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text 2024-08-14 06:57
The Power of Antioxidants: Battling Free Radical Damage for Better Health

Have you ever wondered why antioxidants are such a popular topic in health and nutrition? These mighty molecules play a crucial role in protecting our bodies from the damage caused by free radicals, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Let's explore the fascinating world of antioxidants and uncover their significance in maintaining our health.

Understanding Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to cell damage. These beneficial substances are found in various foods and are essential for maintaining optimal health. They protect our cells by neutralising free radicals, thereby preventing potential damage.

The Mechanism of Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules produced naturally in the body as a byproduct of metabolic processes. They can also be introduced through external sources such as pollution, radiation, and cigarette smoke. Due to their instability, free radicals seek out electrons from other molecules, causing a chain reaction of damage.

The Impact of Free Radicals on the Body

Once free radicals overpower the body’s ability to control them, oxidative stress happens. This imbalance can lead to cell and tissue damage, contributing to a range of health problems including inflammation, accelerated ageing, and chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

The Interplay Between Antioxidants and Free Radicals

Antioxidants neutralise free radicals by donating an electron, effectively stopping the chain reaction of damage. This process helps to protect cells and reduce oxidative stress. The body produces some antioxidants naturally, but we also need to obtain them from our diet to maintain adequate levels.

Nutrient-Rich Foods High in Antioxidants

Eating a varied diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods is one of the best ways to support your health. Some of the top sources include:

  • Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanins.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds provide vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant.
  • Vegetables: Leafy greens, tomatoes, and bell peppers are excellent sources of various antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamin C.
  • Whole Grains: Foods like oats and brown rice are rich in antioxidants such as selenium and zinc.
  • Dark Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants.

 

Different Types of Antioxidants in Your Diet

Dietary antioxidants come in many forms, each playing unique roles in maintaining health:

  • Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and broccoli, vitamin C is essential for skin health and immune function.
  • Vitamin E: Present in nuts, seeds, and spinach, this antioxidant protects cell membranes from damage.
  • Beta-Carotene: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which is vital for vision and immune health.
  • Flavonoids: Abundant in fruits, vegetables, tea, and dark chocolate, flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties.
  • Selenium: A mineral found in Brazil nuts, fish, and whole grains, selenium plays a critical role in DNA synthesis and protection from oxidative damage.

 

Considering Antioxidant Supplements

While getting antioxidants from whole foods is the best approach, supplements can be beneficial in certain situations. However, it’s important to approach supplements with caution. High doses of antioxidants can have adverse effects and may interfere with certain medications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

 

Moving Forward

Understanding the role of antioxidants in fighting free radical damage highlights the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. By including a variety of antioxidant-rich foods in your meals, you can enhance your body’s defence against oxidative stress and promote better overall health. Share your thoughts, tips, and experiences in the comments below—your journey can inspire others to embrace a healthier lifestyle too.

 

Frequently Asked Questions


Can antioxidants help prevent chronic diseases?

Antioxidants can help reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to the development of chronic diseases. While they are not a cure, they can play a supportive role in disease prevention when included as part of a balanced diet.


Are there any risks associated with taking antioxidant supplements?

Yes, taking high doses of antioxidant supplements can sometimes lead to adverse effects and may interact with medications. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.


How can I ensure I'm getting enough antioxidants in my diet?

Eating a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains is the best way to ensure adequate antioxidant intake. Aim to include a wide range of colourful foods in your meals to cover different types of antioxidants.

© Healthy Life Side

 

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url 2021-06-20 20:20
https://artof4elements.com/entry/196/aol-books-promotions
Conscious Parenting Mindful Living Course for Parents - Nataša Pantović Nuit
Mindful Eating with Delicious Raw Vegan Recipes - Nataša Pantović Nuit
Mindful Being - Nataša Pantović Nuit
Spiritual Symbols With their Meanings - Nataša Pantović Nuit
Conscious Creativity: Mindfulness Meditations - Nataša Pantović Nuit
Tree of Life - Nataša Pantović Nuit
Metaphysics of Sound: In Search of the Name of God - Nataša Pantović Nuit
A-Ma Alchemy of Love - Nataša Pantović Nuit

