The Holistic Diva

Aromatherapy and Stress Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 20:39:00 +0000

What is Aromatherapy

You might think of aromatherapy as a more modern type of alternative treatment, but the use of essential oils to improve brain function, health and well being has been around for thousands of years.

We’re not exactly sure when people discovered or first started using aromatic plants in this way, but it’s thought this technique may have developed in ancient China. There is text documenting the use of incense to help create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere.

The word aromatherapy is derived from the word “aroma” meaning smell or fragrance, and “therapy”, meaning treatment. Treatment can involve essential oils made from bark, stems, leaves, flowers or roots of a plant.

Egyptians also attempted to distill oils, and they used cedar wood, cinnamon, nutmeg, myrrh, and clove to embalm their dead. Traces of herbs still hung faintly in the air when a tomb was opened in the early 1900’s, and residue was found on the body.

There is evidence the Egyptians were able to (albeit somewhat crudely) distill cedar wood, the general consensus is that other herbs were used as infusions.

The Greeks also used infusions and distillation to benefit from the medicinal properties of herbs. Hippocrates himself used aromatherapy to not only enjoy the scent, but also to increase good health.

One famous perfume with medicinal properties created by the Greeks, involved mixing a blend of herbs, including myrrh, into a fatty base. This not only smelled wonderful, but also had anti-inflammatory properties, and was applied to the skin to help heal wounds.

Not to be outdone, the Romans had the help of a book written by one of their own, describing the properties and uses of over 500 plants. However, the Romans focused far more on extractions for floral water and not so much for essential oils.

Aromatherapy Uses

“Aromatherapy” as a term came into use only after 1937 when Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (a French chemist) burned his hand in a lab accident. He happened to have a pot of lavender water nearby, and out of instinct plunged his hand in to cool it.

Afterward, he noticed the lavender water had appeared to help prevent the burn from getting as bad as it could (should) have been, and seemed to have helped heal the wound. This spurred him on to do further research about the medical benefits of herbs.

The use of essential oils in aromatherapy offers many benefits, and they can be applied in various ways. Utilizing a diffuser is a wonderful method to not only improve your mood, but also make your home smell nice, and is also a great way to welcome visitors inside.

Not only will a diffuser help to lift your mood as the diffuser sprays tiny droplets into the air with water, any beneficial properties will also be dispersed, and will increase the health of your environment.

Citrus essential oil, for example, is anti-bacterial and can attack germs and bacteria floating around in your indoor environment, so you’re less likely to inhale them and suffer ill effects.

Various essential oils are available to help uplift your mood in a number of ways. By trying out a variety of oils you can find what works best for you. Lavender for instance, is soothing, and can help make your space relaxing. Or, if you need some pep in your step, citrus scents or peppermint are great for this.

Aromatherapy can also be used when the oil is applied to the skin either through massage, or a dab behind the ears or wrists. Angelica is a popular massage oil because it promotes calm, reduces anxiety, and helps promote a good solid sleep for those suffering the effects of insomnia.

In Germany, Angelica was also referred to as the “oil of angels” because of the level of peace it brought those who used it. Another great oil for massage is Coriander oil. Coriander has warming properties, and will promote a better digestive system, and improve circulation.

If you use a moisturizer, why not create your own using essential oils? In this way you eliminate dry skin, and benefit from the healing properties of your favorite scents.

Try blending several oil carrier oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil or even olive oil. Add a few drops of essential oil and mix thoroughly. You’ll want to store your cream in a glass jar out of direct sunlight, and use whenever you need a boost!

If you suffer from sore muscles try a blend with peppermint oil, which helps to soothe and cool aches and pains throughout your body. Peppermint is also said to increase mental alertness, so it’s a good oil to use before that important meeting or school exam.

Additional Essential Oils and Their Benefits

Patchouli is a strong smell, but those who like it tend to use it for everything. This oil helps to reduce anxiety, reduce cellulite and bloating, and will help you in your fight against smoking, over eating, or other addictions.

Eucalyptus can help those with respiratory issues by quickly and efficiently opening up the sinuses. It also has cooling properties, so if you suffer from headaches or migraines, try a bit of eucalyptus oil on your temples or the back of your neck for relief.

When it comes to stress and anxiety relief, it’s hard to beat the benefits of lavender oil. This delightful smelling herb lends itself well to instilling a sense of calm and tranquility, and can help those with depression.

Use lavender in your diffuser or dab it onto your wrists. You can also use it along with laundry soap to make your clothes carry hints of this lovely herb all day.

Ylang ylang, like lavender, is another essential oil used for calming and quieting the mind. It can also help soothe nausea, may reduce high blood pressure, and can help improve skin conditions.

Essential oils offer powerful aromatherapy benefits you can easily integrate into your life. They are widely available, and enjoyable to use.

ABOUT OUR GUEST AUTHOR: Nina Wells, from Steam Shower Store has over 10 years of experience in writing health related topics, and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and hydrotherapy.

How Your Home May Be Making You Sick

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 02:04:00 +0000

Photo via Pixabay by Pexels

It used to be the word “pollution” brought to mind images of factories and car emissions, dirty lakes and overfull landfills, while “detoxification” was something associated only with cleansing the body of drugs.

Now, however, there is a very different type of pollution happening, and many people aren’t even aware of it ... or the fact that it might be making them sick.

“The whole concept of indoor pollution is quite new. For a long time, our focus was on what was going on in the environment outside our homes. But in the last decade or so, we’ve realized that the indoor environment can be making you sick,” says author Jeffrey May.

The problem lies not with how clean your house may be, but with all the hidden places you may not think to clean, like the air and heating ducts.

The average home has several little spaces that are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, so it’s important to know where to check if you or your family begin exhibiting symptoms consistent with indoor pollution, such as headaches, constant sinus issues, or trouble breathing.

How Your Home May Be Affecting Your Health

HVAC System

The air ducts in your home are likely filled with traces of water -- condensation which forms every time your air conditioning unit kicks on -- that can breed germs, bacteria, and mold. Have the vents and ducts professionally cleaned every two years if possible.

It’s also important to not forget the heating system. Furnace filters can attract copious amounts of lint, dust, and debris, that not only keeps your heating system from working properly, and hikes up your utility bills -- but also sends those particles back out into the air, where you breathe them in. Change the filter as often as every month to keep your furnace working properly.

Smart Meters

Smart meters -- small devices usually installed on the outside of a home to measure utility usage -- have become a popular fixture for many homeowners, as they send data automatically to a utility company using radio frequency waves.

However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified smart meters as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans, and while it's impossible to do a true study on just how dangerous they may be, it’s important for those who are already at risk for cancer, to know the risks associated with these meters.

The Bathroom

Your bathroom may appear to be clean at a glance, but the one thing many people overlook is the bottom of the bathmat. If you step out of the shower to dry yourself, your bath mat will take on quite a bit of water, and when it soaks through to the bottom and stays up against the floor, conditions are perfect for mold and bacteria.

Wash your mats in hot water once a week and, after your shower, pick it up and lay it over the shower rod to air dry. Better yet, dry yourself while you’re still standing in the tub to cut down on the amount of water that will hit the mat.

While it can be alarming to think about, knowing the issues your home faces will help you to become proactive in keeping you and your family safe and healthy.

~ by Charlotte Meier, Guest Author

Winter Skincare - How to Do It Right

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 03:24:00 +0000

5 Tips to Follow in the Winter Months

Here are five important, effective tips for keeping skin smooth, healthy, and hydrated during the winter months.

Drink Lots of Water

You probably drank lots of water during the Summer months. However, it’s equally important to remember during the Winter. Start from within! Stay hydrated and dry so skin will retain more moisture. Plus, you’ll have more energy and be able to fight off infection more effectively. There’s a reason why health professionals tell you to drink more fluids.

Fruits and vegetables also contain a lot of H2o! Therefore, make sure your diet includes lots of organic produce. Consider shopping seasonally for increased health benefits and environmental sustainability. Your skin (and the planet) will thank you!

