Natural Health and Herbal Remedies Blog

Enriched or whole-grain breads, cereals, pastas, and flours should be purchased. Enriched white bread is the least expensive way to purchase bread. Day-old bread, when available, is somewhat reduced in price. Many specialty breads that contain butter, stone-ground flour, honey, raisins, or other flavor ingredients and sweet breads and rolls are considerably more expensive. Many homemakers today find much satisfaction in baking their own breads and rolls.

Cooked breakfast cereals are usually less expensive than dry breakfast cereals. For variety, some of each should be used. When selecting cereals, compare the nutritive values of one serving of one kind or brand of cereal with another. Some cereals contain appreciably more iron and B-complex vitamins than do others. Also compare the cost per unit price. Unit prices are posted directly below the display of each brand of cereals. For cereals the unit price is expressed as cost per pound. Finally, compare the list of ingredients. Some sugar-coated cereals are not only more costly than plain cereals, but a significant percentage of the calories are derived from sugar that supplies no minerals or vitamins.

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First, you have to get a suitable brush. The best brush for a massage is a natural bristle brush about the size of your hand, or larger if you can get it. Unfortunately, it is more and more difficult to find a natural bristle brush, especially in the United States. The brush should have a long handle so you can reach all parts of your body. If you cannot find a natural bristle brush right away, but are anxious to start the dry brush program immediately, the following can be quite satisfactory:

• A regular, inexpensive natural plant-fiber vegetable brush which you can get at any drug store or hardware store.

• A coarse bath glove of twisted hogs’ hair.

• A loofah mitt, a coarse natural sponge.

Warning: Do not use nylon or synthetic fiber brushes – they are too sharp and may damage the skin.

Another tip: It is advisable to start out with a less harsh brush, and brush gently at first, until your skin is “seasoned”, then start using a coarser brush.

Starting with the soles of your feet, brush vigorously making rotary motions, and massage every part of your body. Press brush against your body as much as you can comfortably stand. Sensitivity of the skin varies, of course, with every individual. Some can stand much harder brushing than others. Also, the various parts of the body vary in sensitivity. The face, the inner part of the thighs, the abdomen and the chest are the most sensitive parts. Brush in this order: first feet and legs, then hands and arms, the back, abdomen, chest and neck.

Brush until your skin becomes rosy, warm and glowing. Five to ten minutes is the average time, although some people like to brush longer. But do not scrub all your skin off! Everything is best in moderation, including your dry brush massage.

The best time for dry brush massage is upon arising in the morning and again before going to bed.

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