ConsciousHealthNBeauty

Natural Beauty

2011-09-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article from Better Nutrition Magazine Supplement on line yesterday and came across this information about skin care and remember, I'm not going to give you a lot of "unusable information".

Hopefully you are buying only the best wild Alaskan salmon (not farm raised or Genetically Modified). You seek out organic spinach and blueberries (don't forget you can freeze blueberries without losing any of it's nutritional value). You try to avoid trans fats in your crackers and high-fructose corn syrup in your jam. And you go to great lengths to avoid chemicals of any kind in your food. But if you’re buying cheap cosmetics?

You may still be putting those chemicals in your body every day.

What conventional cosmetic manufacturers don’t want you to know is that their products may contain chemicals that have been linked to increased risk of cancer, developmental disorders, reproductive damage, and other health hazards. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require health and safety studies or testing of cosmetics, manufacturers may use almost any raw material in formulating a product—and some of them are pretty dirty.

Think about that, the skin is the largest organ of the body and day after day you are washing, scrubbing, steaming and bushing these chemicals on it every day.

“There is no burden placed on manufacturers to be sure a product is safe before it comes to store shelves,” says Leeann Brown, press secretary for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “There’s no government oversight, no non-biased organization evaluating products for safety. There’s really not much regulation at all of what can and cannot go into personal care products.”

Just do a test and go into any store, grab a few products and read their ingredients. Would you eat what is in that tube? Well you are ingesting through your skin these chemicals. Don't forget, medicine patches are a great way to take a medication without swallowing or injecting it. So what would be the difference?

So if you’re using conventional products, they may contain phthalates, propylene glycol, parabens, and other chemicals that can increase cancer risk, lead to organ system damage, and cause reproductive harm. “It’s a real horror show,” says Bruce Blumberg, PhD, professor of developmental and cell biology at the University of California, Irvine. “All the things we work so hard to avoid in food are used in vast quantities in personal care products.” No question about it—natural and organic is the only way to go.

Natural and organic beauty items are free of toxins and high in nutrients—just like your organic peanut butter and pomegranates. Confused about what to buy?

I found this line, sold only through doctors and Med Spas.
www.rejuva.com
I put the eye cream on my eyes and lips (moisturized) every day and yes I end up ingesting this product every day. They have taken out the Parabens, Gluten, Petroleum and scary preservatives.. and this skin care is luxurious.

Get on line to find a local MD that carries the line, they also offer discounts with 'on line' orders.

Skin and the Aging Process

2010-06-09T22:04:00.001-07:00

Your Skin and the Aging Process
Zits. Brown spots. Sagging.
Forget PMS--now you can blame your hormones for bad skin, too.

Up until your 30th birthday, you lose about a million skin cells every 40 minutes. Sounds gross, but this desirable sloughing is actually what gives you the dewy skin that radiates youth, it's the reason young children reflect the light differently then older people. "For the first few decades, your epidermis renews itself every 30 days, but by the time you're 40, it takes about 45 days," says Dr. Kathy Fields, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCSF. Unfortunately, this shedding slowdown is a reflection of your body's gradual aging process. Long before menopause, the same hormonal production shifts that sap your fertility will start showing their signs on your face. But before you start stockpiling your pantry with soy and estrogen supplements (which may raise your risk of breast cancer because of their systemic effects), try treating your hormonal skin issues safely, from the outside in.

Breakout Role
Just as you may see a little thinning in your hairline or the slight shadow of a moustache, more blackheads and blemishes are a sign of aging. "About a third of women will get adult acne, usually in their early 30s, even if they didn't have breakouts when they were younger," says Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Stuart Kaplan. "Starting in your late 20s, estrogen levels decline faster than testosterone." Because testosterone is an androgenic hormone, it increases masculine qualities (hence the new facial hair) and boosts oil production, plugging your pores and causing blemishes. The difference between adult acne and the teenage type? Small red bumps (not painful, cystic pimples) are more common when you're older, according to Kaplan, and acne along the jawline or around the mouth are a telltale sign that you're dealing with a hormonal breakout. Going on the birth-control pill or spironolactone (a diuretic with antiandrogenic effects) will balance hormone levels and reduce breakouts. For a nonprescription approach, try combination acne-and-wrinkle-fighting formulas that gently keep skin clear without over-stripping.

Seeing Spots
Even if you haven't had a baby, brown, patchy melasma (aka the pregnancy mask) can appear if you take birth-control pills. "Estrogen turns on melanin pigment production, so being on the Pill can be a trigger," explains Fields. "If you're genetically prone to melasma, you'll have brown spots, even if you stop taking the Pill." Since pigment problems are notoriously difficult to treat, Fields recommends strict sun avoidance and a cocktail of antioxidants and sunscreen to keep dark dots at bay.

Dry Spell
Thyroid function naturally peters out over time, which means less hormone production overall. But many women are diagnosed as hypothyroid during or after pregnancy. "When your thyroid function is low, skin becomes dry and scaly," explains Miami dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt. He also notes that the epidermis starts losing moisturizing hyaluronic acid when you hit your late 20s. Since estrogen enhances hyaluronic acid production, declining estrogen levels mean less moisture. Kaplan describes the result: "Your skin becomes leathery and starts to crack like an old raincoat. The purpose of skin is to act like a barrier. As your face gets drier, it also gets more sensitive." The good news is that you can replenish hyaluronic acid topically. Sealing in serums with a cream will protect against irritation and further moisture loss.

Not to sound like a commercial for Sun:Soul, this product helps in more then just protecting your skin from UV rays.. But you now have to put on less chemical sunscreens and in turn reduce the outbreaks and dry skin issues.

