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The 7 Pillars of Self-Care

Self-care is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days. When you hear it, you probably think about bubble baths and spa days. And while those are wonderful too, self-care is about much more. It's a holistic practice that nurtures every part of our being - from the inside, out. The International Self-Care Foundation lays out 7 Pillars of Self-Care so foster overall health. Let's explore them together!


Pillar 1: Knowledge & Health Literacy


Pillar 1 focuses on education. Understanding health information and having strong health literacy skills allows you to make informed decisions about your health choices and habits. People with strong health literacy skills enjoy better health and wellbeing, while those with weaker skills are prone to engage in riskier behaviours that can damage their health.


This can range from simple things, like doing your research on health diagnoses, self-care practices, nutritional information, exercise practices, etc. It also includes distinguishing 'good' information from 'bad', healthy choices from unhealthy.


Knowing credible sources to find health information is crucial. Healthline, PubMed, Environmental Working Group, and the National Centre for Biotechnology Information are all sources with articles backed by research and reviewed by medical and scientific professionals.


Our Health Tips page is full of articles on various health concerns, herbs, supplements, diets, exercises, and more. They are based on our almost 50 years of experience in the health and wellness industry.


Our Wellness On Purpose Program and Podcast are great sources of wellness information. The Program is FREE, online, self-paced, and led by Nutritionist, Marissa Laughlin - covering Nutrition, Stress, and Sleep featuring other leaders in the wellness space like Kinesiologists, Massage Therapists, and Yoga Instructors. The Wellness on Purpose Podcast has been airing since 2019 and has tons of amazing episodes discussing aspects of health and wellness such as digestion, mental health, fertility, nutrition, and more featuring brand and industry leaders, doctors, and nutritionists!

Pillar 2: Mental Wellbeing


Pillar 2 is all about your mental health. It is important to care for your mind and take steps to foster positive mental health. Mental wellbeing includes things like life satisfaction, optimism, self-esteem, feeling in control, and a sense of belonging. It also includes self-awareness about one's own health and making efforts to better it. In other words, knowing how you are feeling, both mentally and physically, and taking steps to meet those needs.


There are plenty of ways to take care of your mental wellbeing, such as yoga, meditation, journalling, seeking the help of a professional (like a doctor or therapist), exercise, hobbies, community, and spirituality. Everyone's approach to fostering a positive mindset is different, because our brains all work differently.


We have some previous blog posts on Self-Love, Herbs for Anxiety, Managing Stress, and Managing Depression - have a read, try some things out, and find what works best for you!


Remember: there is no shame in admitting you need help, and there are many resources available to you. Here is a list.


Pillar 3: Physical Activity


Daily movement is essential for both your physical and mental health. Exercise (in any form) helps to reduce the risk of common health concerns, improve energy, expands lifespan, improves mental health, promotes sleep, manages weight, and more.


While you may not think of exercise as self-care, it really is. It is beneficial for every single part of your body and mind. Here are some facts:



There are so many ways to get active! Yoga, pilates, karate, walking, running, dancing, VILPA, swimming - they all get your heart rate up and your blood pumping!

Pillar 4: Healthy Eating


You are what you eat! Eating nutritious, whole foods is such an important part of self-care. An unhealthy diet is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and generally poor health. Whether you choose to follow a specific diet or way of eating such as veganism or the paleo diet, is up to you. However, you don't have to follow a specific diet to eat healthy.


Here are some general suggestions for healthy eating:


  • Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water daily. Chlorine destroys beneficial gut flora and can interfere with iodine absorption.

  • Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming.

  • Go organic. Eliminate pesticides and other chemicals from your home.

  • Focus on antioxidants.

  • Enjoy fermented foods regularly.

  • Use unrefined oils such as olive oil, coconut and MCT oils, sesame oil, and avocado oil.

  • Consume 1-3 tablespoons of flax, hemp, or chia seeds daily.

  • Use sparingly: whole sea salt, natural sweeteners, organic soy and dairy products, organic grains containing gluten, coffee, and alcohol.



If you are looking for information on specific diets, check out our Diet Guides page. Also check out our Recipes page for lots of nutritious and delicious meal ideas!


Pillar 5: Risk Avoidance


Let's talk about risk mitigation and avoidance. Essentially, this involves reducing and/or avoiding behaviours and activities that can cause you harm. This involves things like not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, protecting yourself from the sun, practicing safe sex, wearing a helmet while biking, and driving safely.


It also links back to the first pillar, Knowledge, as risk avoidance includes understanding risks to your health, such as eating a lot of processed foods, in order to avoid them.


Self-care is as much about what we do not do, as what we do.


We have some helpful tips to help you quit smoking and manage alcohol addition.


Pillar 6: Good Hygiene


While this may seem obvious, practicing good hygiene is essential. You may not realize just how many aspects of our health that hygiene impacts. It protects our physical health by reducing the spread of disease and bacteria. It helps our mental health by promoting a sense of calm and organization in our work and home environments.


