves only the potent components of maca

Overall, the Maca roots and its properties have been very well researched for centuries and have been adopted to help aid with many different ailments in the human body. See some of these below.

Helps To Support The Endocrine System
Maca root powder is beneficial for the endocrine system. For those of you who may not know our endocrine system consists of the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands. These glands produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood, and more! And studies have shown that Maca can aid these glands, all in which are involved in hormonal balance.

Reduce Your Cortisol Levels Caused By Stress
One thing I know that we may not always be great at managing is the stress in our lives from our work, children, on the go diets, and more.

These stress factors can cause women’s hormones to go into a frenzy, and when our hormones are out of whack, it can cause all kinds of issues.

Now I am not going to get too technical here, but for this post, I reached out to a friend of mine that works at a dermatologist office. And she explained that when women experience hormonal fluctuations due to stress, there is an increase in our cortisol levels, AKA stress hormone. This stress hormone gets broken down by our body into testosterone, and causes our skins oil production to skyrocket, causing a breakout!  And if that wasn’t bad enough it can also break down collagen and elastin, ultimately leading to wrinkles! Oh, and I forgot that his evil hormone could also lead to weight gain!

WT? Enough to cause you to stress even more, which is why I was happy to find out that we can use Maca to help also to lower cortisol, balancing moods and helping with anxiety and stress!

Better Sex Life
Us women over forty could all use this, right? Well all kidding aside, Maca can improve the libido and perk up a low sex drive for men and women! Think about it, a low sex drive can be caused by stress or even some anti-depressants and Maca can be the boost you need to Maca You Horny!

Peri-menopause
I am reaching the end of my forties, so when I hear peri-menopause, I realize how old I am getting. I remember my mom telling me about those horrible night sweats, hot flashes, sleepless nights, weight gain, and loss of libido, it can be depressing and even stressful (see how this all cycles together). And the thought of having to take hormone pills is scary, as I try to stay away from pharmaceutical drugs as much as I can. So, if you are like me, and want a non-hormonal boost, Maca root can be a significant boost of youth.

Other Benefits And Uses Of Maca Root

• An increase in antioxidant levels
• Helps with memory and focus
• Improves your energy levels
• Supports Fertility
• Helps to promote rapid muscle growth & endurance
• Boosts immunity

Somethings To Be Cautious Of When Using Maca
As I state many times, I am not a medical professional.  The information I share on my blog is from my personal experiences and or research provided by the brands I work with. With that, there are some precautions you need to take when using MACA, see them below.

• Should not be used by those who are allergic to iodine
• If you have high blood pressure, please consult with a physician before use
• You should also be cautious with maca if you are androgen sensitive, in the case of some expressions of PCOS.

Want to try some of this yourself? Well, now you can! You can purchase this product on Amazon or right from Naked Nutrient website.

Until next time!

Want to see some reviews on Naked Nutrient products?  Check them out below.

The Superfood Qualities Of Mushrooms And Why You Should Add Them To Your Diet

The Benefits Of Black Seed Oil For The Skin

 

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Why The Heck Do I Need To Add Venofye Bee Venom Products To My Skincare Routine

This is my 4th post in my what the heck series, and today I am going to be talking about Bee Venom and the benefits of adding it to your skincare routine!

Now if you are a friend of mine you probably think I would be the last person that would add this to my skincare regimen as I am scared to death of bees!

While I know honey is fantastic to add to your skincare routine as it is loaded with antibacterial properties and packed with nutrients and healing compounds all of which can help your complexion. Bee venom shares some of these same qualities, plus some other added anti-aging benefits.

The Many Benefits Of Adding Bee Venom To Your Skincare Regimen  

"The advantage of adding Bee Venom (Apitoxin) to your skincare to routine is its ability to trick the skin into believing that if you have been stung, thereby increasing the production of collagen and blood circulation," says Natalie Zinder, a product developer who works with Venofye. This rush of blood may also help the skin's appearance and lead to a gentle plumping and tightening sensation that will diminish the signs of aging.  And if that wasn’t enough Bee Venom is also known to be comprised of 21 naturally occurring components such as enzymes, amino acids, and peptides.