I can give you plenty of reasons you should wear Sun:Soul, but one stands out more then all the others.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN, YOU WILL MISS IT WHEN IT'S NOT ABLE TO FUNCTION ANYMORE.

www.sunscreenwear.com

Portions of this article was found on WebMD
Feature from "Marie Claire" Magazine ~ By Ning Chao

SunScreen, the Myth

2010-01-20T13:01:00.000-08:00

Part 1
After reading a ton of information on the subject I would like to pass a little ‘usable’ information to my readers.

The idea that sunscreen prevents cancer is a myth. It's a myth promoted by a profit-seeking tag-team effort between the cancer industry and the sunscreen industry. The sunscreen industry makes money by selling lotion products that actually contain cancer-causing chemicals. It then donates a portion of that money to the cancer industry through non-profit groups like the American Cancer Society which, in turn, run heart-breaking public service ads urging people to use sunscreen to "prevent cancer."

The scientific evidence, however, shows quite clearly that chemicals in sunscreen actually promotes cancer by blocking the body's absorption of ultraviolet radiation, which produces vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D, as recent studies have shown, prevents up to 77 of ALL cancers in women (breast cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, brain tumors, multiple myeloma... you name it). Meanwhile, the toxic chemical ingredients used in most sunscreen products are actually carcinogenic and have never been safety tested or safety approved by the FDA. They get absorbed right through the skin (a porous organ that absorbs most substances it comes into contact with) and enter the bloodstream.

Ok so what are we going to do with this information?

1. Stop wearing sunscreen: Yes and no. you need to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation so yes, stop using the non-organic sun protection. Switch to natural, organic and or Blocks. Remember blocks don’t penetrate your skin so you don’t absorb them.

2. Start wearing sun protection clothing: www.sunscreenwear.com
There are other companies offering SPF clothing, please make sure they are FDA approved protection like Sun Soul is.

It’s up to you what happens to your skin, not the medical community or the big companies. Every day you put on or in your body various forms of poisons, be conscious of how you are reduce your risk.

Skin Cancer, Prevention

2010-01-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

Overview: Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Can Melanoma Skin Cancer Be Prevented?

Not all melanomas can be prevented, but there are ways to reduce your risk.

Limit UV exposure

The best way to lower the risk of melanoma is to avoid too much exposure to the sun and other sources of UV light. Avoid being outdoors in sunlight too long, especially in the middle of the day when UV light is most intense. Be "sun safe" when you are outdoors. "Slip! Slop! Slap! … and Wrap" is a catch phrase to remind you of the 4 key ways you can protect yourself from UV light. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and the skin around them. These things can help you prevent skin cancer:

Protect your skin with clothing: www.sunscreenwear.com
Ok I just made a shameless plug for my site
you may think I'm just trying to sell you something and you would be right, I'm trying to sell you something that will protect and heal you. No fun watching my friends & family get sections of their skin removed... Please pay attention.

Clothes vary in how much they can protect you. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts are the most protective. Dark colors are better than light colors. A tightly woven fabric protects better than loosely woven clothing. And dry clothing is better than wet clothing.

Some clothing is made with built-in UV protection. There are also newer products that can increase the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value of clothes you already own. Used like laundry detergents, they add a layer of UV protection to your clothes without changing the color or texture.

Wear a hat

A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is good because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap with about 7 inches of fabric draping down the sides and back) is also good.(or you might not want to look like you are exploring Africa all the time so put sunblock on the areas that are exposed) These are often sold in sports and outdoor supply stores.

A baseball cap can protect the front and top of the head, but not the back of the neck or the ears. Straw hats are not a good choice unless they are tightly woven.
AND still wear sun block on the areas that are covered, reflection is just as potent)

IF you are wearing a baseball cap, very important to apply sunblock to the back of your neck. Look around at the back of people's neck, it will become blairingly clear you need to remember that.

Use sunscreen/sunblock

Use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher. Be sure to use enough--a palmful for your whole body. And put it on again every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days. For it to work best, sunscreen should be put on before you go outside.

and when you can, use SunBlock
As you read this blog understand I do my research and then share it. I do interject when the article does not cover everything or doesn't hit you over the head with specific instructions vs. some vague information.

I think you need at least 30 block both uva/uvb to really protect yourself. I put it on under my mineral make-up, light and not smothering.

OK, back to the Article:

Don't make the mistake of thinking that because you're using sunscreen, you can stay out in the sun longer. Staying out longer because you're using sunscreen just means you'll end up getting the same amount of UV light as you would otherwise. You won’t reduce your melanoma risk that way.

If you want the look of a tan you can use "sunless" tanning lotion. These help you look tan, without the danger of UV damage. You do not have to go out in the sun for these to work. The color tends to wear off after a few days.
Don't forget to look for ones with Organic ingredient, Stop poisoning yourself.

Wear sunglasses

Wrap-around sunglasses with at least 99% UV absorption give the best protection to your eyes and the skin around your eyes. Look for sunglasses labeled as blocking UVA and UVB light.

Stay in the shade

Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day, between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun's rays are strongest. Keep in mind that sunlight (and UV rays) can come through clouds, can reflect off water, sand, concrete, and snow, and can reach below the water's surface.

Protect children
We should say this to ourselves over and over again

Be especially careful about sun protection for children. Children tend to spend more time outdoors and they burn more easily. Teach them to protect themselves from the sun as they get older.

Avoid other sources of UV light

Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous because they can damage your skin. Most skin doctors say not to use tanning beds and sun lamps. There is growing evidence that they may increase your risk of getting melanoma. This is an area of active research.

