What Period Blood Color Can Tell You About Your Health

by

When it comes to periods, there is a quite a bit of variation within the boundaries of what’s considered “normal”. From age of onset to cycle length and length of bleeding, everyone is a bit different. So sometimes it can be hard to know when your experience is normal. Your period can actually tell you a lot about your hormonal health. Even your period blood color can provide insight.

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, a woman’s menstrual patterns provide valuable insight to overall health. In fact, they recommend that including an evaluation of the menstrual cycle as an additional vital sign can provide data regarding a patient’s overall health status. But what exactly is normal when it comes to the menstrual (bleeding) phase of a girl’s period?

Period Blood Color and What it Means

Period blood varies from pinkish to red and all shades in between, brown and even gray. Here’s a run-down of what the colors may indicate.

Red

For most women, red blood is the textbook version of an ideal, healthy period. The blood may be very thin (like cherry Kool Aide) or a bit thicker like Jell-O that hasn’t set.

Pink

Sometimes when your flow is light, your blood may appear more pinkish. This is usually due to the blood being watered down by cervical mucus and is nothing to worry about. If, however, your blood is consistently light pink, especially during your heaviest days, it may be a sign of low estrogen level.

Exercise may play a part because low estrogen levels are common among athletes. Other causes of low estrogen include nutrient deficiency, such as those associated with eating disorders, and hormonal shifts as one approaches menopause. Additionally, low estrogen may be an indication of a low-functioning pituitary gland.

Brown

Brown period blood color is also somewhat common. This is a sign of oxidation and simply means the blood is old and has been sitting in the uterus. It is likely just the remains of last month’s period that didn’t get completely shed.

Brown bleeding is most common at the beginning or end of a woman’s period, after giving birth, and with women using contraceptives such as an IUD or the pill. Rarely, brown spotting can occur shortly after implantation when you become pregnant.

Most of the time, brown period blood is not a cause for concern. However, it can also indicate the presence of ovarian cysts, fibroid tumors, or endometriosis. If you consistently have brown bleeding that is more than just a bit of spotting at times during your period, or if you suspect you are pregnant and see brown blood, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare professional.

Very Dark Red to Black

Black bleeding is less common, but still remains within the realm of normal. Black blood is similar to brown and has been in the uterus or vagina longer. It can also result from a very sluggish cycle. Black blood can be a warning sign during pregnancy, as black blood may indicate a miscarriage.

Blood Clots

Although not a color variation, many women experience clots during their periods. While some clotting is normal and nothing to worry about, large clumps accompanied by a very heavy flow may indicate an underlying issue. if you notice clots larger than the size of a quarter, it may be time to check your hormone levels. Large or frequent clots can be an indication of low progesterone and/or high estrogen levels or fibroids.

Gray

Gray blood is uncommon and definitely warrants a visit to your doctor. This is because grayish bleeding usually indicates infection. For example, bacterial vaginosis (BV) causes a grayish discharge and a foul fishy odor. This may be more noticeable just before or just after your period. Other common symptoms to look out for include vaginal itching, swelling, and a burning sensation when urinating.

Period Products with Peace of Mind

No matter your period blood color, your period can be a major inconvenience. The struggle is real to find products that work and are comfortable and safe. What with the chemicals in tampons and pads, we all need a safer alternative. Several months ago, I started using Thinx period underwear, and they have totally transformed my periods! For real, if you haven’t tried Thinx, you won’t believe how comfortable and effective they really are.

But don’t take my word for it. Thinx offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase. Plus, use this link to get $10 off your first pair!

Beginner’s Guide to Ayurveda

by

When it comes to our wellness, too often people evaluate and treat symptoms as a means of measuring overall health. The problem with this approach is that it so often ignores the underlying or root causes of the true issue. Ayurveda is an approach to health and wellness that takes every facet of a person into consideration. For this reason, I was drawn to learn more about it. So let’s start with learning about the basics of Ayurveda.

First and foremost, what is Ayurveda?

The name “Ayurveda” comes from two Sanskrit words: ayuh meaning “life” or “longevity” and veda meaning “science” or “knowledge.” Thus, Ayurveda is “the science of longevity” or “the knowledge of life.”

Ayurveda represents a holistic approach to healing. It seeks to understand deeper causes of health conditions to discover the primary cause of an ailment. This includes evaluating diet, lifestyle, genetics, emotions and energetic imbalance. The primary focus of Ayurvedic practice is abiding by a healthy lifestyle and conscious prevention of illness. This is because it is always preferable to avoid an illness or treat it in its early stages, rather than allowing it to develop.