Switch to a Heavy Duty Moisturizer

A change in weather also means a change in your skincare routine. Switch to a heavier moisturizer and consider washing your face with an organic oil (like almond or coconut) in order to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Limit Your Time in Hot Water

I realize that this seems counter-intuitive. However, spending too much time in hot water can be incredibly drying for your skin. It’s tempting to do because it’s so cold outside! How are you supposed to stay warm? One technique I use is washing my hair in warm water and then shaving my legs on the side of the tub. I wrap myself in a warm towel and take my time, limiting the use of hot water, and making sure my skin stays moisturized.

Once you’re out of the tub and/or shower, apply oil while the skin is still wet. This will lock in moisture and keep legs feeling smooth. My favorite is the jojoba oil from Trader Joe’s! Inexpensive and effective!

Use Proper Protection

Scarves, hats, gloves… these items are important for keeping your skin protected from the elements. Remember, it isn't just about the skin on your face, but it's also about your hands, neck, and even your ears! Some people are sensitive to fabrics like wool, so be sure to test run a particular fabric before making any kind of financial investment!

Listen to Your Body

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to skincare. Beauty is a holistic experience. As such, it’s important to listen to your body’s needs. Are you flaking around your nose and forehead? Perhaps you need to switch to a gentler cleanser and find a more powerful moisturizer. Are you breaking out despite the harsh elements, maybe you need to incorporate more salicylic acid into your beauty regimen.

Often times, stress, lack of sleep, and a poor diet will wreak havoc on your skin. If you are feeling lots of Wintertime anxiety, make sure you’re getting proper rest and adequate exercise. Meditate, take a walk, or even a nap! Your skin will look better and it will elevate your mood! Promise.

Do you have any Wintertime skin care tips? Leave your comments in the section below!

GUEST AUTHOR: Cassie Brewer is a beauty and women’s health journalist. She occasionally contributes to the blog of Bellezza Spa and has enjoyed writing for The Holistic Diva. She encourages you to check out the rest of their great content!

4 Easy Steps For Beautiful Hands and Nails Year Round

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 04:49:00 +0000

Four Easy Steps for Maintaining Beautiful Hands and Nails

Temperature changes can be harsh on our skin, and especially on our hands. For anyone with dry skin, you know exactly what we’re talking about. It starts with a dryness a bit more intense than usual, intensifying to red skin that feels rough to the touch, and it may even hurt when stretching your fingers. It feels as if your skin is not your own anymore, and you’re turning into some sort of strange reptile. The worst part is, your normal hand cream is useless against the damage.

To get your hands and nails back in shape after being exposed to temperature fluctuations, harsh chemicals or soaps (like car care products), from swimming or gardening, etc. your hands will need special treatment. Follow these four easy steps, and you'll be able to have beautiful hands and nails year round.

Start from Within

Drinking Adequate Water Will Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, as it promotes skin circulation, hydrating your skin from the inside. Calculate how much water your body requires and make sure you don’t miss a cup.

Opt for foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, avocado, flax seeds), which also have the ability to lock moisture inside the skin. Omega-3 is also good for your general well-being, so you’re killing two birds with one stone.

Also think of incorporating vitamin A, E and Zinc-rich foods in your meals. This dynamic trio is vital for fighting damage that’s caused by air pollution and UV radiation.

This is important even in the winter time. The truth is, the sun is always above us, no matter how overcast the sky is. And, while we use sunscreen every day in July, we often forget about it when we can’t see the sun through the clouds. This is one of the reasons our hands are particularly dry when it gets cold, and foods like oysters, turkey, beans, crab, leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, nuts, seeds and broccoli can help fortify our skin from the inside.

Soak!

Perform A DIY Homemade Hand Soak to Relieve Dryness

Hands and nails love a good bath. But this is not your old hot water bubble bath. Your hands need shock therapy to get that skin and those nails shining again.

For a homemade soak, use nourishing ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil, eggs and a bit of lemon juice, mix and warm up, then dip your hands for at least 20 minutes for the full effect. If your hands are really dry, you can even put on a pair of cotton gloves or cotton socks, and go to bed with them on. Finish by washing your hands in warm water, with the mildest of soaps.

The antioxidants and fatty acids in the olive oil, in combination with the vitamin cocktail in the eggs and the ascorbic acid in the lemons, will make your skin and nails look and feel better.

Scrub at Home

DIY Hand Scrub From Kitchen Cupboard Ingredients

You don’t need expensive scrubs to make your hands softer and your nails stronger. In fact, some of the most expensive ones can be recreated at home, with inexpensive ingredients. Scrubs will remove dry skin, and help to keep your hands youthful looking.

One of the best hand and nail treatments is the sugar scrub. Aside from being very efficient, it’s easy to make and perfect for beginners. To get it done, mix two parts sugar, with one part oil (coconut oil works best, but olive and almond are great too) and half a teaspoon vitamin E oil. Mix well, scrub gently, wash your hands and apply moisturizer.

This scrub is wonderfully versatile, so get creative and substitute your favorite skin care ingredients into the recipe. Use natural plant oils and ingredients from your kitchen cupboard such as ground oatmeal, ground flax or chia seeds, ground coffee, etc. as your inspiration.

Change Your Hand Cream

Lemon Twist Intensive Repair Organic Hand Cream

One of the main problems with hand care during temperature fluctuations or exposure to chemicals is our normal hand cream loses its edge against these conditions. Applying and reapplying won’t do much good in this situation. Changing your hand moisturizer to a new one is a good idea. Try to find products that focus on care for dry skin, and treatments that are more than moisturizers. What we always do when we have a dry hands and nails situation is switch to our essensu Lemon Twist Organic Intensive Repair Hand Cream, which is formulated to fix skin problems fast.

In the end, our hands take weather, environmental, and chemical damage harder than the rest of our bodies, and we do need to give our hands extra tender loving care to keep them from becoming overly dry and looking unattractive.

GUEST AUTHOR: Gwen Lewis is a freelance writer who lives in Southern California. She currently works with Fair & Flawless as well as other beauty and health sites. Although she lives in California, she knows what the cold can do to your skin as her parents live on the East Coast and she visits often.

Best Supplements To Take When Following a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 06:24:00 +0000

There are multiple health and ethical benefits to following a vegetarian or vegan diet. However, it is fundamental when undertaking a vegetarian or vegan regime that the right food choices are made, in order to ensure your body is not deprived of vital nutrients.

These nutrients are fundamental for sustaining overall physical and mental well-being. Often the quantity and types of food consumed by vegetarians and vegans results in being deprived of certain vital nutrients.

A viable solution to this problem is incorporating vitamin supplements, which provide your body with the nutrients required, while still upholding the values of vegetarianism and veganism. Listed below are a handful of recommended supplements you can take, to protect your own body when pursuing this type of diet.

Vitamins for Vegetarians Image Source

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is responsible for red blood cell growth and nervous system maintenance. However, because the only unfortified, natural sources of Vitamin B12 are meat and dairy products, vegetarians and vegans are most often deprived and deficient in this very important vitamin. One recent study using the more sensitive vitamin B12 testing technique, found high rates of deficiency: 68% for vegetarians and 83% for vegans, as compared to just 5% for omnivores.

This is important to note as B12 depletion can take years to become clinically evident. This means deficiency sets in long before obvious symptoms appear, and some of the more serious effects, such as nerve damage from being deficient, are irreversible.

Deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to a host of serious problems including macrocytic anaemia, an abnormality in red blood cell development, heart palpitations, numbness, loss of vision, learning disabilities in children, cognitive decline, memory loss, infertility, premature aging, vascular problems such as heart disease and stroke, irreversible nerve damage, and numerous other symptoms.

Also, Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin we can not obtain from plants or sunlight. Plants don’t need B12 so they don’t store it. It's found exclusively in animal foods, such as liver, clams, oysters, mussels, fish eggs, octopus, fish, crab and lobster, beef, lamb, cheese and eggs.