AoL Books Promotion

Last DAY of #book #sale IN JUNE. 5 Authors All Books #Fiction and #Nonfiction of AoL Publishing from Malta! With our amazing 60% + discounts?!🌊📚 Get your books from Amazon now! This is our special gift to you in June for #AmazonPrimeDay #YogaDay and #Summersolstice. Blessings! Leave a review or two so we hear your thoughts! #amazonbestseller #amazonsale #AmazonPrimeDayUK #bookreview #books #sale #flashsale #AmazonPrimeDayUS #AmazonPrimeDayCA #trending #fiction #nonfiction #personaldevelopment #philosophy #history #historicalfiction #novel #AmazonPrimeDayAU #appliedpsychology #booklovers #kindlesale #kindlebooks #amazingdiscounts AoL Consciousness Research Fiction Nonfiction Books Promotion

 

 

AoL   Promotion June 2021

During the month of June for the occasion of #AmazonPrimeDay 2021, #InternationalDayofYoga, marks the #summersolstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the #wintersolstice in the Southern Hemisphere, which is the day of the year with the most hours of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere and the fewest hours of daylight in the Southern Hemisphere and for 5 consecutive days with 60% + discounts: 

Mindful Being towards Mindful Living Course eur2.45 (usually eur10, paperback eur45)

 

Mindful Being towards Mindful Living by Natasa Pantovic Huge Discounts for Prime Day

 

Mindful Being towards Mindful Living Course by Nataša Pantović Huge Discounts for Amazon Prime Day 2021, International Day of Yoga, that marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere

Mindful Being towards Mindful Living Course, by Nataša Pantović, AoL Minduflness #4, Year: 2015, Size: 187 pg 8” x 10”. This non-fiction book is a 12 modules personal growth course with self-growth transformation tools on nutrition, core beliefs, emotional intelligence, mind power, creative thinking. The course utilizes a variety of tools: mindfulness exercises, personality questionnaires, setting true personal goals, inner exploration through writing and drawing, creativity exercises, etc. With applied psychology exercises from both East and West philosophical schools, the course explores exercises to improve behavior patterns, understand the dynamics of subconscious mind and conscious thoughts, explores emotions, training mind powers through mindfulness and the willpower exercises, looking into goals, dreams, and building the personal development plans. 

Conscious Parenting Course eur 2.45 (usually eur10, paperback eur45)

 

Conscious Parenting Mindful Living Course for Parents AoL Mindfulness Book 5 by Natasa Pantovic and Ivana Milosavljevic Amazon Prime Day 2021, International Day of Yoga, that marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere

 

Conscious Parenting Mindful Living Course for Parents AoL Mindfulness Book 5 by Natasa Pantovic and Ivana Milosavljevic Amazon Prime Day 2021, International Day of Yoga, that marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere

Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents by Nataša Pantović and Ivana Milosavljevic, AoL Mindfulness #5, Size: 228 pg 8” x 10”. This 12 modules personal development course is designed for parents. Using self-development techniques to support “positive parenting”, the ultimate goal is the physical, mental and emotional health of the whole family. Within parenting, the goal is to promote: an unobstructed learning from nature and freedom in the learning environment. Conscious living, through adopting a sustainable life-style, empowers eco-living, art, music, social bonding, the mind training with practices of mindfulness for kids and parents, developing emotional intelligence, creative thinking, and offering alternatives for modern technology. “Knowing that every woman and man is a star is one thing, walking the path while giving the individuals empowerment to act, within this matrix of choices, is something totally different. If we are not ready for the Cosmos manifesting in all its forms within our little ones, including rebellion, we will subdue his or her life-force.” Inspired by Waldorf educational model, and Finland educational system, with personal-development tools to look into parenting goals, dreams and priorities. In 2018 the book was voted as one of 5 of the best Personal Development Courses for kids and parents and had been on a number of Goodreads users’ lists for the Best Books for Parents. The book excerpts were published in the Sunday Times of Malta as Alternative Education Articles, and the Wikihow views hit the 800,000 views. ISBN: 978-9995754044

If you liked our Excerpts Published in Sunday Times, now is the time to get your-own copy!