For more information on how to protect yourself and your family, see the American Cancer Society Document, Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, YOU ARE GOING TO MISS YOUR SKIN WHEN IT'S GONE!
this information comes from the American Cancer web site.org

Healthy Habits for Weight Loss

2009-11-23T17:17:00.000-08:00

Healthy Habits for Weight Loss
Losing weight is not just about dieting. More important are making lifestyle changes that can be helpful for losing weight and keeping the weight off. Here are some simple strategies.

Losing weight and keeping it off is a matter of cutting back what you eat and increasing your amount of exercise which could be as simple was walking 40 minutes a day. "The simplest equation in the world, calories in and calories out, determines your weight loss," says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, of Sarasota, Fla., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Meaning everything you eat counts, and the combination and time of day also is added into the equation.
But if that's all you do, you may find yourself ultimately regaining the weight you worked so hard to lose. The reason: Weight loss is a matter of lifestyle and, if you don't adopt the healthy habits necessary to sustain your optimum weight, you could backslide into overweight and obesity.
Here are some tips aimed at helping you create a healthy lifestyle that will improve your chances for success. They might seem like common sense, but many people committed to losing weight neglect these healthy habits and end up struggling to succeed.
Do yourself a favor and remove or don’t replace process food now in your kitchen such as Cookies, Candy, Crackers. Food Stuff you buy in a package/box, they are really the enemy. Most don’t have any nutritional value so you eat them but feel hungry in a few minutes.

Watch Your Portions
Portion control is a key challenge to Americans pursuing weight loss. "The best way to control the calories is to go with portion control," says Dr. Gerbstadt. Piling food onto your plate can make you feel pressured to eat it all. Start with small portions; you can always go back for (a little) more if you're still hungry. Keep in mind that your stomach will grumble early on, until it has shrunk to adapt to the smaller meals you are now eating.

Eat Slowly
It takes a little while for your body to realize that you've eaten and to stop sending signals of hunger. If you slow down and savor your food, you probably will eat less before your body acknowledges that you're full.

Eat Your Vegetables First
Vegetables contain plenty of fiber and bulk but few calories. By eating them first, you might eat less of any fatty or high-calorie items on your plate.

Don't Skip Meals
Skipping meals sounds like a good idea, but it actually undermines your weight-loss plan. Your body thinks it is being starved and starts building body fat in an attempt to store energy away for later. On top of that, you're likely to be even hungrier for your next meal and eat far more than you would have otherwise. The best course is to eat three small meals, with two small snacks in between in the beginning. Once your body has food coming in on a regular basis, it will not be as hungry as many times during the day.

Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps you feel full throughout your day, aiding your weight-loss efforts. Water also provides innumerable health benefits to your skin and your digestive and circulatory systems. More then most you are not really hungry but just dehydrated.

Switch to Healthy Snacks
Swap out the high-calorie or high-fat snacks in your diet for healthier alternatives. Fruits, low-fat string cheese, peanut butter, and whole-grain crackers are some good options (try to minimize the processed food). Create snacks that combine carbohydrates and proteins, like peanut butter on apple slices, as they will make you feel full longer.
Burning calories through physical activity is essential to weight loss. If you don't burn more calories than you eat, you won't lose weight. "People think they're too busy to walk 20 to 40 minutes a day or do a little weight training or ride a bike, and then they wonder why they can't lose weight," Gerbstadt says. "If you try to diet without exercise, it just takes that much more effort." Any physical activity, even long walks, will help.

Keep a Record
Food diaries are a proven aid to people pursing weight loss. Keep track of what you've eaten and how many calories the food contained. If you also keep a record of your exercise, you can compare how many calories you're burning to how many calories you're consuming.

Healthy and sustainable weight loss does not occur overnight, despite the promises of fad diets. Losing a pound or two a week is normal, and shows that you are adopting weight-loss habits as a part of your lifestyle.
There are weight loss programs out there, do your homework. Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers are not Medical programs. The Center for Medical Weight Loss was created by a Bariatric surgeon. The pre-measured food has been cleared by the FDA for the optimal amount of supplements and nutrition. 99% of all patients lose the weight, 97% keep it off. These stats are based on a stratified sample of 349 patients over a six-year period.
http://centerformedicalweightloss.com/whole_new_me

Resources:
By Dennis Thompson, Jr.
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Some information was taken from EverydayHealth.com.

2009-08-16T09:57:00.001-07:00

It doesn’t matter how big or small your kitchen is, the way to Conscious Health is through your Kitchen. And why am I putting so much emphasis on the kitchen? (Besides the fact I am Italian and food is all we think about)
Realize that 85% of our health comes from what we put or don’t put in our mouth. Every nutritionist and body builder will confirm the statement to be 100% true.
It is imperative you control what you eat everyday. It is important you also choice health ingredients but also infuse the positive energy you require to flourish. Anyone can just subsist; they are using the drive-in window at McDonald’s. To live and grow in every sense needs positive energy and nourishing food.

Please let those two statements sit and resonate (marinate) in your consciousness. Once you truly understand.. And not only understand but truly take this as part of your being from here forward, will you truly find Healthy Living. There are no substitutes; you are responsible to provide yourself with what you truly need.

My kitchen is small but clean, with minimal space for storage so I keep it simple.
I have minimal Process Food items which means no cookies, crackers, cans of creamed something. The only thing you can find is a few bags of pasta and an occasional loaf of multi-grain bread or pita.