A commonly held misconception amongst vegetarians and vegans is that it’s possible to get vitamin B12 from plant sources like seaweed, fermented soy, spirulina and brewers yeast. However, it's important to note, plant foods said to contain B12 actually contain vitamin B12 analogs called cobamides, which actually block the intake of, and increase the need for true vitamin B12.

Therefore, it’s crucial for those abstaining from animal products to understand there are no plant sources of vitamin B12, and that all vegans and most vegetarians should supplement. This is especially imperative for vegetarian or vegan pregnant women, and for children, whose need for B12 is even greater than that of adults.

In addition to the importance of supplementing with vitamin B12, the proper form of B12 to use should also be considered. A general approach to B12 supplementation might include 1,000 mcg (1 mg) to 5,000 mcg (5 mg) of sublingual methylcobalamin.

Cyanaocobalamin is the most frequently used form of B12 supplementation in the US, as it's the cheapest form of B12, but not the best. This low-grade, low-quality, and slightly toxic (contains cyanide) form of vitamin B12 is widely available and used in most vitamin formulas, so read your labels. (Hydroxocobalamin is frequently used in Europe, and is another inferior form of the vitamin).

The far superior choice for B12 supplementation is to choose methylcobalamin. This is the form existing in nature, and is a bio-available form, meaning your body can put it to immediate use. Methylcobalamin has increased absorption, better retention in tissues, is free from toxic cyanide, and supports the production of SAMe. Also, there are no worries of toxicity by supplementing with vitamin B12.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a common deficiency, because most people think they receive sufficient amounts of it from the sun. However, cloud cover, long winters, living in a northern climate, using sunscreen, and indoor jobs means for majority of us, our bodies do not have access to enough vitamin D. Moreover, vitamin D is only found in a small variety of foods, most of which are not included in the vegetarian or vegan diet, such as milk, egg yolks and salmon.

Therefore, it's recommended to supplement with a minimum of 1000 to 2000 IUs per day. It would also be prudent to request your doctor test your vitamin D levels, including those of children. Most people, even those who are not vegetarians or vegans are deficient in vitamin D, and may find their levels are below optimum.

However, bear in mind that while vitamin D2 is vegan, vitamin D3 is not, so always read the label carefully before purchasing if you follow a vegan diet. Fortified vegan products contain D2 (ergocalciferol). Foods with naturally occurring vitamin D usually contain animal derived vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). (There is one form of D3 that is derived from lichen and suitable for vegans, which is marketed as Vitashine).

A vegan diet can be planned to provide adequate amounts of vitamin D through use of fortified foods like fortified plant milks. Some brands of hemp milk for instance, provide 160 IUs of vitamin D per eight ounce serving. Any person, regardless of chosen food path, who does not include good sources of vitamin D their diet or take vitamin D supplements can be at risk for not getting adequate vitamin D, especially if sunlight exposure is limited.

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones as it helps the body maintain calcium levels in order to regulate tooth and bone development. A deficiency can thus lead to stunted or defective bone growth and conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, etc. which require long term medical aid and chiropractic therapy. The body also needs vitamin D to absorb calcium so it's important to use these supplements in conjunction with one another for optimum bone health.

Calcium

Calcium is vital for bone and tooth growth, blood-clotting capabilities and the overall health of your heart, nerves and muscle function. Calcium is often found in milk and other dairy products, however, there are other excellent sources of calcium.

Sources of well-absorbed calcium for vegetarians and vegans include calcium-fortified organic soy or rice milk, calcium fortified juice, calcium-set tofu, tempeh, organic soybeans and soy nuts, bok choy, broccoli, collard greens, navy beans, almonds, almond butter, Chinese cabbage, kale, mustard greens, and okra, grains, beans (other than soybeans), figs, and hummus.

Vegetarians and vegans should strive to meet daily calcium recommendations, and if these can not be met through food choices, than a calcium supplement should be used. Adults require 1,000 milligrams every day to maintain health and prevent long term illnesses associated with low bone mass such as osteoporosis, convulsions or abnormal heart rhythms.

Iron

Iron serves as a pivotal element of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood from your lungs throughout your body. Iron comes in two forms; heme and non-heme. Heme is more readily absorbed than non-heme, and unfortunately for vegetarians, all plant based sources of iron are non-heme, thus vegetarians and vegans may have lower iron stores than omnivores.

However, this has not translated into higher rates of anemia, and many vegetarians' iron stores are in a low-normal range, but is not cause for alarm. There are some evidence based studies supporting low-normal iron stores as beneficial for improved insulin function, and lower rates of heart disease and cancer.

Many nutritionists believe if you eat a varied, healthy plant-based diet which includes a balance of grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and fruits and vegetables, then it's not necessary to keep close track of iron intake.

Begin, by making sure you’re eating foods containing substantial amounts of iron. Some of the best plant sources of iron include:

Legumes: lentils, organic soybeans, tofu, tempeh, lima beans.
Grains: quinoa, fortified cereals, brown rice, oatmeal.
Nuts and Seeds: pumpkin, squash, pine, pistacio, sunflower, cashews, unhulled sesame.
Vegetables: tomato sauce, swiss chard, collard greens.
Other: blackstrap molasses, prune juice.

But regarding iron, here’s the key: It’s not how much iron you consume, but how well you absorb it.

There are ways to to increase the absorption of non-heme iron from a plant based diet, so making sure you're absorbing your iron is as important as making sure you’re getting enough from your food.

Here's how to do it ...

Consume less - The less iron consumed per meal, the better it's absorbed. When consuming higher amounts of iron at one time, our bodies absorb less than when eating small amounts throughout the day.
Eat non-heme iron foods with vitamin C foods - This can increase iron absorption by as much as five times. Example: Beans and rice with salsa
Avoid coffee and tea when eating high-iron meals - The tannin in coffee (even decaf!) and tea inhibit iron absorption. Avoid them an hour before or two hours after your meal.
Cast-iron skillets increase iron absorption - Cooking with a cast-iron skillet increases the iron in your meal — especially when you cook a food containing vitamin C in it. (Think tomato sauce)
Avoid spinach as an iron source - Spinach contains oxalates that may block absorption. You can certainly still eat spinach, but avoid combining it with an iron containing plant source you may be having with your meal.

If you choose to take an iron supplement, it's best to break it in half, and take half in the morning and half at night, always with meals or juice.

Zinc

Zinc is vital for a healthy metabolism, immune system and healing. The National Institute of Health recommends that vegetarians need 50% more than the recommended 40 mg dose of zinc due to the fact that the zinc found in plant based foods has a lower absorption level.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 Fatty Acids host a wealth of health benefits, ranging from assisting with inflammatory diseases, decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease, lowering blood pressure, alleviating joint pain and arthritis, to protecting against dementia and depression.

Vegans are at risk because they do not eat the fish which contains these fatty acids. To optimize your intake of omega 3 fatty acids, you can supplement your diet with flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed. (Keep refrigerated).

Taking vitamin supplements is ultimately a personal choice. If you research the amounts of nutrients your body requires and shop for your food accordingly, you may be able to receive enough vitamins and nutrients from your diet alone. However, a large number of vegetarians and vegans undergo a diet which does not contain the sufficient nutritional quantities for optimal body function. In these instances, supplements provide a simple solution to protecting the overall physical and mental well-being of your body, without compromising your vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Guest Author Bradley Taylor, is a freelance writer from Derby,

England

. Bradley is a motoring enthusiast who loves writing about cars and everything automotive but is versatile, and also writes across a variety of other topics. You can find him on Google+ and follow him on Twitter.

New Year's Resolutions: 5 Strategies Science Says Really Work

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 00:16:00 +0000

What Science Has Learned About Willpower and Self-Control

Perhaps your resolve for 2014 is to quit smoking, improve your diet, drink less alcohol, become more physically active, or to break some other bad habit. However, we all know sticking to a New Year’s resolution can be hard. After all, temptations are everywhere, and bad habits can be difficult to shake.

