Tropical Health

This All-Natural Kitchen Cleaning Ingredient Is All You Need

By Susan Patterson

Ah vinegar, would it be a stretch to call it a miracle-worker? This acidic liquid is my go-to for so many things in the home that I always have some on hand. Need a quick hair rinse to get rid of built-up product residue? Apple cider vinegar has your back. Are you searching for the perfect base for your homemade salad dressing? Any vinegar will cut through the oil and give it the perfect kick. Do you need a cleaning product that won’t harm you and your family but will still eliminate nasty bacteria? Look no further. 

The alternative health world has shied away from commercial cleaning products for some time. And with good reason. Those harmful concoctions are filled with toxic chemicals that can disrupt hormones, cause allergic reactions, and contribute to chronic respiratory issues. Thankfully, vinegar is the perfect solution for your kitchen woes. Turn away from toxins and embrace the powerful disinfectant properties of white vinegar for kitchen cleaning. 

In case you aren’t convinced, the acetic acid in vinegar makes it incredibly effective at breaking down molds, grease, and bacteria (your worst kitchen enemies). Plus, the acidity of vinegar also serves as a mild antiseptic that can actually prevent the growth of certain bacteria. 

Remember, essential oils are your friend. Use your favorite ones to cut through the vinegar smell and enjoy a fresh, clean scent. No harsh fragrances needed. 

Sink cleaner

Use a simple 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water to disinfect your kitchen sink. After all, it does play host to raw meat drippings, greasy films, and filthy dishes. You don’t want that harmful bacteria sticking around. 

Greasy stovetop

Vinegar is an excellent tool for getting rid of grease and grime that builds up on your stovetop. Even if you are careful to wipe it down after every meal, eventually, your stove will need a good deep clean. Spray a diluted vinegar and water solution liberally over the stove, let sit for 10 minutes, and rinse with a warm, soapy rag. Dry with a clean rag or paper towels, and your stove will be as good as new. 

Microwave rescuer

If you have a microwave, you are well aware of how nasty it can get. Add some water to a large microwave-safe bowl and put in a few tablespoons of vinegar. Set the microwave on high for 4 minutes and wipe clean. The steam will loosen caked-on food and grease and make your job so much easier.

Some experts believe that this could risk superheating the liquid, which could cause the bowl to explode. So to play it safe, place a toothpick or wooden spoon in the water to give a release for air bubbles. 

Dishwasher

Dump a cup of vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher (not the door) and run one normal cycle without dishes. This will cleanse your dishwasher and help loosen any debris or mineral buildup. 

Garbage can 

Your trashcan can quickly start to stink. And no, covering up the odor with scented trash bags is not the solution. Instead, spray down the inside with a vinegar, water, and essential oil solution after you take out the trash. Wipe it clean with paper towels and you’re good to go. 

Tea kettle and coffee maker

Have you ever noticed a white residue buildup on the bottom of your tea kettle? This is due to hard water mineral deposits and can be cleaned easily by boiling water and a few tablespoons of vinegar. Rinse it well and allow it to air dry to help get rid of the vinegar scent. 

For coffee pots, run diluted vinegar through where you would normally put the water. Run a few extra cycles to rinse out any lingering vinegar. 

Antibacterial Countertop Cleaner

Use this handy spray to disinfect countertops before and after cooking and kill any nasty, lingering bacteria. Grapefruit and tea tree oils add an extra antibacterial boost, however, if you don’t like the scent, you can mix and match essential oils as you please, and the end result will still be just as effective. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 8 drops tea tree oil
  • 8 drops grapefruit essential oil
  • Measuring cup
  • 16 oz empty spray bottle

Instructions:

  1. Pour all ingredients into spray bottle and screw on the lid. Shake well to combine
  2. Shake before using, spray onto area counters and wipe with a clean, damp cloth. 

What is your favorite way to clean with vinegar in the kitchen? Let us know in the comments below!

-Susan Patterson

Is 5G Really Safe: The Truth May Surprise You

By Susan Patterson

It seems like there’s always some new “life-changing” technology about to be unveiled and introduced to the world. Most of the time, these changes are minor and rarely impact your day-to-day life. Or, they’re so gradual that they can be hard to notice until hindsight is in your favor. One new development, however, surrounds something you use every day and carry around in your pocket…your smartphone. As cell networks become increasingly crowded with excessive data traffic, installing the 5th generation of cellular technology has become a priority. Some people believe that 5G networks could damage your health…do you need to be concerned?