Nature
 Human beings need to go out to be in nature (timesofmalta.com) https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Human-beings-need-to-go-out-to-be-in-nature.529427

Inspire Children to learn https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Schools-that-inspire-children-to-learn-dream-or-reality-.409519

Thinking Outside Box  https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/thinking-outside-the-box-june-17-2012.424720

Technology  https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/inspired-or-lost-in-the-technology-matrix.460358

With the introduction of 5 G the technology matrix is increasing. Did you know that all humanity’s trillionaires are technology companies in the US? Technology is here to stay. Our kids addictions our partners’ addictions, and our shopping addictions big time manipulated by our mobiles How much this new gadget manipulates our brain, willpower, creativity, inspiration, motivation? An article that I’ve written for Sunday Times some years back, yet fully applicable to our lives today. How do we get out of this magic circle, and live more inspired conscious relationships.

Divergent Thinking https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Divergent-thinking.428589

Will we learn from Finland https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Will-we-learn-from-Finland-.443987

Rewards and Punishment https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Do-rewards-punishment-work-.452218

Freedom in Learning Environment    https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Create-freedom-in-the-learning-environment.477021

Future Education https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Education-of-the-future.415531

Arts Make Students Smart    Arts make students smart (timesofmalta.com) https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Arts-make-students-smart.419615

 

Shifting education goals (timesofmalta.com)  https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Shifting-education-goals.421503

Nordic Countries Teaching Methods  https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/Nordic-countries-teaching-methods-reaping-rewards.411568

Check also why we were the number 4 of 5 Best Conscious Parenting courses designed for the Family!

5 best personal development books for kids Conscious Parenting list

5 Best Personal Growth Books for Children

Or on a Number of Best Parenting Courses as Voted by Goodreads Users

 

best positive parenting books list on goodreads with Conscious Parenting Mindful Living Course by Natasa Pantovic Nuit

 

Best positive parenting books list on Goodreads with  Mindful Living Course by Nataša Pantović MSc Economics and Ivana Milosavljević MEdu Special Needs.

Art of 4 Elements Discover Alchemy through Poetry 50% off

AoL#2, Alchemy Poetry Book,  Year: 2015, by Nataša Pantović, Jason Lu, Christine Cutajar, Jeni Caruana, 266 pages. Size: 10"x10". The spiritual poetry and art book with 120 poems written by Nuit. These acted as an inspiration for the work of 3 other artists. The book explores alchemy and 4 elements, 4 stages of life, 4 magic directions ISBN: 978-9995754006

art-of-4-elements-discover-alchemy-through-poetry-by-natasa-pantovic-jason-lu-christine-cutajar-jeni-caruana-huge-discounts-for-prime-day

Art of 4 Elements: Discover Alchemy through Poetry by Nataša Pantović, Jason Lu, Christine Cutajar, Jeni Caruana huge discounts for Amazon prime day, Yoga Day and Summer Solstice

Mindful Eating: with Delicious Raw Vegan Recipes

Mindful Eating with Delicious Raw Vegan Recipes, AoL Mindfulness #3, Year: 2015, by Olivera Rosic, Publisher: Artof4elements. Paperback: 120 pages. Size: 6"x9".

mindful-eating-by-natasa-pantovic-nuit-quotes-about-healthy-food-choices

Mindful Eating book is designed with the best AoL Mindful Eating Exercises and a collection of Delicious Raw Vegan Recipes. Mindful Eating Exercises help with over-eating, eating too often, eating too little, eating junk food, food allergies, etc. Vegan cooking book. ISBN: 978-9995754020

View the Independent Best Mindfulness Books Lists where you can find our AoL Books

Follow the above links for AMAZING DISCOUNTS, enjoy your creative and consciousness research time! <3 Do leave a Review or two in return! <3

Artof4Elements has published 44 ISBNs fiction and non-fiction books with 8 Authors, focusing on spiritual growth, creativity and mindfulness. AoL Mindfulness series is of many genres, including poetry, personal development, historical fiction with elements of mystery, and romance), the world of AoL Mindfulness explores numerous self-development themes.