I almost think of bad habits as something needing to be healed like a pesky wound, or something to be nurtured and encouraged to move on. After all, if you think about it, if a person becomes dependent on their bad habits, they establish a relationship with them, and it can be hard to say goodbye to that which is known so well.

Plus, everyday life is full of self-control demands, and these daily demands can drain ones willpower. Keep in mind it's most challenging to resist temptations when you're tired or stressed. Researchers have determined self-control is highest in the morning hours, and steadily declines and deteriorates over the course of the day. When trying to change you can't relay on willpower alone. If you do, you run the risk of feeling burnt out.

Luckily, scientist are discovering which strategies are effective at boosting willpower, and WILL put an end to bad habits. The best part is, these strategies consist of instituting minor, doable tweaks to your usual behavior.

Five Strategies That Work For Breaking Bad Habits:

Choose the Right Words
It's more empowering to say, “I don’t,” rather than, “I can’t,” when trying to resist temptation and stick to your planned course of behavior, according to the latest recent research. For example, if you are trying to eat healthy and someone offers you a chocolate chip cookie, you'd say, “I don’t eat sweets,” rather than, “I can’t eat sweets.”

This is effective because the phrase, “I can’t,” signals a sense of loss from having to give up something you want – whether it’s ice cream after dinner or sleeping an extra half an hour in the morning, rather than getting up to work out.

By contrast, saying, “I don't” is self-empowering and elicits determination, thus making any refusal strategy more effective. Researches say using the words "I don't," increased peoples' feelings of control, which then resulted in a positive behavioral change, more than saying “I can't,” or using the generic, “just-say-no” strategy.

Keep Other People’s Reactions in Mind
When considering a particular choice for yourself you're trying to change - that bad habit you want kiss goodbye – researches suggest you consider the opinions of people you value - what would they think of your choice? Would they be proud of you or would they disapprove?

Using this 'social element' can provide a powerful boost to ones self-control. Bringing a role model to mind is also an effective tool when you need a little boost to your willpower by asking yourself what that role model would do.

For some people, envisioning what their mother or father would think about their loss of willpower is an effective way to stay on track.

Engage in Mini Workouts
Recent research has also found short bouts of exercise improved self-control. The theory: Brief bouts of exercise may boost blood flow to the pre-frontal areas of the brain, which are responsible for executive functions, such as planning and controlling inhibitions.

For people trying to quit smoking for example, going for a short, brisk walk when a craving for a cigarette ensues, helps to alleviate the craving and break the habit cycle. It's turning your attention away from your craving and toward an activity, thus helping to reprogram the brain, and enjoy a healthier pursuit.

Commit to a Small, Consistent Act of Self-Control
Sticking with a single behavior requiring self-control can improve overall willpower. Simply foregoing dessert after dinner for example, helps to improve the overall willpower in other areas of a person's life, like taking good care of our health, resisting temptation, and feeling more in control of our emotions.

Implementing this single behavior self-control becomes a form of training, which will naturally boost confidence, and help a person to improve all areas of their lives. Such as when a person starts to lose weight and they begin to feel healthier, they are rewarded with an improved self image, positive feedback and support from others, increased energy, improved sleep, etc. which furthers motivates change, and strengthens self-control and willpower.

Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Mindful meditation, or shamatha, is a form of meditation involving developing a conscious awareness and acceptance of living in the 'now' – assisted by focusing on breathing, posture, and gaze – while letting your mind roam free. It's taking your mind to a place of calm and harmony.

This activity is relaxing, but has also shown, according to a recent study at the University of Basel in Switzerland, to counteract the effects of focusing on maintaining self-control, which can lead to a depletion of self-control by feeling worn out from maintaining the effort to change.

In other words, mindfulness meditation can replenish your self-control after it’s been drained. Mindfulness meditation is not difficult to do, requires no special equipment, and is best performed in a place that is void of too much noise or distraction. If you'd like to learn more about this form of meditation, there are many websites offering online guides. This is one I personally like: How To Do Mindfulness Meditation.

Implementing these research-proven strategies should help to empower anyone looking to break and change a bad habit for good, or to gain more self-control. These tools can bring success, and move any New Year's resolutions to the completed list.

You may also enjoy our post: What's in Your Goal Setting Tool Box?

Are You Gluten Intolerant? Is Gluten Making You Sick?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 03:33:00 +0000

Is gluten reacting in your system like a poison and making you sick? A few short years ago the word, “gluten” was unfamiliar to most people. Today, this protein (gliadin) naturally found in wheat, rye, barley, (and malt) is frequently discussed and written about in health news circles and the media, and it's found in breads, pastries, pizza dough, and surprising places like beer, canned goods, medications, candy, and condiments. Has all this attention being brought to gluten have you wondering if you could benefit from a gluten-free diet? Since our bodies consider it a a poison it causes a violent and obvious reaction in some people. In others, the reaction is different. It's possible you're unaware it’s even a problem for you. The symptoms can be hidden from you.

For people who's bodies consider it a poison, it goes into defense mode and creates antibodies to block the perceived danger. The immune system then fires the antibodies at this poison to get rid of it. This offender is gluten and it can send your immune system into overdrive. That’s where the problem really starts. Your immune system can fire (attack) where you don’t want it to—like at your gut or your thyroid. These are the two main often, hidden victims of gluten poisoning.

By attempting to banish the poison your body turns against you in the process. This is where celiac disease and auto-immune thyroid disease can begin.

Gluten Sensitivity and Gluten Intolerance may be used interchangeably. These terms help describe any health condition in which the underlying cause is gluten. Gluten sensitivity covers a broad spectrum; from light gluten intolerance, to Dermatitis Herpetiformis (celiac disease attacking the skin), to celiac disease. Celiac disease is the most severe form or gluten intolerance/gluten sensitivity. One out of 100 people are estimated to suffer from this form of autoimmune disorder, making it one of the most common autoimmune diseases. In celiac disease the body attacks the lining of the small intestines when gluten is present, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. Every person living with celiac disease, is gluten intolerant. However, an individual can be gluten intolerant or gluten sensitive, and NOT have celiac disease. It’s also important to note, neither gluten sensitivity or celiac disease are caused by allergies.

(Non-Celiac) Gluten Intolerance or Gluten Sensitivity

Researchers are still trying to understand what non-celiac gluten intolerance really is, and it’s estimated as many as 17 million Americans (approximately one in 18), or upwards of 15% may be gluten sensitive, and most are never diagnosed.

Gluten-sensitive individuals can’t tolerate gluten, and often suffer from a range of gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those in celiac disease. We do know gluten is hard for the body to digest, and it may be a contributing factor to causing sensitivity in some people. However, in people with gluten intolerance their overall clinical picture is generally less severe, and their bodies don’t produce the auto-antibodies found in those who have celiac disease – which is caused by an inherited weakness, thus it tends to run in families. Doctors often attribute the gastrointestinal symptoms to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), resulting in a misdiagnose, and continued suffering for such individuals.

Researchers have also found a difference in the immune reactions for those with gluten sensitivity and those with celiac disease. In those with gluten sensitivity, the body sets up barriers to repel the invaders (gluten). The subjects with celiac disease have adaptive immunity – the body develops specific cells to fight the foreign bodies which are the basis of the autoimmune response. For those with gluten sensitivity a gluten-free diet is the only treatment recommended, although, some may be able to tolerate small amounts in their diets.

If you suspect you may be gluten sensitive, eliminating gluten and following the guidelines below for a minimum of three to four weeks is your first line of action. Then, you reintroduce gluten into your diet. If you feel significantly better off of gluten, or feel worse when gluten is reintroduced, then being gluten intolerant is likely. To get accurate results from this testing method, 100% of the gluten from your diet must be eliminated. It may be well worth the inconvenience of following this elimination diet to confirm any suspicions, as more than 55 diseases have been linked to gluten, and healing the body is how you will feel better.

What Symptoms May Indicate Gluten Intolerance:

Digestive issues; gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Constipation is common in children after eating gluten.

Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal containing gluten.

A diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, scleroderma or multiple sclerosis.

Migraine headaches.

Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.

Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.

Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or the feeling of being off balance.

Mood issues; anxiety, depression, mood swings, and ADD.

Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. These diagnoses indicate your conventional doctor can’t determine the cause of your fatigue or pain.

Keratosis pilaris which causes small, acne-like bumps, which usually appear on the upper arms, legs or buttocks; they usually don't hurt or itch. This is most often a result of a fatty acid, and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat malabsorption due to gluten damaging the gut and intestinal villi.

If you don’t have celiac disease but want to try a gluten-free diet, consider these tips:

Be Mindful of Balance – A restrictive eating plan can hinder your ability to achieve a balanced diet. Choose a variety of foods, including whole foods in their natural state such as fruits and vegetables, which are naturally gluten-free. Eliminate toxic food groups: cereal grains and soy. Supplement with vitamins, minerals, and add probiotics to ensure your body has a healthy balance of gut flora (bacteria).
Read Labels – When foods are labeled gluten-free it, doesn’t necessarily mean they are foods that are good for you. Make sure to check the labels to ensure the foods you are choosing are low in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium, and avoid processed foods which are filled with added sugars, bad vegetable oils, additives, or dyes which damage health.
Shop Wisely – By sticking to the outer perimeter of the grocery store, you’ll find many naturally gluten-free and nutrient dense foods including: fresh produce, fresh poultry, meat, and seafood, eggs, and dairy products.

These Common Foods Are Naturally Gluten-Free:

Corn in all forms: corn flour, corn meal, grits, etc. But beware as almost all corn crops are GMO, unless they are labeled organic. *Corn has been shown to problematic for Celiacs, even though it’s gluten-free. See below.

Buckwheat (kasha), pure oats, amaranth, millet, Montina, teff and sorghum (Look for oats labeled gluten-free, as oats are sometimes cross contaminated from nearby growing wheat fields) *Oats have been shown to trigger powerful inflammatory responses in Celiacs. See below.

Flax

Potato starch and flour, tapioca flour or starch, cornstarch, arrowroot, guar and xanthan gums

Quinoa (However, this grain contains large quantities of saponins – a plant defense chemical, which severly damages the gut wall and causes leaky gut).

Rice in all forms: white, brown, basmati, and enriched rice. *May be problematic for children. See below.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Fresh meat, poultry, and seafood

Vegetable oils (Choose healthy oils rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil) Avoid consumption of corn, canola, cottonseed, soybean, safflower and sunflower oil which are high in Omega-6 fatty acids and promote inflammation in the body

Unflavored milk, cream, and butter

Eggs

Most yogurts

Aged cheese, cream cheese, and cottage cheese

Nuts, beans, legumes, and flours made from them

Raw Honey

Peanut Butter

Lecithin, vinegar, plain spices

Soy (but not soy sauce) Bear in mind, soy is not a health food unless it’s a fermented soy product such as, tempeh, miso, natto, pickled tofu, stinky tofu or fermented bean paste

Celiac Disease (the word “celiac” is from the Greek word “abdominal”) is the most severe form of gluten intolerance/gluten sensitivity. Gluten needs to be avoided completely to avoid intestinal damage. It’s a lifelong change. Gluten is a toxic protein for those with celiac, and because of the genetic weakness, the protein gets trapped under cells lining the gastrointestinal tract (the villi). This autoimmune response then attacks the villi, which is needed for the absorption of nutrients. When villi are destroyed, the absorption of vitamins and minerals is compromised. This attack on the wall of the intestines is why it’s an autoimmune disease – the immune system attacks it’s own healthy tissue, which leads to leaky gut (intestinal permeability) and inflammation. Inflammation in the body causes a host of symptoms and diseases.

It’s worth mentioning, those with celiac disease may still suffer from symptoms if they simply follow the gluten-free diet above, which is also the same one prescribed by most doctors. This is because there’s a laundry list of other foods that drive inflammation and sustain the intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Yes, gluten is the worst offender but a Celiac’s gut is severely damaged and highly susceptible to poor food choices. If the “other dietary triggers” contributing to the disease are not removed, a person suffering from celiac disease will remain sick. Going gluten-free usually is not enough.

Most cereal grains contain a toxic protein called prolamines, which are knurly, tough proteins humans can’t digest. These proteins irritate the gut lining and sneak their way past the intestinal wall. Prolamine in corn is problematic for those with celiac, and the prolamine in oats has been shown to trigger a powerful inflammatory response in those with celiac, in addition, prolamine in brown rice can cause inflammation in the gut of children.

These same grains also contain toxic sugar-binding proteins called plant lectins, which also don’t get digested, but rather bind to the cells on the gut wall and prevents them from completing their normal healing processes. These plant lectins make their way past the intestinal wall and cause leaky gut, triggering inflammation, which also leads to nutrient deficiencies.

A diet high in these grains also reduces the body’s ability to process vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D, and being vitamin D deficient are associated with leaky gut. Until the leaky gut is stopped, damage from celiac disease can’t be reversed.

Inflammation and leaky gut are also caused by toxins produced by bad bacteria. To make a long story short, carbohydrates and sugars are the primary food for the bacteria in our gut. Bacteria live on sugar, that’s normal. But when the delicate gut flora balance gets upset, pathogenic bacteria can quickly take over and cause small intestinal bacterial overgrowth due to the damage to villi of the small intestine. Therefore, it’s important to avoid processed carbohydrates and processed sugars because those with celiac disease suffer from leaky gut and bad gut flora. And we've already learned inflammation triggers leaky gut, and leaky gut triggers inflammation. It becomes a vicious cycle, and the only way to begin healing is to break this inflammation-leaky gut cycle.

Celiac is a multisystem disease, meaning it affects many organs, and a number of conditions may be the presenting symptom of the disease. Infertility, migraine headaches or even seizures may be the first symptoms experienced, making it difficult for doctors to associate symptoms suffered with celiac disease. If you are at high risk of celiac disease – if a close family member has it, or you are experiencing symptoms, a doctor can order a blood test to test for the disease. An intestinal biopsy can also be used to detect the disease.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is the skin manifestation of celiac disease. It is characterized by an extremely itchy, watery blister or rash that is found on the limbs, trunk, face and scalp. The blisters are often mirrored on both sides of the body or face and reoccur in the same areas. The eruptions are often mistaken for and treated as other skin conditions, including psoriasis, infected mosquito bites, contact dermatitis, allergies or “non-specific dermatitis.” In people with dermatitis herpetiformis its been found beside following a gluten-free diet, gluten-free skincare products are a beneficial choice, as certain ingredients in body and skincare products may contain gluten, which tend to aggravate the affected areas.

Many authorities believe no one should consume gluten foods. Considering many, many people never get diagnosed, or get properly diagnosed, I suspect those suffering from gluten intolerance is well above the 15% reported. Perhaps all humans are intolerant of gluten, but in some of us our bodies have managed to adapt to the onslaught of gluten, and not suffer any repercussions. Do you think you might be one of the 15% who would benefit from going gluten free?

Technorati Tags: gluten intolerance,celiac disease,gluten free diet,gluten sensitivity

Is Frankenfish On Its Way to Your Dinner Plate?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:10:00 +0000

This is a matter you need to be concerned about right now. Today. Before, the FDA takes us through a door of no return. The FDA is set to make a decision soon regarding the approval of GE (genetically engineered) salmon, called AquaAdvantage, produced by the company AquaBounty. How appetizing does lab produced GE salmon sound to you? Well, your preference won’t matter if the FDA approves Frankensalmon. Grocers won't be required to disclose whether you’re buying real salmon, or the genetically engineered, super-fast growing Frankenfish.

This approval by the FDA would also set the stage for potential environmental disaster. Profit margins always seem to trump any potential dangers in these decisions, whether is concerns big Pharma, big ArgraCulture, or GMO foods.

What is so alarming? AquaAdvantage salmon would be the first genetically modified animal introduced into our food supply, and our environment. Is AquaAdvantage salmon more nutritious? No! Will GE salmon benefit consumers in any way? No!