An Ayurvedic approach examines a person as an interconnected complex of body, vital energy, mind and soul. Rather than focusing on symptoms, it seeks to evaluate imbalances of these forces, which precede every dis-ease. A symptom provides a warning of an imbalance and indicates a need for a deeper level of correction. In this way, the goal in Ayurveda is to restore a natural state of harmony in the body. When this harmony is achieved, it manifests as mental and physical health.

The Basic Principles of Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, every individual is made up of five primary elements: ether (space), air, fire, water and earth. Just as seen in nature, we possess these five elements within us. When these elements become imbalanced in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. Factors such as the foods we eat and the weather influences these elements to create or disrupt balance.

Doshas

In Ayurveda, three doshas exist to describe a person’s mental and physical characteristics: pitta, vata, and kapha. Each person has a unique ratio of each of these three doshas (prakriti), which is determined at conception. All three doshas exist in everyone, but the ratio among them varies from one person to the next. Each dosha thrives under a specific diet, lifestyle, and exercise regimen. An imbalance can lead to illness and dis-ease.

Before we get too far into that, here is a brief overview of the essential nature of each dosha.

Vata Dosha

Energy: Vata derives from the elements of ether and air. It is the energy of movement. The balanced Vata individual is active, creative, and outgoing with a natural ability to express and communicate. Common signs of Vata imbalance include anxiety and disorders related to dryness, such as dry skin and constipation.

Vata Qualities: dry, rough, light, cold, subtle, and mobile

Characteristics: Physiologically, Vata governs bodily processes related to movement, such as breathing, talking, nerve impulses, muscle movements, circulation, assimilation of food, elimination, urination, and menstruation. Psychologically, Vata governs communication, creativity, flexibility, and joy.

Pitta Dosha

Energy: Pitta derives from the elements of fire and water. It is the energy of digestion and metabolism in the body. The balanced Pitta individual exhibits a joyful disposition, as well as a sharp intellect, courage and drive. When imbalanced, anger, rage, and bitterness can result. Common physical manifestations of an imbalance include burning infection, heartburn, inflammation, rashes and fever. 

Pitta Qualities: oily, sharp, hot, light, moving, liquid, and acidic

Characteristics: Physiologically, Pitta provides the body with heat and energy through metabolism. It also governs processes related to transformation throughout the mind and body. Psychologically, Pitta governs courage, willpower, anger, jealousy, and ambition. 

Kapha Dosha

Energy: Kapha derives from the elements of earth and water. When balanced, Kapha-dominant individuals are calm, compassionate, and patient. An imbalance may cause withdrawal, depression, and low energy, as well as obesity, inflammation, or congestion.

Kapha Qualities: moist, cold, heavy, dull, soft, sticky, slow and static

Characteristics: Physiologically, Kapha lubricates joints, stores energy, and relates to fluid balance and growth. Psychologically, Kapha governs love, patience, forgiveness, greed, attachment, and memory. 

Understanding Your Constitution

Your Ayurvedic body type, or prakriti, is established at conception and remains constant throughout your lifetime. It represents your natural state of equilibrium and homeostasis. Your constitution governs your physiology, likes and dislikes, tendencies and habits, character, and your vulnerabilities toward imbalance and disease.

Health is the optimal state of harmonious body functioning. It represents a balance among vata, pitta, and kapha according to a person’s prakriti. So you see, the Ayurvedic approach to healing is to restore the balance within each individual.

Approach to Ayurvedic Healing

Ayurveda places an emphasis on prevention and seeks to treat the cause of an illness, as opposed to the symptom(s). It focuses on getting to the root of the problem, supporting the immune system, and minimizing stress that often leads to imbalances and illness.

Among the basics of Ayurveda are diet and exercise. For example, balance is often accomplished through diet and food combinations specific to each prakriti. Additionally, the incorporation of yoga can produce a cooling or heating effect on the body. Learning yoga from an Ayurvedic perspective can help you determine which poses would bring optimal wellness.

Ready to Determine Your Dosha?

Take this simple quiz to find out your dosha and begin incorporating the basics of Ayurveda in your lifestyle!

How To Wash Thinx

by

I love Thinx for many reasons. One major reason on that list is the ease of caring for each pair of these awesome period proof panties. So many people are hung up on this, so here’s a run-down of how to wash Thinx panties.