My Cabinets:
I have beans, rice, grains, nuts, olives, tomatoes sauces, a few bags of pasta, cans of tuna and spices. In another cabinet I have Oils and Vinegars, assorted with several varieties.

My refrigerator:
Juice, eggs, butter, natural plain yogurt, feta goat cheese, condiments (no sugars, starches, preservatives) and that is the same everything in my refrigerator.

Vegetable bin: Spinach, carrots, broccoli, beets, assorted salad and or bok choy or corn on the cob, asparagus, and green beans. You can buy any vegetables you like and familiar with.

It’s 6pm, I return home from work with no meal plan:
I open my refrigerator, what to do, what to have?

Salad with items I have in my refrigerator and/or my cabinets.

Spinach, beets, beans, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, feta cheese, olives, nuts and berries with a little dressing.

If you have to push it a little (add more people) prepare a ½ pound of pasta. You can add tuna, grilled chicken (which takes only minutes to cook) or other protein to the mix. You can eat this meal a few nights a week and not get tired of it, just change a few of the ingredients. Or stir-fry the ingredients with butter; try not to heat up any with anything else. I use Oils cold (cold pressed) for my salads, dressings, preparing sauces, hummus and other condiments (Spanish Olive Oil is the best)

Other nights I stop for a piece of fish on the way home (substitute what ever protein you prefer) Maybe prepare rice and a steamed vegetable. There are so many different variations of the same, clean, healthy meal you can prepare under 30 minutes.
It’s as long as it would take you to find a parking spot near a restaurant, get seated and order your meal, You would be eating just about the same time and it would cost you a fraction.

When I stopped at the fish store I order more then enough, that means the leftovers are lunch the next day or dinner. If you are in the habit of preparing small, healthy meals, you will always have something available in your refrigerator.

I try not to eat after 7pm. Not to say I would ever turn down dinner invitations at 8pm, but that’s not my everyday routine. However if I eat a meal at 3pm, I might be a little hungry at 8. I put together a little hummus, olives, pita bread, cheese and almonds. Perfect for a late-night snack and again, we are not looking for a ‘full’ feeling. Just enough food to silence the growling stomach.

Around an ‘outdoor’ concrete and tile table you will find fruit and vegetables ripening. Flowers and plants on the side, this is all about energy. When you have nature surrounding you, you are at peace; this is positive energy manifestation by you and your Conscious self. Wake up! These are the feelings you originally were devoted to. I promise you; manifesting positive energy will easily replace the addictions we are in conflict with. Use food to heal and nourish you, I promise your relationship with it will change.

“When you change the way you look at things - the things you look at change.”
Expect a miracle

Hair ~

2009-07-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hair Care Survival Guide: Beauty comes from within

In January of this year I met a guy, a researcher, nutritionist and biologist, we talk for hours. I have a million questions about the supplements I’m taking, what I should be aware of and so on….

This gentlemen was in his early 60s, tall, nice looking with a full, and I mean full head of hair. So I say to myself, genetics… but it was full and healthy looking, no reflection of the aging process.

As we discussed diseases and nutrition, he introduced me to the Life Extending Shake.
For years he has been preparing this shake for breakfast. I went out and purchased the ingredients immediately and starting taking it every day.

About 90 days into it when the Protein Power started to upset my stomach, I can’t do any process foods. Instead of just eliminating the Protein Powder, I changed my diet a little during my Zerona Treatments then I was traveling for a few weekends in a row, so I stopped preparing the shake.

Two months later I’m in the mirror noticing my hair was dry and brittle. It was thin and frail finding strains on the pillows. I started looking at the changes in my diet and what I had eliminated.

The Shake!

The information about the shake is 15 pages scanned in a file, I will send the entire PDF file to anyone who request it: RoseannBoffa@hotmail.com

“Let Your Food Be Your Medicine and Let Your Medicine Be Your Food”

No truer words have been written, this is the only way we are going to be able to take back our health from the Government. Stop relying on them to keep you healthy, it’s not their job, it’s yours.

The research and findings include:

The very process of AGING itself, is associated with organic and biological changes in things like cell membranes. These EFA’s by protecting cell membrane integrity are combating some of the cumulative negative effects of AGING and poor dietary habits!

It’s is hard to believe that anything that tastes as good as the “Life Extension Shake” can be considered one of natures most perfect, protective and healing meals. But it unequivocally is! In the next few pages we are going to tell you about the scientific studies that describe the documented health benefits of the special combination of ingredients blended into the “Life Extension Shake”.

Again, if any one is looking for the entire study, please request it.

The Recipe for the Shake is:

Wt Dose Ingredient: (Notes and Comments)
6oz Trader Joe’s Frozen Blue Berries
2tbs Nutri-Fiber Flax Seed Nutrient powder (bulk)
1tbs Omega Nutrition Organic Essential Balance Oil
(Soy, Flax, Borage, Sunflower, Sesame, Pumpkin) Spill over tablespoonful
1 scoop EAS Simply Protein Powder (Level or heaping scoop)
6oz Water (water is very important for the Flax Seed bulk)

My disclaimer or modifications:

Originally he had Organic Cane Sugar, and you know how I feel about sugar so it's out.
The Protein Powder: I purchased was Perfect Zero Carb ISOPURE found the cheapest on line (round $32.00 for 3 pounds). I add Yogurt (FAGE, Total all natural Greek Strained Yogurt) Trader Joe’s. Organic Frozen Blue Berries, no nutritional difference between the fresh or frozen.(I buy the wild) again, Trader Joe’s.