 

 

Check the Discounted 3 Historical Fiction books 

A-Ma or Playing the Glass Bead Game with Pythagoras, a Historical Fiction set in the 17th century Macau, China Now only eur1.99

by Nataša Pantović

free-your-conscious-and-subconscious-mind_conscious-creativity-mindfulness-meditations-AoL Series of Books by Natasa Pantovic

A-Ma or Playing the Glass Bead Game with Pythagoras, a Historical Novel by Nataša Pantović, Year: 2017, Publisher: Artof4Elements. Paperback: 207 pages, Size: 6"x9, a historical fiction novel set in the 17th century Chinese Macao. A mystical journey of Portuguese settlers to Macao, Jesuit Priests, Dutch traders, Chinese governors, and artists, set in the Age of Enlightenment during the Dutch attack to Macao in 1622, the Reform of Chinese Calendar in 1630-s, with Father Adam Schall's appointment to the Chinese Board of Mathematicians during 1650-s. "Was Athens black at the time of the ancient Greeks or was it full of Slavs that during the Dark Ages were not allowed to have their own European history? All my characters do have strong political, ideological and moral commitments, their ideas are ground-breaking; it is a science against the Church, male against female, East against West conversation. Holding up a mirror to society of ancient worlds can be fanatical or too obvious within the storytelling environment, so I had to break the rhythm with myths, with art, with dreams. This novel is, of course, about the search for truth, but from the goddess perspective, about love and union, of the priestesses that have given us the first commandment “Do not kill"” Nataša in an interview with Sunday Times. The main protagonist is Ama, an African alchemist, Goddess, a guru, a lover, a story-teller that inspires and gathers artists, preachers, priests, philosophers from all around the world within the magic settings of her coffee house. ISBN-13: 978-9995754198.

 

Ama Alchemy of Love or Playing the Glass Bead Game with Pythagoras by Natasa Pantovic Huge Discounts for Prime Day

 

Ama Alchemy of Love or Playing the Glass Bead Game with Pythagoras by Natasa Pantovic Huge Discounts for Prime Day

Check the Sunday Times Interview with Nataša Pantović A beautiful mind 

or if you are from Macau - “A-Ma: Alchemy of Love”, uma narrativa passada em Macau sobre “a busca pela verdade”

Or Buy a Discounted Copy Now - Ama or Playing the Glass Bead Game with Pythagoras

Tree of Life a Journey into the Field of Dreams, set in Findhorn, UK Now only eur1.99

Tree of Life: a Journey into a Field of Dreams. Published: 2015. Released Year: 2017, Publisher: Artof4elements. Paperback: 326 pages. Size: 6"x9". A metaphysical novel by Nataša Pantović set in Findhorn, the UK, as a Journey into the Field of Dreams. The Tree of Life in various religious interpretations, within myths, and as a mystical concept represents the inter-connection of all life on our beautiful planet. A true adoption story venturing into Serbia, Africa, Ethiopia, Kenia, Malta. “The subconscious material or mind chitta has its own "body" and while ascending the Spiral of Consciousness we realize how we relate to each other in our drive for Goodness. The Universe's Micro and Macro Cosmos is at our feet searching to manifest as deeper knowledge and understanding of our little Self within Conscious Living with all the sentient beings on our little planet Earth.” ISBN: 978-9995754136

 

Tree of Life a Journey into the Field of Life by Natasa Pantovic Huge Discounts for Prime Day

 

Tree of Life a Journey into the Field of Life by Natasa Pantovic Huge Discounts for Prime Day

 

Free your conscious and subconscious mind free books

 

and

New Novel Launched

Metaphysics of Sound: in Search of the Name of God, or a Brief History of the World beyond the Usual by Nataša Pantović Now Only eur1.99

Followed by the "classical antiquity" with the Hellenistic, Eastern European history in the Ancient Mediterranean, from the beginning of recorded Ancient Greek history in 776 BC. This roughly coincides with the Golden period in Ancient Greece in Balkan. Following the development of the languages researching the Ancient Egyptian Rosetta Stone, the Ancient Homeric Ionic Greek, using the Slavic Cyrillic script to map the oldest Phoenician Alphabet to the European development of languages.

The oldest recorded history of Europe is Ancient Greek Herodotus, Orphic Rituals Text of Derveni Papyrus, 1st ever published Sumerian Liturgy of the Moon SiN Priestess, and Dio-Nysus cult in the European Balkan...