So, if you want to find out what the BUZZ is all about by adding “Nature’s Botox,” AKA Bee Venom to trick your skin into thinking it’s been stung which causes it to plump and tighten continue reading.

For this post, I partnered up with Venofye, one of the brands capitalizing on the power of bee venom. Venofye sent me some products in their Queen Bee Collection, which consists of a moisturizer, Vitamin C serum, facial peel, and eye cream.

Now, I’ve been using these products for about two weeks and while at first I was a bit scared to try them as I am allergic to bees I was interested in the effectiveness of these products, and I must say that I am loving them.

Venofye Queen Bee Facial Peel
First up is my all-time favorite in this skincare line, the Queen Bee Facial Peel. This stuff is the bee’s knees! It literally sloughs off your dead skin cells which you can visibly see when using it. I was very intrigued by this sloughing action and did some research on it. While this is called a peel, it is actually a gentle physical exfoliant, like a scrub, not a chemical exfoliant, as that would probably burn the skin! So no worries this is safe on the skin.

So how does this work? The fibers that form from the ingredients "ball up" with the rubbing motion on your skin.  This combined with the oils, dirt and dead skin cells are what is creating this balling action, it is pretty cool. While it is intense, it is gentle on the skin, leaving my skin feeling refreshed, brighter and rejuvenated.

I am hooked on this product and will most certainly be adding this to my weekly skincare routine.

Venofye Vitamin C Serum
The changes our skin has over the years requires a great skincare must-have product, and for me, it is the anti-aging superstar, Vitamin C serum!  You see, the younger we are the more vitamin C we have in our skin.  But as we get older our skin changes, aside from natural aging and stress, we are also exposing ourselves to tons environmental factors!

Some of these factors include dirt, dust, makeup, sweat, parabens and other products and preservatives that can severely disrupt our body’s natural processes, which leads to premature aging.  However, by adding a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine, you can help protect our skin against these age provoking dangers.

And the remarkable thing about the Vitamin C serum from the Queen B collection is that it’s formulated with two forms of Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Ascorbyl Palmitate). These ingredients combined with the bee venom further strengthens our skins durability, enabling us to achieve a better, healthy complexion as well as helping to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Venofye Day Moisturizer
This daytime moisturizer is lightweight and works in combination with the Vitamin C Serum.  Due to the rare combination of ingredients in this moisturizer and the cost, I did not want to waste it. Hence,  I applied it with my Michael Todd Beauty Sonic Eraser Pro as the last thing I want to do is to waste this fantastic moisturizer on my fingers. 

I will tell you that with this moisturizer I could feel a tingly effect of the bee venom, but it left my skin with a luminous glow.

 
The Royal Jelly Bee Eye Firming Cream
It’s time to be treated like royalty and help get rid those designer bags, as I call them under my eyes with this eye firming cream.

This firming eye cream is formulated with some other excellent ingredients like caffeine, Shea butter, vitamin E and green tea all in which help to energize the skin under your eyes and diminish the look of puffiness and other issues you may have. This too I could feel some tingly and tightening when using, which to me is a plus, as I could feel it in action.

BONUS:
Now if Bee Venom wasn’t crazy enough, this skincare line has a special guest to join the bees… A snake! Now, no worries as there are no bites involved, but just snake venom, that can help in preventing and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  So stay tuned, as I will be sharing with you some details on this Viperlift product on my Instagram page!



So, there you have it another post in my what the heck series. And beauties, for those of you who want to feel like the younger queen bee, then come spoil yourself with the Venofye Queen Bee Collection! 

Oh, and no worries there are no bees harmed while extracting the bee venom. Venofye is 100% animal-friendly and is entirely against any cruelty towards animals, and none of their products have been tested on animals.

Have some questions on Bee Venom and the benefits, make sure to leave them below or check out Venofye FAQ here.