Follow the Money

Once again, the only argument for GMO foods is increased profits. The benefits are only derived for the companies developing and peddling them. They profit while the public and our environment shoulder the risk. Here’s the scenario if GE salmon is approved: create GE fish in a lab, send them to a fish farm, where these fast growing fish mature in half the time, then to your dinner plate.

AquaAdvantage salmon are designed to grow five times faster than normal salmon. This means they’ll get to the market in half the time. Again, more profits for AquaBounty. What about the fish that don’t make it to market?

What About the Environment?

What happens if some of the GE fish find their way into the wild? What if they reproduce? Apparently, AquaBounty scientists have tweaked the genes of AquaAdvantage salmon to make them sterile, but they admit some of the fish will produce fertile eggs. What might happen if these Frankenfish reproduce with normal salmon? Hmm, no one knows. But, there is potential for environmental chaos.

Perdue scientists created a computer model to anticipate the outcome if 60 GE salmon were released into a population of 60,000 normal salmon. Within just 40 fish generations, the normal fish population was completely extinct! Gone forever.

Canadian scientists also conducted an experiment. They created GE fast-growing salmon and released the fish in a tank with normal salmon. Nothing unordinary happened until researchers decreased the food supply. The GE fish went wild. They began to cannibalize other fish – both GE and normal. The population crashed, and again, complete extinction.

If AquaBounty’s GE salmon is approved, this could become an environmental disaster, and lead to the the loss of a valuable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It will be impossible to rebound from such devastation, if it did occur. As one fish and forestry expert said, “Once fish escape, there’s no going back.”

In addition, with little notice, on the Friday before Christmas, the FDA released an environmental assessment of genetically engineered salmon. They announced the approval of this Frankenfish will not have a significant impact on the U.S. environment. Disaster averted? Hardly. The agency is being coy. AquaBounty would raise the fish in Panama – 1,000 miles south of the Florida Keys. So, no, there won't be a “significant” impact on the U.S. environment. Again, what disregard for our environment as a whole.

What Are the Potential Health Risks of GE Salmon?

Beside GE salmon having no nutritionally advantage, here are a few potential health risks from eating AquaAdvantage salmon, as reported by GE expert Jeffrey Smith:

Cancer – due to higher levels of a hormone that has the potential to promote cancer
Increased exposure to antibiotics
Allergens – which may be life-threatening to some people

Michael Hansen from the Consumers Union reviewed the FDA data. He’s concerned because the FDA has not adequately researched the potential for allergic reactions. He also noted AquaBounty conducted allergy tests with only six AquaAdvantage fish. But even with that absurdly small number, researches did find an allergy-causing potential.

What’s the take on this data by the FDA? They claim regardless, the fish are safe to eat. Business as usual from an agency designed to protect consumers.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

There’s not much time to let your voice be heard before the FDA makes their final decision. Again, if the FDA approves AquaAdvantage, it will be the first approval of a GE farm animal. Once we go there, there is no going back, regardless of the consequences, or the outcome. Let the FDA know we shouldn't cross this line without exhaustive independent research.

There is only a short window of opportunity to speak up. The FDA has opened up a 60-day comment period. It’s our one and only opportunity to let the FDA know we can not allow Frankenfish into our food supply and environment. Click this link now to have a voice in this decision: AquaAdvantage Being Considered For Approval by the FDA.

UPDATE: A new study done by scientists in Canada have revealed the dire consequences on the natural ecosystem if (when) GM salmon breed with wild salmon. They discovered AquaBounty's statements about GM salmon being sterile to be false. Read more about this very disturbing issue here:
Scientists Warning: GM Salmon Will Breed and Permanently Harm the Ecosystem.

Please continue to let your voice be heard. We must push back on this agenda. Let the FDA know you are opposed to the unleashing of genetically modified fish into our food supply and environment. This almost seems like a bad B horror movie coming to life. Get involved. Help stop this now!

6 Nutrients You Need Now To Ward Off Brain Decay

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 06:02:00 +0000

Take Steps Now to Protect Your Brain Health

Brain decay -- that doesn't sound pretty! However, according to the National Institute on Aging, by the time we reach our 80s, we have a 50% chance of suffering from a significant decline in mental function. If we've made such great advances in medicine, why are we losing the fight against cognitive decline?
Experts say the cause is not known, although lifestyle choices, poor diet, and toxins do play a role. To ensure your mind and memory stay intact as you age, and you won’t become the next brain decay statistic, you can't have an, “it won't happen to me” mentality.

If You Wait for Treatment, It’s Already Too Late

Unfortunately, if you try to discuss prevention with most doctors, your concerns will fall on deaf ears. Our current medical system expects you to wait until you are already a victim of cognitive decline before seeking help. The sad truth is if you wait until you’ve been diagnosed – it will be too late!
According to the National Institute on Aging, relying on current drugs will only provide marginal relief of brain decay, and they have many side effects. Why then are doctors not focusing their attention on prevention, especially since many natural methods have been proven to be successful, non-toxic, effective alternatives? I suspect one reason is because our medical system is a “sick care” system, and not one based on a preventative health care system.

Start Protecting Yourself Now

Brain decay is so rampant, almost everyone knows of someone who has suffered from it. Both of my in-laws succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease, to which my family experienced first hand the ravaging effects it has on mental function. Alzheimer’s is just one of many forms of cognitive decline, but they all share devastating effects. It’s up to you, no matter your current adult age, to start protecting your mind now, before it becomes too late. If you do nothing - remember the odds. A 50% chance is equivalent to the toss of a coin. Heads or tails? Are you willing to take the risk? The odds may not be in your favor!

Prevention Begins with Six Specific Nutrients

New, unbiased research is proving specific nutrients can provide the remedy needed, but are unfortunately ignored by traditional, allopathic medicine. However, you can benefit now from these six nutrients most promising in preventing memory and cognitive decline.

1. CoQ10: The Brain’s Fountain of Youth

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant your brain depends on to keep it healthy. Being deficient in CoQ10 will severely compromise brain function, resulting in sluggish thinking and memory decline. According to recent studies, maintaining adequate levels of CoQ10 can slow brain deterioration by 44%. In addition, people with high levels of CoQ10 have better mental acuity, motor abilities, and mental energy. It’s also important for heart health, supports overall energy levels, and is used in anti-aging skincare products. A 100 mg. a day is the recommended dosage of this critical antioxidant. Also, look for KanekaQ10, which is a bio-identical form, and the most absorbable.

2. DHA: The Omega-3 Your Brain Needs Most

It’s well known omega-3 fatty acids are good for your brain. However, DHA is the star of the omega-3s for ensuring optimal brain function. As you age, your brain cells lose the ability to absorb DHA, thus levels may drop significantly, compromising brain function and memory retention. Supplementing with DHA feeds your brain, and helps restore this critical nutrient. Supplement with at least 100 mg. a day for optimal mind nourishment.

3. Curcumin: A Miracle Brain Spice

Research shows curcumin, a component of a spice used in curry, can stop the build-up of a destructive plaque which interferes with healthy mental function. Tests done at UCLA, showed curcumin can slash this plaque by up to 50%. Interestingly, India, which has the world’s highest consumption of curcumin, also has the lowest rate of cognitive decline. If you’re not into curry, you can supplement with 200 mg. a day of standardized curcumin extract to help keep your brain clear of plaque buildup.

4. Berries: Nutritional Superstars for the Brain

New research suggests daily consumption of berries is vital for optimal brain function. Why? Well berries contain powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties, plus brain-boosting antioxidants like resveratrol. Berries also protect brain cells from inflammation. If you are unable to get berries into your diet, supplement with a mixed berry formula of at least 30 mg.

5. ALA: The Brain’s Most Needed Antioxidant

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant found in vegetables, has a unique composition allowing it to purify brain cells. This makes ALA a superstar antidote to age-related memory and mental decline. Most people, however, do not get enough ALA from their diet alone to realize its therapeutic benefits. Therefore, supplementing with 200 mg. a day will allow this nutrient to keep your brain cells purified.