 

Metaphysics of Sound In Search of Name of God by Natasa Pantovic Huge Discount for Prime Day

 

Metaphysics of Sound In Search of Name of God by Natasa Pantovic Huge Discount for Prime Day

All the Books and Courses could be viewed / downloaded from AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/Nataša-Nuit-Pantović/e/B00TUA1528

Spiritual Symbols with Their Meanings

 

Spiritual Symbols with Their Meaning by Natasa Pantovic Huge Discounts for Prime Day

 

Spiritual Symbols with Their Meaning by Natasa Pantovic Huge Discounts for Prime Day

Last time the Spiritual Symbols Book became the Amazon Free Books Bestseller with the 1,700 downloads within the Alchemy Category! Check out Why! 

amazon-best-seller-spiritual-symbols-for-free-books-1700-free-books-downloads

Amazon Best Seller Spiritual Symbols for free books with 1700 free books downloads

Conscious Creativity: Ancient Europe's Mindfulness Meditations by Nataša Pantović

Learning from Ancient Worlds Mystics about creativity and creative thought. When East meets West in Platonism, Neo-Platonism, Pythagoras, and the Philosophers of Ancient Greece, seen through the art and mysticism of saints, scientists and sages, the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Plato, Jung, Krishnamurti, or Aurobindo... The subconscious material or mind chitta has its own "body" and while ascending the Spiral of Consciousness we realize how we relate to each other in our drive for Goodness... The Universe's Micro and Macro Cosmos is at our feet searching to manifest as deeper knowledge and understanding of our little Self within Conscious Living with all the sentient beings on our little planet Earth. Some 200,000 years ago in South-East Africa, Homo Sapiens entered the world stage. Following the DNA story, around 80,000 years ago humans left Africa. By 40,000 years ago, we were all around the World. Yet we speak of the time of no major travel. Following the “goodness” and “democracy” story, we research the Ancient Europe's first civilizations dating back to 7,000 years ago, the culture of Danube, today's Balkan countries. In Malta, for around 1,500 years, flourished a unique culture that has built stone temples using megalithic stones above and under the ground, worshiping Death, Mother Goddess, Creation and Dreams. 

If you have enjoyed the Free Audio Video Excerpts. get your discounted copy NOW!

Conscious Creativity: Ancient Europe's Mindfulness Meditations Audio  by Nataša Pantović

amazon-best-seller-spiritual-symbols-for-free-books-1700-free-books-downloads

Ama Dios: 4 AoL Consciousness Books Combined available on Amazon!

 #booklovers #AmazonPrimeDayUK #AmazonPrimeDayUS #AmazonPrimeDayCA #AmazonPrimeDayAU

 

Ancient Worlds Art Mysticism
Source: artof4elements.com/entry/196/aol-books-promotions
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video 2021-06-11 08:08

Activists Unite Video

To tackle the emergency facing people and planet EducationMindfulnessPower of MindHealthy Living

 

At Malta's National Animal Rights Day 

by Nataša Pantović

Last Sunday, Malta held its National Animal Rights' Day. In Mosta's most amazing garden with an amphitheater directly facing a sun-set + some most beautiful people from Malta, Macedonia, Japan, Greece, Libya, Italy, Croatia, Serbia, England, and many more countries gathered to celebrate this worldwide event.

The National Animals Rights Day Malta 2021 holding Banner

The National Animals Rights Day Malta 2021 Main Banner

The Event was organized by the Maltese NGO Animal Liberation Malta.  

ALM's mission is to raise awareness and take action against all forms of animal abuse. 

 

 

 

Activists Unite in Conscious Living!

An activist is one who uses vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change.

Environmental or Eco activism is versatile:

  • the protection of nature through conservation or preservation
  • the protection of the human environment (that is more and more polluted reducing our quality of life)
  • the protection of animals, trees, oceans.

At the event, Nataša told the participants in her speech: "Activists Unite!" "What a gathering of young illuminated hearts! All united in their love for animals..."