I have been buying Barlean’s Flax Seed (Forti-Flax) and Flax Oil Pure (blue ribbon)
I have found both Oil and Bulk at WholeFoods. You can also purchase on-line for less.

Then the other day I come across this article in tasteforlife, a local magazine (July 2009 issue)

www.tasteforlife.com/summerhaircare

When it comes to healthy hair, fat is where it’s at. Americans don’t consume enough essential fatty acids (EFAs), and lackluster hair is a telltale sign. To get more omega-3 fatty acids, eat salmon, take a daily tablespoon of flax seed oil, or sprinkle a tablespoon or two of ground flax seeds over cereal, yogurt, and salad.

Be sure to enjoy plenty of protein – the essential component of hair – from legumes and fish. Silica (found in horsetail extract) supports the production of collagen, which is vital for strong, shiny hair. “Collagen is the primary structural protein of our body. It holds everything together like glue.” Explains Sarah Quadri, a spokesperson of NeoCell. Research suggests that collagen supplementation improves hair, she adds.

Then I’m on:
http://hair-restoration-info.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3666060861/m/666103063

Forum about food:

"The best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are in fish and fish oil. For Omega-6 fatty acids, the source is plant and plant oils. Your body CANNOT produce these fats and they are essential. They are used in cell membranes and the production of substances that help regulate blood pressure and blood clotting. You HAVE to get them from food.
An Omega-6 fat called Linoleic acid is found in sunflower oil, walnuts, red meats, and poultry.

An Omega-3 fat called Linolenic acid is found in fatty cold-water fish like tuna and salmon as well as in flax seed oil.

All the information that I gave above is not just off the top of my head. I got it from a study that basically studies good vs. bad fats. (I hope that I didn’t plagiarize it too much! heh heh)

Just remember as a general rule of thumb: if it’s good for your heart, liver, and skin, it’s probably good for your hair (through circulation, etc.) though I have read that diet contributes to less than 3% of all documented hair loss cases. (Don’t quote me on that, I am going by memory on that part)"

I’m a firm believer in a good diet. After all, how can one expect a healthy body after chowing down on crap day after day?

If you put “Flax Seed Hair” in Google.com you will find tons of products and article about this.

So here you go guys, Breakfast is an important meal. Don’t skip it but make it work for you all morning. Life Extension is not so much fun if you look like crap. Healthy is reflected in how you feel and what your skin, hair and nails presents.

The Healthiest Foods on Earth

2009-07-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Healthiest Foods On Earth
The most important consideration in constructing a healthy diet:
Eat whole foods that have had minimal processing.
By Jonny Bowden, Forbes.com

What is the best diet for human beings?
Vegetarian? Vegan? High-protein? Low-fat? Dairy-Free?

Hold on to your shopping carts: There is no perfect diet for human beings. At least not one that's based on how much protein, fat or carbohydrates you eat.

People have lived and thrived on high-protein, high-fat diets (the Inuit of Greenland); on low-protein, high-carb diets (the indigenous peoples of southern Africa); on diets high in raw milk and cream (the people of the Loetschental Valley in Switzerland); diets high in saturated fat (the Trobriand Islanders) and even on diets in which animal blood is considered a staple (the Massai of Kenya and Tanzania). And folks have thrived on these diets without the ravages of degenerative diseases that are so epidemic in modern American life—heart disease, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis and cancer.

In Depth: The Healthiest Foods On Earth
The only thing these diets have in common is that they're all based on whole foods with minimal processing. Nuts, berries, beans, raw milk, grass-fed meat. Whole, real, unprocessed food is almost always healthy, regardless of how many grams of carbs, protein or fat it contains.

All these healthy diets have in common the fact that they are absent foods with bar codes. They are also extremely low in sugar. In fact, the number of modern or ancient societies known for health and longevity that have consumed a diet high in sugar would be ... let's see ... zero. People, I can't stress enough about Sugar intake. Your health is directly related to how much sugar and processed food you eat. In the beginning, read the labels. After a few weeks you won't have to, you will already know what is good and what will kill you.

Real food—whole food with minimal processing—contains a virtual pharmacy of nutrients, phytochemicals, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and healthful fats, and can easily keep you alive and thriving into your 10th decade.

Berries, for example, are phenomenally low in calories, high in fiber and loaded with plant compounds that improve memory and help fight cancer.
Studies have consistently shown that nut-eaters have lower rates of heart disease. Beans are notorious for their high fiber content and are a part of the diet of people—from almost every corner of the globe—who live long and well.

Protein--the word comes from a Greek word meaning "of prime importance"—is a feature of every healthy diet ever studied. Meat, contrary to its terrible reputation, can be a health food if—and this is a big if—the meat comes from animals that have been raised on pasture land, have never seen the inside of a feedlot farm and have never been shot full of antibiotics and hormones.

Wild salmon, whose omega-3 content is consistently higher than its less-fortunate, farm-raised brethren, gets its red color from a powerful antioxidant called astaxathin. The combination of protein, omega-3s and antioxidants makes wild salmon a contender for anyone's list of great foods.

Another great food: eggs—one of nature's most perfect creations, especially if you don't throw out the all-important yolk. (Remember "whole" foods means exactly that—foods in their original form. Our robust ancestors did not eat "low-fat" caribou; we don't need to eat "egg-white" omelets.)