6. Vinpocetine: Europe’s Secret Brain Booster

Doctors in Europe have for decades, relied on vinpocetine, an extract from the periwinkle plant, to treat cognitive decline. Recent research proves vinpocetine can improve blood flow to the part of the brain responsible for motor control. Good blood flow is essential to keeping your brain nourished and working optimally. Supplements are available, and you want 10 mg. a day to keep healthy blood flow to the brain.

There you have it, the six needed nutrients you can arm yourself with now, to help protect yourself, and ward off brain decay and cognitive decline. It’s almost impossible to get all the needed levels of these nutrients through food alone, beside the fact our food is less nutrient dense than years gone by, due to farming and pesticide practices.
To protect your memory for the future, experience enhanced cognitive function and improved mental clarity now, consider adding these supplements to your daily routine. This will greatly improve your odds that your mind will age well, and you’ll stay “sharp as a tack.”

Avoid Using Triclosan Antibacterial Products

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Research shows using Antibacterial Soap and other products with triclosan a cause for concern. With winter and flu season drawing near, we become more aware of how we may help ourselves and our family prevent illness and avoid germs. We've been "taught" by the media and healthcare professionals alike, washing our hands with antibacterial soap is our best defense for warding off germs. However, research has uncovered alarming warnings on the use of such products. We felt it important to share.

Triclosan Research Points to Cause for Concern

Following various studies on the use of the toxic antibacterial agent triclosan in various consumer products, experts have recommended manufacturers remove this chemical from formulations as a precaution.

One expert, Elizabeth Salter Green, director of ChemTrust, has stated the chemical may not be safe to use at any level. She says under certain circumstances it can develop the ability to disrupt hormones.

Triclosan is found in many consumer products, including antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics. However, triclosan is not benign. It's a powerful chemical agent, known to cause cancer.

The FDA has reported it does not have at this time, evidence triclosan added to soaps and body washes provides any additional health benefit over soap and water.

Another alarming claim reported by the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, is that manufacturers of a number of triclosan-containing products, advertise to consumers the active ingredient (triclosan) will continue to work for as long as 12 hours after use! What does this mean? It means consumers are exposed to this toxic chemical for much longer than the handful of seconds it takes to wash their hands or face.

Since our skin is porous it was designed to be absorbent. It's able to absorb whatever it comes in contact with. Habitual use of chemical-laden products allows the body to store these chemicals in body fat or even in the brain. When the body becomes overloaded with these accumulations of toxins, illness can occur.

In addition, a study done by the University of Florida found levels of triclosan were potentially damaging to the unborn fetus, if ingested by the carrying mother. One way it could be inadvertently ingested would be through the use of a toothpaste containing triclosan.

Scientists at the Universities of California and Colorado have released new research data suggesting triclosan could lead to impaired muscle function. Isaac Pessah, the professor who led the study said, "Triclosan is found in virtually everyone's home and is pervasive in the environment. These findings provide strong evidence the chemical is of concern to both human and environmental health."

The experiments found, when in the presence of triclosan, normal communication of proteins controlling muscle movement was impaired, leading to skeletal and cardiac muscle failure. The dosages used of the antibacterial agent in the experiments, were matched to the levels found in the list of personal care products, to duplicate regular consumer use as much as possible.

Professor of cardiovascular medicine at UC Davis, Nipavan Chiamvimonvat, stated, "The effects of triclosan on cardiac function were really dramatic. Although triclosan is not regulated as a drug, this compound acts like a potent cardiac depressant in our models."

The scientists went on to say, the experiments led researchers to believe exposure to triclosan in people with underlying heart failure, could have significant effects due to the chemical being so widely used. They did note, additional studies would need to be undertaken to provide conclusive evidence of this.

Professor Pessah went on to say, "We have shown triclosan potently impairs muscle functions by interfering with signaling between two proteins fundamentally important to life. Regulatory agencies should definitely be reconsidering whether it should be allowed in consumer products."

Soap and water is an effective way to prevent germs.

Advertising messages are strong persuaders for consumers. Hearing the same messages over and over can lead consumers to believe something is the truth, or what is being advertised is safe to use. This is however, far from true.

The simple act of washing our hands with plain soap and water accomplishes the same thing as an antibacterial soap does - removing germs we may have picked up. Chemical agents such as triclosan are not only suspect for human health and unborn babies, but they also have an environmental impact, by affecting aquatic life in streams and rivers, and has the potential to end up in our drinking water. Sticking with plain soap and water will go a long way to help preserve the health of all of us, and our environment.

A Guide to Detoxing and Cleansing Your Internal Body

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:16:00 +0000

Many people suffer from food allergies, food sensitivities and intolerance to many individual foods, sugar cravings, etc. Many health experts recommend a full body cleanse and detox, to help alleviate these issues. One of our readers supplied this helpful guide for those who have thought about giving an internal cleanse a try. Most people report feeling revitalized, and having more energy when they complete the process.

If you decide to give it a go, we'd love for you to come back and share your experience with us in the comment box.

To your good health ...

Created by: www.MedicalAssistantCertification.com

Proper Nutrition for Beautiful Healthy Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:38:00 +0000

Nutrition Choices for Beautiful Healthy Hair

A healthy diet can lead to great skin, better moods, and, not surprisingly, beautiful hair. What you put in your body determines the health of your hair: shine, thickness, and strength, all come from your diet. Healthy eating, and some nutrients in particular, can help you gain gorgeous, beautiful hair.

Our hair, skin and nails make up our Integumentary System, which is the largest system in our body, and the only one that never stops growing. As a result, this body system has enormous nutrient requirements, making good nutrition imperative to keep all three looking fabulous.

Protein is the building block of hair, so it is integral to your diet. Whether you get it from a big steak or tofu, protein is key to healthy eating that impacts your whole body, not just your hair. Foods high in protein also tend to have great iron content: meat and shellfish supply iron that will keep your hair beautiful.

The best way to get enough protein and iron is to have a daily serving of lean meat, which won’t rack up calories like a deluxe cheeseburger will. However, many people choose to not eat beef, and there are many protein options for vegetarians and non beef eaters.

A healthy diet will improve the health of your hair.

Multivitamins also pay an important role in having and maintaining luscious locks. Vitamins and minerals can support healthy hair and can come from your diet, but taking a daily multivitamin gives you that extra boost.

Many women lack vitamins B-6 and B-12, which can be obtained from bananas and meat, respectively, as well as folic acid, which can be found in fresh fruit. If the sun doesn’t provide enough vitamin D for your body, fortified dairy products can easily close the gap.

Vitamins A, C, and E are also important. Dark green veggies provide vitamins A and C, and carrots, and other orange vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin A, which also benefits your vision.

Shiny hair comes from sebum, an oil whose production can be boosted by nuts. Omega-3 fatty acids – found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines – are also beneficial for shiny, healthy hair. A daily handful of walnuts or almonds is a healthy snack that can add luster to your hair. Eating salmon or even sardines as a snack, also provides an easy dose of essential Omega-3 fatty acids.

Additionally, eggs and whole grains contribute Biotin, which can help strengthen hair and assist in preventing hair loss. However, experts have long recognized healthy growth of the specialized tissues of our hair, skin and nails requires much higher levels of Biotin than are present in even the healthiest diet or any typical multivitamin.

For that reason, most people are deficient in this nutrient, as it's difficult to obtain an adequate daily supply without supplementing. To achieve therapeutic levels of this recognized beauty nutrient, it's recommended to take 4,000 mcg daily. Supplementing with Biotin can have a profound impact on the health of your hair, in a short amount of time.

Sulfur is essential to the structure of our hair, and MSM is an exceptional source of organic Sulfur. It's of course, also beneficial for skin and nails as well. MSM can be found in most vitamin sections of your local grocery store.

No multivitamin, however, can make up for poor eating habits. Crash diets – especially those that limit calories – lead to a decrease in mineral intake, which can contribute to hair loss. One of the many side effects of eating disorders is dramatic hair loss. Even gradual, regulated diets, if they result in weight loss of 15 or more pounds, can usually mean noticeable thinning of the hair.

