Okay okay, the title is a bit dramatic – but, those endorsements for Teeth Whiteners, Detox Teas and Waist Trainers being pushed on us by hot Instagram girls feels a bit empty. Like, how do we know you REALLY use those products? And do they truly work? I’m sure those gorgeous girls are getting paid bank regardless, but I’m here to offer you real and free options…natural options!

Of course, natural usually means it will take longer – but, heaven and Rome were not built in a day. So, if you are considering a healthier temple for the Summer – let’s get going, shall we?

+++++

NATURAL TEETH WHITENER REMEDY:

1. Strawberry, Salt and Baking Soda Scrub via EveryDayRoots.Com

Strawberries are high in Vitamin C, which can help break-down plaque that’s causing your teeth to look yellow. It also has an enzyme called malic acid, which may help to remove surface stains. The salt acts as an abrasive portion of the paste, physically scrubbing away stain-causing gunk, and the baking soda is an extra touch that you can choose to leave out if you’d prefer.

Ingredients:

-1-3 large strawberries
-A pinch of seat salt
-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (optional)

Directions:

Mash the berries into a pulp, and add a pinch of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda, if you’re using it. Wipe any extra saliva off your teeth with a paper towel, and then apply a generous portion of the mixture to a toothbrush and apply. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. Do this nightly.

2. Turmeric Toothpaste via MommyPotamus.Com

Ingredients:

Organic Turmeric Powder

Directions:

1. Wet your toothbrush and then dip it in 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder. Brush teeth as normal, but instead of rinsing when you’re done, allow the turmeric to sit on your teeth for 3-5 minutes so it can do its magic.

2. Spit and rinse thoroughly, then follow with a second brushing using your regular tooth powder/toothpaste. If you notice any yellow around the corners of your mouth, wash with soap and it will rinse away. Likewise, if any turmeric powder is left on your teeth or gums it will cause a slight yellow tint, but when the turmeric is fully rinsed away you should notice a brighter, whiter smile. I personally think this homemade tooth soap is the most effective at removing the turmeric so you can see the results underneath.

You may notice a difference with the first application. If not, give it a few days to a week – if you’re skeptical I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

++++++++++

NATURAL DETOX TEA:

I think the teas that people are slanging on the internet probably have the senna leaf as an ingredient. Senna is an herb and its leaves and fruit are used to make medicine. It is an FDA-approved nonprescription laxative that can be used to treat constipation and clear the bowel before diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy. Growing up, my Trini parents would make me and my siblings drink it once every few months for an avalanche of bowel movements. It wasn’t comfortable, but it got the job done. Traditional Medicinals makes a great consumer version of this called Smooth Move.

Directions:

I suggest drinking this when you have time the next morning to spend extra quality time with your toilet. Also, you may want to give others a heads up if you share that porcelain throne with family or roommates. Basically, you drink 1 cup at bed-time and then about 6-8 hours later you hustle to the bathroom for a mild case of diarrhea. It definitely works if you need to get rid of some bloat and extra pounds of waste that have built up over time.

Personally, I now get gravity colonics once a month.  A colonic is the infusion of water into the rectum by a colon therapist to cleanse and flush out the colon. It is also called colonic hydrotherapy or colon irrigation. Sounds gross, unsafe and weird, but it’s totally safe, not too bad and I feel amazing shortly after. If you are considering one, research it and ask a medical professional.

++++++++++

NATURAL WAIST TRAINERS:

Now, this again, is not a quick fix. But…it’s a much better fix with massive benefits – not just a slimmer waist. In my opinion, I think it’s best to always explore a natural remedy whenever possible – that’s just me. If you want a smaller waist, the best bet is incorporating healthy, raw (if possible) and fresh produce. The benefits of fruit and vegetables topple any waist trainer on the market…full of vitamins, hydration, skin perfecting, bowel improving, energy fulfilling, etc etc etc! Start with one green juice a day and work your way up to one vegan day a week. I’m not saying you have to be a raw/vegan like me – but little changes here and there will absolutely create a difference! And, a little work out never hurt nobody.

++++++++++

Well, I know none of these seem like fun or easy fixes – BUT, they are healthier, cheaper and full of many benefits! Let me know if you try any or if you have some other natural solutions to these Instagram Girl Problems. Well, they are more of Instagram Girl Paychecks, not Problems – I guess.