The full 6min  can be viewed here:

"Our team, responsible for street activism, worked ispeachndependently on this project in collaboration with the International NGO, Our Planet. Theirs too, to make this happen. It was a touching ceremony commemorating the billions of animals that die each year at human hands. Despite the adversities and restrictions, the organising team managed to pull this off, bringing together a small number of people dedicated to the cause, paying tribute to animals and joining more than 70 cities worldwide on the same day. Several touching speeches and live cello animated the ceremony, including reading the Declaration of Animal Rights in English & Maltese and concluding the ceremony by inviting participants to sign the declaration. Many heartwarming dedications and words of solidarity towards animals were documented on paper. We then transitioned to the celebration part, coming together to finish the day off with positivity and hope, being grateful for the fact that more & more people are making the connection and becoming conscious of Animal Rights. During the ceremony and celebration, social distancing was observed and the participants adhered to the Covid-19 restrictions. This is the beginning of a new era for Animal Rights in Malta, and we have a lot of work to do to bring about Animal Liberation. Hopefully, next year’s NARD will be bigger, better and more impactful. A big thank you goes to everyone who attended." The Organiser.

National Animals Rights Day 2021 photo 6

National Animals Rights Day 2021 Image

NARD 2021 Malta people holding banners

NARD 2021 Malta people holding individual banners with caged animals faces

Nataša Pantović signing petition 2021

NARD signing the Animal Rights Petition 2021

Credit to Robert Cuschieri https://www.facebook.com/rcuschieriphotography/ for a great job with the photos and filming.

Source: images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/H1AeZYaJJAS.mp4
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text 2020-06-30 04:00
Chemicals and Christians Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!
 

About the Book

 

Book:  Chemicals and Christians

Author: Martha McLaughlin

Genre: Non-fiction

Release Date: January 31, 2020

“Just because you’re set apart doesn’t mean you’re set aside.”

Martha McLaughlin and her husband served as international missionaries for 10 years, ministering in a variety of ways, including helping to identify unreached people groups. When her physical breakdown forced them to return to the USA, she feared it was the end of her missionary journey. But instead, God told her, “Just because you’re set apart doesn’t mean you’re set aside.”

Today Martha feels called to try to help a different kind of unreached people group: the isolated sufferers of toxic illness, a growing but largely invisible population. Yet, like the canaries once used in coal mines to detect poisonous gases, they are a wake-up call to the effects of the thousands of chemicals used daily in our modern society.

Expertly researched and written, Chemicals and Christians: Compassion and Caution is loaded with valuable information and biblical counsel for hope and avoiding harm in our increasingly chemicalized environment. It provides steps for biblical health management, offers practical resources, and shows Christians ways to help.


Click HERE to get your copy!


About the Author


A professional writer since 2006 with a BS and an MEd, Martha has had more than 500 articles published. Alongside her husband, she served as a missionary in South America from the late ‘80s through the late ‘90s. A widow with two young adult sons, Martha lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and enjoys outdoor activities.


More from Martha

 

When people talk about taking the road less traveled, the implication is generally that there was a choice involved. I’ve made choices at times to wander down lonely trails, such as deciding to become a missionary and move to a country in crisis. Water and electricity were rationed, grocery store shelves were empty, a cholera epidemic raged, the president disbanded congress, inflation hit 10,000 percent, and active terrorist bombing shook our house on a regular basis. Most mission organizations and all non-essential embassy personnel left the country and those of us who chose to stay found ourselves on a very sparsely populated path.

At other times in my life I’ve ended up on roads less traveled not by any decision of my own, but by circumstances beyond my control. During my decade of missionary service, my health steadily declined and I was forced to return to the States to look for help. It wasn’t easy to find, but I eventually learned that Lyme disease, mold exposure, and the chemical onslaughts of a third-world megacity had overwhelmed my detoxification system. I discovered I could climb out of bed and function if I avoided anything that would make my full metaphorical barrel of toxins overflow. I also discovered that was much easier to do in theory than in practice because of the overabundance of untested and unregulated chemicals in common, everyday products.

My health condition introduced me to a world of chemically sensitive people, all of us living isolated lives, unable to safely access most medical care, shopping, schools, and churches. I’d been deeply saddened at having to leave the mission field and wondered why God had removed my ability to serve, but not the sense of call I felt. I gradually began to understand that I still had a calling, but to a different population. I felt God asking me to speak for people who are generally unseen and unheard. I want the Christian church to not only see us, but to find ways to open their doors and provide the spiritual nourishment and connection we so desperately need.