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What is Monk Fruit Extract and is it Really Healthy?

By Susan Patterson

You’ve heard of Stevia, xylitol, honey, and numerous other natural, healthy sugar substitutes. You’ve probably also heard of things like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, chemically created artificial sweeteners that have been banned numerous times due to carcinogenic connections. In this world of naturally sweet, artificially sweet, pure sugar, low-calorie, and no-calorie, finding the right way to sweeten your morning cup of joe can seem like a complicated equation. In case you weren’t confused enough already, there’s now another contender on the scene…monk fruit. So what is this sweetener, and is it actually healthy? Let’s break it down. 

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The Real Truth Behind Coffee Enemas

By Susan Patterson

If you’ve never heard of a coffee enema, there’s no need to worry. You aren’t missing out on the latest and greatest health trend. Though proponents of this practice claim that a coffee enema could change your life, the “scientific evidence” that they quote is virtually nonexistent. So what exactly is a coffee enema, and why would anyone ever do one? Let’s dig into the stinky truth of this weird fad. 

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Surprising Benefits of a Sauna for Mind and Body

By Susan Patterson

Spending time in a sauna is certainly not a new practice. Stretching back thousands of years, these hot closets have been used in many cultures for religious ceremonies, health, socializing, and relaxation. They are popular, inexpensive (often free with a gym membership), and provide a wealth of health benefits. Take advantage of this amazing, time and science-proven tradition today…here’s why.

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This is How Often You Should Replace Your Kitchen Sponge and Why

By Susan Patterson

Your trusty friend against that stuck on pasta sauce and your staunchest supporter in the fight for spotless drinking glasses. The kitchen sponge is your go-to tool for keeping a handle on that ever-growing pile of dishes in your sink and maintaining some level of control over your cooking oasis. However, sometimes the things we love can turn against us…It’s time to take a closer look at that sponge and find out just how often you should unwrap a new one. Hint: It’s more often than you think. 

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Are You in the High-Risk Flu Group? Here’s How to tell

By Susan Patterson

There is nothing fun about the flu. It interrupts your daily life and leaves you feeling sore, achy, feverish, and fatigued for a few days. If you’re extra lucky, you’ll even get to experience sore throat, coughing, and chills along with your other symptoms. For most people, the flu is a minor inconvenience that simply means a sick day curled up on the couch with a bowl of soup and a cup of tea. Yes, you’ll likely be miserable, but there’s nothing life-threatening to be worried about. For others, contracting the flu could be deadly. It is essential to know if you are in the high-risk flu group so that you can take proper precautions. Here’s how to tell.

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Why You Crave Sugar and How to Stop

By Susan Patterson

It’s 3 pm, and you can practically hear that candy bar in your desk calling your name. All you can think about is the sweet, crunchy toffee wrapped in a layer of creamy chocolate. We’ve all been there. But why do we get urges like this, and how can you avoid giving in? Read on to find out the truth behind sugar cravings.

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Eat More Pumpkin: Here’s Why

By Susan Patterson

Ah, fall. As the leaves change and flutter to the ground and the cool autumn breeze blows through bare braches, there’s something other than fresh air coming on the wind. Pumpkin. Or, more specifically, pumpkin-flavored everything. Bread, cookies, cakes, and the oh-so-famous pumpkin spice latte. Children shrieking with joy as they carefully select their favorite pumpkin from the patch, and pies with extra helpings of whipped cream garnishing the Thanksgiving table. This iconic orange fruit (yes, it’s actually a fruit) has a lot more to offer than fond memories and sugary treats, however. In fact, it may be just what you need to kick off your healthy holiday season.

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5 Seeds You Need to Be Eating Now (and ways to eat more)

By Susan Patterson

Seeds are incredibly versatile superfoods that can be added easily to your diet with powerful results. Enjoy these little, yet mighty, plant foods daily to boost your health and receive critical vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Not to mention, seeds are incredibly flavorful! These are the top 5 seeds you need to be enjoying and quick ways to eat more. 

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