There are really no "bad" vegetables, but some of them are superstars. Any vegetable from the Brassica genus—broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale—is loaded with plant chemicals called indoles, which help reduce the risk of cancer.
In the fruit kingdom, apples totally deserve their reputation as doctor-repellants: they're loaded with fiber, minerals (like bone-building boron) and phytochemicals (like quercetin, which is known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and to have anti-cancer properties). Some exciting new research suggests that pomegranate juice slows the progression of certain cancers. Other research shows it lowers blood pressure and may even act as a "natural Viagra."
Tea deserves special mention on any list of the world's healthiest foods. The second most widely consumed beverage in the world (after water), all forms of tea (black, oolong, white, green and the newer Yerba Matte) are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Some types (green tea, for example) contain plant chemicals called catechins which have decidedly anti-cancer activity.

Finally, let's not forget members of the Alliaceae family of plants—onions, garlic and shallots. Garlic has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties; hundreds of published studies support its antimicrobial effects as well as its ability to lower the risk of heart disease. A number of studies have shown an inverse relationship between onion consumption and certain types of cancer.

A healthy diet doesn't have to contain every one of the "healthiest foods on earth," but you can't go wrong putting as many of the above mentioned foods in heavy rotation on your personal eating plan.

Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S., is a board-certified nutritionist and the author of seven books on health and nutrition, including The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy and The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.

Source: http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100241585&page=2

As you are traveling through your day, your choices when ordering food or in the supermarket is very important. Once you start incorporating Healthy Foods into your diet choices, you will see a big difference in your energy, weight and 'well being'.
It's not hard to do, you just have to be consistent.

Protection, all day baby, all day ~

2009-06-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/12/sunscreen-sun-damage-lifestyle-health-skin-cancer.html

The article starts off describing the behavior of most teenagers, we sat in the sun unprotected for hours thinking it was cool to get really deep tan, the darker the better.
While teens might be forgiven for letting sun safety slip, those in the medical field say adults should know better. That's because skin cancers account for almost 50% of all cancers in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. The majority of them result from unprotected skin exposure to UV radiation. What we did as teenagers is now haunting us. The spots on your face, chest, hands and arms are not from the unprotected exposure last week or last year. It’s the consequence of choices many years ago.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, the last year for which data was available, 59,940 cases of malignant melanoma and over 1 million cases of basal- and squamous-cell cancers, nonmelanoma skin cancers, were associated with UV exposure.
Though folks know sunbathing can be dangerous, they may not be aware of the hidden sources of skin damage. These include wearing expired sunscreen, relying on clothing to block the sun and taking certain medications. Yes some of the drugs make us photo-sensitive to the sun.
Enjoy the sun in moderation, 10 to 15 minutes without sunblock if you really need natural Vitamin D.
Other sun-damage hideouts: in the car and even under a beach umbrella. While the glass in car windows typically blocks UVB rays, which causes skin to burn, UVA rays--those that cause skin aging--can seep through, says dermatologist Dr. Francesca Fusco, associate clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. What's more, a high percentage of UV radiation bounces directly off sand and water and on to the skin, even while you're sitting in the shade. I was sitting at lunch one day, under a very large umbrella. I took my glasses off which have ‘transitional lenses’, even under the cover of a large umbrella my glasses remained dark… Reflection of light is as bad as light itself.
"UVB rays cause sunburn," she says, "UVA rays cause suntan, and both of them contribute to skin damage, skin cancer and DNA mutations, which predisposes to cancer."
UVA rays also penetrate clouds more readily than UVB rays, putting those that head outdoors, even on gloomy days, at risk of a burn or other skin damage.
"A typical white T-shirt offers you about a 7 to 8 SPF," says dermatologist Dr. Susan Weinkle, a clinical associate professor at the University of South Florida. "And then when it gets wet, the sun protective factor goes down to a 3." Which is nothing…..
What outdoorsy people may not know is that special clothing can shield the skin from such rays… Companies including Columbia Sportswear ~ Land Lands' End recently launched collections that provide Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) protection. Columbia's and Lands' End's lines both offer UPF 50, which protects the wearer from 97.5% of the sun's rays. Both companies also offer UPF 30, and Columbia offers UPF 15, which protects the wearer from up to 93.3% of UV rays. Then there is www.sunsoul.com
Their clothing is not only UPF of 50, but it also is specific colors to take advantage of the wave length being generated by the sun. This is very cool technology and it’s worth it’s weight in gold. By wearing it a few hours a week you start to reverse the damage. It’s like getting an IPL treatment by your local dermatologist.
Of course, the best way to protect against skin damage while doing any kind of activity that exposes skin to the sun is to wear sunblock with an SPF of at least 40.
The original article mentions 15, which is ridiculous. All the studies indicate at least 30 and up. I wear 40 every time I walk out my door, if the sun is out, I have protection on.
TiZO ~ Fallene
http://www.fallenesolarprotection.com/html/skin_cancer_prevention_-_sun_b1.html
This becomes a barrier stopping the sun penetration.
The importance of wearing sunscreen is increasingly evident. Incidences of melanoma of the skin increased by 7.7 % among men from 2003 to 2005, and by 2.9% among women from 1993 to 2005, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
With these statistics in mind, it is not only dermatologists like Fusco who emphasize the importance of protecting skin. In addition to clothing lines, personal care companies are also becoming more sensitive to the importance of UV protection.
Companies "are improving the ability of sunscreen to block UVA and UVB rays," says Weinkle. They're also using ingredients that allow sunscreen to better stay put on skin, which helps block UV rays more effectively.
So I gave a friend of mine a tube, he runs on the beach. We met for an early dinner, walking to the restaurant while the sun was setting. He proudly announces he remember to wear the sun block I gave him when he went for his run this afternoon.
I reached over and touched his face, nothing. I asked why he didn’t reapply it after his shower and over his moisturizer…? He thought he only needed to wear it when he ran.
DA! Every time you walk out your door and the sun is up.