As I was discovering the needs of the chemically sensitive population, I was also learning how quickly it’s growing and how easy it is for anyone to join. I began to understand the connection between everyday chemical exposures and common mental and physical health conditions and symptoms. So the other side of my call is to warn healthy people, or those who haven’t yet connected their chemical exposures and health complaints, that it’s wise to be careful – that being a good steward of the physical body doesn’t just mean getting eating, sleeping, exercise, and relaxation right, but that avoiding toxins is a huge piece of the puzzle.

I’m not someone who always had a burning desire to write a book. I wrote it because I had something to say and a conviction that God wanted me to say it. I want healthy people to stay that way, and I want chemically ill people to be seen, heard, and reached with God’s love. My deep desire is for Chemicals and Christians to help save people from unnecessary suffering.
 
 

Author Interview

 

 

When/how did you decide to become a writer?  

                                                                                

I grew up in a family that valued words. Both of my grandmothers were college English professors and my father was a pastor who consistently preached beautiful, lyrical sermons. I started writing poetry almost as soon as I could hold a pencil. I still have a copy of a poem/prayer I wrote as a young child in which I thanked God for sleet. I needed a rhyme for “people that we meet.” 

 

I studied English in college and grad school, but unlike most of my fellow students I never had any desire to write a book. I did enjoy writing poetry and essays, and after I married, my husband and I wrote music together.

 

When my health forced us to return to the States after serving as missionaries, I needed something I could do from home. I began writing Continuing Education Unit courses, and then online articles. I was comfortable keeping my writing projects short and still had no inclination at all to write a book. Bit by bit, however, I began to realize I had something to say and to become convinced God wanted me to say it. Choosing to write a book felt a lot like choosing to become a missionary: less of a self-directed decision and more of a saying, “OK, God.” 

 

 

Who was/is your biggest inspiration?

 

I’m deeply inspired by many of the chemically ill Christians I’ve met on my health journey. Their suffering is very real, but they hold tightly to their faith and encourage me with their examples of Christlike character in the midst of very challenging circumstances. I’m also inspired by the healthy friends and family members who support those of us with chemical illness, especially the spouses who take their “in sickness and in health” vows seriously.

 

 

Describe your book in five words.

 

Be careful with common products.

 

 

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

 

I write outside on my patio as much as I can. There’s a lot of wildlife in my neighborhood, so sometimes deer or rabbits will join me, and I almost always have a chorus of birds to listen to. I’m outside now, and I have a butterfly and hawk in view.

 

 

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

 

I don’t listen to many audiobooks, but whether to purchase a book in traditional or ebook format is a question I constantly debate with myself. There are certainly pros and cons to each, and they seem evenly enough balanced that I generally end up making purchase decisions based on price. When price isn’t a consideration, I often find myself buying print versions of nonfiction books and choosing the ebook format for novels.

 

 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

 

The most helpful advice I got and would pass on was from a fellow author who counseled me to keep my book title clear and simple. She told me that sales from one of her books were lagging, but took off again when she simply changed the title to something plain and straightforward. By the time I talked to her I had already experimented with three or four titles, all of which were attempts to be clever or artsy, but none of which clearly communicated what the book was about. I often download Kindle books when they’re offered for free and don’t get around to reading them for a while. Thinking about the frustration I sometimes feel at seeing titles in my list that give no clue to the books’ contents convinced me she was right. Readers may not know exactly what Chemicals and Christians is going to be about, but they can at least guess that it’s not going to be about flowers and Buddhists.



Blog Stops

 

Inklings and notions, June 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 23

Vicky Sluiter, June 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 25

Texas Book-aholic, June 26

My Devotional Thoughts, June 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, June 28

Splashes of Joy, June 29

For the Love of Literature, June 30 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, July 1

Lots of Helpers, July 2

Artistic Nobody, July 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 3

Godly Book Reviews, July 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 5

 
 

Giveaway

 

 
To celebrate her tour, Martha is giving away the grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card!!
 
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
 

 

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Choosing For Your Yeast Killing Diet - Your Body As The Judge

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