The Choice is Yours

Caring for your Thinx is just as easy as using them. You can hand-wash them or throw them in the washer.

Hand Washing

If you choose to hand wash your Thinx, you can use lukewarm or room temperature water. First rinse the underwear until the water runs clear. Then use a mild soap to clean them thoroughly. Be gentle, and do not wring or twist the garments too much. Of course you’ll want to make sure to rinse completely before hanging them up to dry.

Machine Washing

If you’d rather wash your Thinx in the washing machine, wash them on cold. Friendly tip: Washing your undergarments on the delicate cycle will preserve them for many menstrual cycles. You can even wash other clothes on this cycle; they’ll be totally fine.

While some people worry about staining or safety, it’s actually completely hygienic to wash your Thinx with your other clothing. However, if you’re still worried about combining all of your laundry, you can always give your underwear a quick rinse before tossing them in the washer. If you decide to go this route, make sure they dry fully before throwing in your laundry basket.

Handle with Care

Make sure you don’t dry your Thinx in a clothes dryer. Your Thinx should hang dry for several hours or over night. Pairs that are for heavy flow days may take longer to dry than the thinner pairs for light days.

Treat your Thinx like any other pair of underwear or bra. The better that you care for them, the longer they will last for many periods to come.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, come learn 8 Ways Thinx Makes Your Period More Bearable! Or come get your first risk-free pair with this $10 off coupon!

The Healing Power of Music

by

Humans seem to have a universal bond with music. Music can trigger an emotional response, provide a creative outlet for self expression, and distract our brains from the stresses of the world. So much so that many providers use music as a therapeutic tool to assist with healing. The healing powers of music extend far beyond just emotional healing.

Many practitioners who utilize music therapy believe music works its magic through rhythms. Humans are rhythmic beings. Our heartbeat, breathing, and brain waves are all rhythmic. The human brain and nervous system are hard-wired to distinguish music from noise and respond to rhythm, repetition, tones and tunes.

Eases Depression

This is something we learn from a very early age. Think about mothers singing to their newborn babies. This is not only a way of expressing love and affection, it also increases a sense of security. A beautiful melody or poignant lyrics can help improve mood, but there’s actually more to it than just that.

The vibration that comes from music actually triggers your brain to release dopamine, the happy hormone. At the same time, it decreases the production of the stress hormone cortisol.

Improves Memory and Cognition

Most likely, everyone reading this post learned the ABC’s by singing a song. There’s a reason why a melody can help the brain retain information. Listening to or performing music activates areas of the brain associated with memory, reasoning, speech, emotion, and reward. Again, this goes back to how vibrational frequencies stimulate the brain.

A study of dementia sufferers showed that listening to and/or singing music improved mood, orientation, memory, executive function, and general cognition. Likewise, Alzheimer’s patients experienced marked improvement through music therapy. An example of this can be seen in the 2014 documentary, Alive Inside. The film documents numerous breakthroughs of Alzheimer’s patients in response to music.

Decreases Pain

Numerous studies show the benefits of music to alleviating pain. Many physicians report positive results for decreasing pain associated with chronic disease, such as fibromyalgia or cancer. Other studies show the benefits of music before, after and even during surgery. Music may also help decrease women’s stress, anxiety, and pain during labor.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

The rhythms of music can be therapeutic to the muscles and nerves that control the heart. One review showed the potential of music to effect changes in heart rate and heart rate variability, lower cerebral flow, and decrease cortisol levels. Interestingly, researchers found that classical music produced the most favorable results on cardiovascular health.

Balances the Body’s Energetic Field

Every electromagnetic energy center, or chakra, responds to various frequencies. One popular technique is the solfeggio frequency. This employs isochronic repetitive beats or pulses that stimulate specific brain waves. Because every nerve in the body connects to the brain, this can bring balance and healing throughout the body. The healing power of music has much to do with its ability to restore balance.

Boosts Immunity

When you decrease stress, support cognitive health, and decrease pain, your immune system takes a sigh of relief. Music modulates the immune response by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, lymphocytes and interferon-γ.

No Prescription Required

One of the greatest things about music therapy is that there’s nothing to lose. Unlike most interventions, music therapy is free and easy for anyone to experience. So if you’re feeling stressed out, suffering from pain or anxiety, or just want to sharpen your cognitive skills, turn on the radio and soak in the healing power of music.

To learn more about the Healing Powers of Music, check out this podcast episode, Music that Matters.

Interested in ways to increase your natural immunity? Check out this post!