Learn from NY's NO Bulls#!% Trainer

2009-06-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

I flipping through GQ the other day, come across this page, very interesting"
Oscar Smith - the man who gave Tom Brady his toughest workouts without making him lift a weight - on how to get yourself back in fighting shape.

And I thought to myself, wow, all those people with their excuses "I don't like gyms" and the old "I just don't have time"

His suggestions:

1. Being good to your feet by wearing quality foot wear. He wears what I have been wearing for over 20 years: ASICS Cross Trainers, they are versatile and comfortable.

2. If you don't have the money to pay a personal trainer, find a gym that offers classes. I suggest Stretching, Yoga, Pilates and a Martial Arts class. Again with the mind set of Cross Training. Cardio for all parts of your body to keep the interstitial fluid moving which then in turn moves the toxins through the lymphatic system. NOT just for looking good but to keep the toxins moving through your body.

He, like most trainers I know don't drink, I do but in moderation. I'm not giving up wine at dinner and the occasional Martini. Keep in mind that drinking makes you hungry so those late night outing will cost you in calories and heartburn.

I like how he suggest to pack for the gym, leave it in your car so you always have it. Again, no excuses:
"Pack a workout kit the same way you pack toiletries. All you need is a T-shirt, shorts, sneakers, a jump rope, and a timer. When the timer dings, it's time to move to the next set" Mucho Importante! Big reason people don't see a difference. You need to keep moving, don't sit too long between sets. You will burn more by moving and doing super sets (three different exercises for one muscle group in a row without stopping)

He goes on to say You don't need weights. I say it all the time, good for bone density but not for keeping in shape. 85% of it is what you eat and when you eat it.

Training example:
Jump rope for 3 to 5 minutes then do sets of 10 reps
Push ups ~ Sit ups ~ Dips ~ Crunches
Stretch for thirty seconds, then head back to the jump rope and repeat the entire process, Don't rest between sets

Instant Energy Fix: Keep a bowl of fruit near by: Bananas, applies and oranges. If you don't eat before you work out, the natural sugar will get you though. Don't be fooled by Shakes and Smoothies made with fruit, most of the times we add other stuff (processed foods) but the sugar count in these drinks could send you into Diabetics shock.

Pay attention and don't keep giving yourself excuses ~ Times running out!

Deodorants

2009-05-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

One thing at a time ~

I was on the phone with a friend discussing healthy choices he wants to incorporate in his life promoting Longevity & wellness. We discussed Lotions, personal hygiene, hair dyes and Deodorants. I would like to elaborate the subject of Deodorants.

Toxic Ingredients in Antiperspirant, Brain Health, and Alzheimer's

Aluminum, a common ingredient in deodorant and antiperspirant, is often linked to Alzheimer's and brain disorders and is a possible risk factor in breast cancer.

In a culture where being well-groomed and attractive are almost a necessity, dependence on deodorant and antiperspirant is a must. But few know the health hazards present in the everyday underarm cosmetic. Beyond the synthetic fragrances and toxic ingredients found in most personal care products, antiperspirant and deodorant are loaded with aluminum compounds that have been linked to Alzheimer's disease and brain disorders, respiratory disorders, and possibly cancer.

What is Aluminum? Aluminum is one of the most common elements in the environment and the world's most common metal. It is used in cans and aluminum foil, as lightweight sheet metal in airplanes and other machinery, in electrical wiring - and in personal care products such as underarm deodorant and antiperspirant. Aluminum oxide, also present in deodorants, is often used as a coating and is the major compound in rubies and sapphires.

Aluminum is a Toxin

In 1993, the World Health Organization said, "There is a suspected link between Alzheimer's disease and the toxicity of aluminum." (2)
The Agency for Toxic Substances and & Disease Registry reports that "Exposure to high levels of aluminum may result in respiratory and neurological problems."

Aluminum Compounds in Deodorant and Antiperspirant – Locking Poisons In: The problem with deodorants and antiperspirants is not only the aluminum, but how it works to reduce sweat and smelly odors.

Aluminum compounds or aluminum salts, such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3), are key ingredients in almost every antiperspirant. They are powerful astringents that close pores, stopping sweat and odor from escaping the body.

Antiperspirants may leave the outside of the body smelling fresh and clean – but inside, the toxins that would have escaped the body in the sweat have nowhere to go. For this reason, antiperspirants have been linked to problems with the sweat glands and lymph glands in and around the underarms.

I know what everyone is thinking “that natural stuff doesn’t work.”

Not True ~ I will mention that most people who use the Crystals are very happy but they compensate by shaving under their arms. The hair holds the moisture and odor so removing it cuts down wetness and smell.

And people, you are what you eat so if you are eating sugar, processed food, drink soda, smoke you will definitely smell. Your body is trying to get rid of the poisons.
Then I read: aluminum compound, such as aluminum chlorhydrate or aluminum zirconium, which is very soluble, is used as an antiperspirant, that compound is readily absorbed. Once in the body, the aluminum portion of the molecule ionizes, forming free or radical aluminum (Al+++). This passes freely across cell membranes, and forms a physical plug, that when dissolved is selectively absorbed by the liver, kidney, brain, cartilage and bone marrow. It is this concentration of aluminum that has been the source of concern in the medical community and has prompted the research being done on ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE and BREAST CANCER victims. Potassium alum molecules have a negative ionic charge, making it unable to pass through the cell wall. THEY ARE NOT ABSORBED. This is why our deodorants are safe to use and will not cause high levels of ALUMINUM in your system. ALUM and ALUMINUM are two different substances, with distinct chemical signatures. They possess different chemical properties which create different chemical attributes.