Something important to us when it comes to hygiene is understanding the ingredients in the personal hygiene and household cleaning products you are using. Many traditional skin, hair, and body care products contain ingredients like petroleum, sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, triclosan, formaldehyde which have been found to cause cancer, disrupt hormones, and contribute to other health issues. The same goes for traditional cleaning products. Ingredients like ammonia, chlorine, phosphates, phthalates, and other chemicals are dangerous not only to our environment and water systems, but to our health.


We have a wide selection of safe and biodegradable personal and household care products from trusted brands like Wildcraft skincare, Carina Organics, Natracare, Biovert, Dr. Bronner's, and EcoMax in our stores!

Pillar 7: Self-Care Products & Services


Making use of products and services to boost your wellness is always an option if you feel like you need some extra support. Massage therapy, facials, yoga classes, supplements, essential oils, chiropractors, and nutritionists are all examples of products and services that can promote wellbeing.


If you are lacking disposable income, there are lots of free and inexpensive services available in our community. As mentioned, our Wellness on Purpose Program and Podcast are free and super accessible sources of wellness information. Community events and fairs that are free to attend, like Peterborough VegFest, are great ways to learn about what is available in our community. Summer Soul, a wonderful yoga studio, is hosting free outdoor yoga sessions this August in Downtown Peterborough.


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This information is not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription medication. The kidneys are an amazing organ system! In Traditional Chinese Medicine they are considered, along with the adrenal glands, a master organ. They perform the critical functions of capturing and recycling nutrients and eliminating liquid acidic waste. When the kidneys fail to perform this detoxification, patients must have their blood filtered through renal dialysis. A Healing Diet - This mirrors recommendations from studies done on kidney function: Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water. Chloride is a potential carcinogen and potentially damaging to the kidneys as well as the entire body. Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. A urine pH maintained in the range of 6.5-7.4 allows your kidneys to readily eliminate acid waste. Chemical free, organic foods are the safest for kidney health. Make vegetables, fruit, raw seeds, nuts, legumes, beans, and wholegrains the mainstays of your diet. Limit red meat and sweeteners. Studies show a whole food plant based diet and the Mediterranean diet can benefit patients with chronic kidney disease. Fermented foods improve digestion and have a positive effect on pH levels. Apple cider vinegar used as a condiment or mixed in water with meals aids in assimilating nutrients, corrects pH, and dissolves calcium and acid crystal deposits. Replace salt with Herbamare for full flavour but 1/3 the sodium. The combination of whole sea salt with other herbs provides a better sodium/potassium ratio. Cook gently. High heat causes acrylamides and advanced glycation end products, both risk factor in type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Basic Supplements – to avoid common deficiencies Bio-Strath – 100% digestible whole food tonic, providing B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and cofactors. Used by more staff at Jo Anne’s than any other supplement. Buffered vitamin C during fall and winter months. A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and degeneration. Vitamin D 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000. A steroid hormone precursor that reduces inflammation and the risk of infection. Magnesium – has over 300 biochemical functions. Essential fatty acids – anti-inflammatory, help regulate blood pressure and a deficiency is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Probiotics – intermittent use to strengthen the immune system and correct pH Dietary Aids for Kidney Health - Special foods with science backed benefits: In studies ginger, garlic, and onions improved symptoms of kidney disease and increased renal function. Regular consumption could provide significant protection. Watermelon is 92% alkaline water which helps flush the urinary system of stored toxins. It supports the liver to process ammonia thus easing the strain on the kidneys. Finally, it can actually be used to dissolve kidney stones! Some people perform a watermelon fast one day a week, eating only melon wedges when hungry. Urine testing is a convenient way to monitor chemistry. The best time to check is in the morning prior to consuming food or drinks (other than water). If it’s initially difficult to achieve readings between 6.5-7.4 take 1-2 AlkaPure pH capsules upon rising. Once optimum readings are achieved, test periodically. Special Supplements for Kidneys - For an annual or biannual kidney cleanse: Astragalus – numerous studies show this herb has a protective effect on kidneys, liver, and spleen. It is also used in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and immune disorders. It has been shown to slow tumor growth and significantly extend the lives of those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation. Nettle is a wonderful cleansing herb for the kidneys. It also helps with all conditions related to inflammation, including arthritis and allergies. Burdock provides a whole body detox by increasing urine output and drawing out stored toxins. It is a natural option to use instead of prescription diuretics but consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are already on diuretics before making a change. Exercise, fresh air, deep breathing with complete exhalation all benefit the kidneys. For those days that you’re pressed for time perform the 4-minute workout by Dr Zack Bush. This easy routine performed 2-3 times boosts nitric oxide production and kidney function. See it online. Following the diet and basic supplement suggestions should have a beneficial effect on your kidneys and your overall health. One of the biggest changes you hopefully will notice is an increase in energy level. Keep a journal to track your progress. *Revised July 2023
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