Sources: http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/aluminum_in_deodorant#ixzz0G5hizgNA&BVictoria Anisman-Reiner, B.Sc., C.C.A., is a writer, a teacher in holistic health and energy healing, an aromatherapist, and an avid and opinionated reader.

And: http://www.ssmartco.com/deo/aluminum.htm

You are what you EAT

2009-05-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Dermatology Times, March 2009 (page 71)

Eating foods rich in probiotics is a good habit to practice to ensure healthy skin, Vitamins such as C and D enhance epidermal function, and skin hydration is met through consumption of adequate amounts of water.

They go on to drive the point home by stating:
'Intestinal health is the most important instrument to ensure health of the epidermis.' say Georges Mouton, M.D., a GP who specializes in dietary and nutritional counseling in London.

Vitamin D found in fish and fortified milk improves epidermal function. While there is a concern about sun exposure and people I preach the SUNBLOCK rule every day to everyone in my path..
too little sunlight is not necessarily positive. In areas of the world where individuals experience cold winters, they are less likely to derive vitamin D from sunlight, they need to look for alternative sources of Vitamin D.

Vitamins C & A
C is rich in such foods as guava also improves epidermal functions.
Licopene, which is abundant in cooked tomatoes, is photoprotective, as is luteine, a carotenoid that is found in abundant qualities in spinach.
A confers immune support and has an antioxidizing impact.

Zinc is found in foods such as oysters but is also in many dermatologic products. Fish oils found in fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna and mackerel and anchovies possess anti-inflammatory properties. It's best to eat fish that is low in mercury... again we are back to Salmon.

I live off Salmon and Whitefish, baked (wrapped in Parchment Paper) Clean up is simple and easy It cook in it's own juices, you can add any type of spices. Basic and easy, add steamed veggies and a little brown rice, it's the perfect meal.

Selenium is good for the skin and has anti-cancer properties

With this information like any other, please do what resonates with you.
Change one thing at a time, add one thing, include it with what you are doing.

They suggest at the end of the article that every one should obtain a blood test to find out what you are deficient in. Good advice, I feel conscious healthy living and choices come from common sense
Simple: 5-8 oz of fish, a salad or steamed veggie is the meal I consume the majority of the time.
This allows me to dine out and not feel I have to count calories or deprive myself.
I will actually share a dessert

It's better to know what nutrients you are missing before spending money on supplements to improve your skin that might have no impact on you.

Common Sense and Focus is needed if you want to enjoy the final years healthy or in "care".

Do a little research yourself, you want to eat more Vitamin D
get on a search engine and type "natural foods rich in Vitamin D" and so on
I can't fix the menu for you, you need to work within your life.

Belly Fat

2009-05-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

I was reading Better Nutrition magazine and came across this article:

Find out why your waist-to-hip ratio is more important then you think

Fat that's stored around the middle is known as VAT - visceral abdominal tissue. You may affectionately refer to it as a beer belly or love handles, but it's anything but benign and has nothing to do with love. A Substantial amount of research has shown that VAT significantly increases the risk for all kinds of problems, from high blood pressure to diabetes to metabolic syndrome. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that excess abdominal fat almost doubled the risk of death from a host of diseases, including stroke, heart disease, and cancer.

Why is belly fat so much more of a problem than regular, garden-variety fat?

The answer seems to lie in the difference in how adbominal fat actually functions. It tends to be more active in producing hormones and chemical messengers that cause inflammation thoughout the body. "Most of the research suggests that abdominal fat at least triples the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and abnormal cholesterol levels," says Dr. JoAnn Manson, a Harvard Endocrinologist.

I'm going to mention the diseases several times until you get it,
Why is health care so expensive they ask?

Subcutaneous fat- the kind that gets stored on the thighs, butt, and upper arms - is the kind you can pinch and is stored right below the skin. Unattractive and annoying, but basically harmless... except if you don't mind losing your knees or ankles due to stress and extra weight but that is going to be address in another blog.

Way to measure:

#1 measure your waist
The danger point seems to be 35 inches for women and 40 inches for the men

That's why a metric called waist-to-hip ratio may turn out to be more important than either your weight or your body mass index (BMI), the old standard wway of calculation if you are overweight.

Here's how to do it, my measurements are included:
Measure the circumference of your waist at its smallest point (30.5)
Measure the circumference of your hips and their widest point (36.5)
Divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement (= 0.83)

Women within the 0.85 and with men at 0.9 range seem to be less susceptible to all sorts of major diseases, from diabetes to heart disease to cancer.

I have one thing to say about this:

STOP EATING SUGAR, REFINED SUGAR!

Acne Study Needs Participants

2009-05-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

SunSoul’s innovative solution to skin conditions both medical and cosmetic is responding to the growing focus on natural, convenient therapies and healthy lifestyle.

Today’s enlightened consumer wants quality alternatives and compliments to conventional drug based treatments, and costly, time consuming medical procedures.

There are currently two sites for an Acne study here in Los Angeles.

The doctors are only charging a consult fee; product will be given for FREE.

UCLA

Dr. Helen Fincher, Dermatologist

100 Ucla Medical Plaza Ste 590
Los Angeles, CA 90024

310.794.7422

Santa Monica

Dr. Karyn Grossman, Dermatologist (310) 998-0040

1301 Twentieth Street, Suite 350

Santa Monica, CA 90404

310.998.0040

For more information about Sun Soul to go: www.sunsoul.com