Of course, more important than counting calories or slimming down quickly, is maintaining overall health - and your hair is a big indicator of the nutrition you're getting in your diet. Under-eating or neglecting to get enough protein, and common vitamins, can create thin, dull hair: a look that doesn’t complement even the most bikini-ready figure.

Avid CSI fans know that hair is a common piece of evidence forensic scientists can use to find out a great deal about a suspect, including drug abuse or medications. Think of your hair as a “log” of how you treat your body – poor eating habits now will be evident in your hair, even weeks and months down the road. So invest in your future hair and pop a multivitamin every morning or treat yourself to a great seafood dinner.

While no nutrition plan will guarantee healthy hair, good eating habits and a well-rounded eating plan can definitely contribute to your overall health, which just makes you feel better. And when you feel better about yourself, you take better care of yourself. Every part of you benefits – even your hair!

** Also, check out the Vitamin Wheel on our side bar, for more information on individual vitamins, and what food groups to find them in.

Guest author Barb Quinn has been a professional hair stylist for over 30 years and has established herself as a nationally recognized hair designer, educator, and freelance writer. Barb has been chosen by her peers to serve on the advisory panel of Cosmos C International the global hair stylist network. Thousands of women each day follow Barb's hair styling wit and wisdom on her highly successful blogs Hairstyle Blog and Visual Makeover. In 2011 The Hairstyle Blog was selected as Top Beauty Blog by BeautySchool.com.

What's In Your Goal Setting Tool Box?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 May 2011 05:36:00 +0000

Goal setting can be thought of like setting up a "tool box for success." In this toolbox we add goals for ourselves, rather than resolutions. This tool box is then utilized, to assist in achieving our goals. Goals differ from resolutions, which many people "resolve" to do, but often find difficult to complete or follow through on for any length of time.

An example of setting a goal: I will begin walking two miles, four days a week, beginning this Sunday. Verses a similar set, resolution: I want (resolve) to start walking to improve my health.

Both appear similar, but a goal has an intended purpose, a concrete objective with a measurable end result, to be achieved within a determined time frame. A resolution is a bit more vague, often nothing more than a decision to do something.

Goals are memorable, achievable and encompass important aspects of your life. By their very nature, goals tend to be positive and achievement oriented. To assist in making them more actionable, it helps to write each goal down and the benefit you'll derive from reaching that goal. Keep your written goals in a visible place, as a constant reminder of what you are working toward.

In order to maximize our goal getting, we also need in our "toolbox for success," a healthy mind and body for maximum performance. All aspects of our lives must be attended to and considered when planning and setting goals.

Take time to select at least one goal for your body, mind, spirit, finances and social life. If you are so compelled, share your goals with others for extra support. Of course, don't overwhelm yourself with all of these at once, but have a plan set for all aspects of your life. Our toolbox needs more than just one type of goal in order to be well working for success.

It's also important to avoid focusing on any negatives. Instead, put your energy and emphasis on the positive instead. Like attracts like, thus positive attracts positive.

By adding these goal setting steps into your life, you will be adding to your "toolbox for success" and they will build upon each other while you fill your toolbox with positive reinforcement and tools to assist you in reaching them. People in your life will most often be willing to help you reach your goals, once they know about them. So, share away!

Remember to reward yourself for the small stepping stones of success along the way. Each goal should consist of smaller steps significant enough to gain recognition, while remaining within reach for the allotted time set to achieve them.

By filling your "toolbox for success" with goals instead of resolutions, you will be able to transform your wishes into reality one step at a time.

Also, check out this short video on the Goal Striving Paradox:

Are You Using Natural Laundry Soap? Should You Be?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:28:00 +0000

It may surprise you to learn commercial laundry detergent and household cleansers are not required to list their ingredients, and most do not. I invite you to go inspect your container of laundry “soap,” be it liquid or powder, and look for a list of ingredients. Most likely, you will not find one. At best, you may see, “Does not contain sulfites.” So what’s in that laundry soap you're using?

It’s hard to know for sure, since disclosure is not required. What we do know is the cleansers in laundry detergent are harsh. They often are the same main ingredients found in the liquid car wash you buy to wash your car. This is also, a main ingredient in many mass produced body washes! These harsh cleansers are also not easily broken down in the environment, and are not environmentally friendly!

I like to provide my Holistic Diva readers with alternatives. So I invited my friend Michelle, from Pegasus Soaps, to write a guest post about her wonderful, natural, environmentally friendly laundry soap. I’d like to add, I use this very soap for my family. Our clothes are clean, incredibly soft and smell so fresh. An anti-static dryer sheet isn’t even needed if you’d rather pass on adding one.

Why choose Pegasus Soaps handmade laundry soap? Well, our eco friendly laundry soap helps with the environment and also saves your money from being wasted from traditional, expensive, heavily perfumed laundry soap. All the work is done for you. I grate the soap very fine and carefully blend it with borax and washing soda to a nice fine powder so it is can easily absorb in the wash.

I will be adding sodium percarbonate to our laundry soaps, which is a dry powdered form of hydrogen peroxide. This will help brighten your colored clothes and brighten your whites without using chlorine bleach. Not to be confused store bought Oxy Clean, which also has sodium percarbonate. Oxy Clean however, also has other ingredients, which may not be environmentally friendly. Sodium Percarbonate itself, is very environmentally friendly, and it has been used on just about anything including decks, patio furniture, buildings etc.

I have noticed most people prefer their clothes to smell good rather than be clean. Our laundry soap is not heavily perfumed, so you get more clean verses having your clothes smell pretty. Pegasus laundry soaps do not produce suds. Most expensive commercial laundry soaps create suds and consumers are lead to believe if you don't see suds, it means the laundry soap is cheap and inferior at cleaning, and this is far from the truth. Our laundry soaps are made with our handmade cold or hot process soaps, designed specifically to clean, and nothing else. We only use the finest vegetables oils. We never use animal fats in our soaps
.
This natural process alone, makes our soap ideal for those with chemical sensitivities, sensitive skin, eczema, rashes, etc. as the chemicals which would further irritate these conditions, are not present in our all natural formula. Many who suffer from these conditions, find improvement and relief, with this one simple step – eliminate chemical, store bought laundry detergent, and go natural.
Personally, I have been using my laundry soap exclusively for almost a year. I enjoy no longer having to buy laundry soap from the stores, and my clothes come out nice and clean and really soft, especially my towels. I love how they feel when they are fresh from the dryer. No need again to buy expensive dryer sheets, or fabric softeners. Our laundry soap does this for you, all in one.

Homemade laundry detergent is a better option to commercial laundry detergent. There will be an adjustment period in the beginning, as you to wean yourself from store bought detergents, like myself. However, your clothes and your skin will be better off, without the added chemicals and additives found in commercial detergent, and your clothes will last longer.

Enjoy,
Michelle

I invite you to visit Michelle’s shop, Pegasus Soaps to view her line of natural laundry soap, which are available in a variety of fresh scents, and include a free scoop in every bag. Her shop is also filled lovely hot and cold processed soaps (which are divine), sachets, natural deodorant, and an assortment of bath and body products.

Do You Need Holistic Skincare and Do You Practice It?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 19:48:00 +0000

Holistic skin care is an all-round approach to healthy skin obtained with proper nourishment and care. Read on to find out more...

Holistic Skin Care

Have you wondered how you could get a radiant glow on your skin? Holistic skincare is one approach to achieving beautiful, radiant skin. Holistic skincare is an approach which takes a total view of the health and nutrition of the skin. Here are the elements of holistic skin care:

Holistic Skin Care: Nourishing the Skin

Holistic skincare focuses on nourishing the skin by maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet. What you eat always reflects on your skin, hence the, "you are what you eat" holds true.

Holistic skincare focuses on consuming healthy foods which will provide adequate nutrition for the body and result in healthy, beautiful skin.

Maintaining a healthy diet means including all essential nutritional elements including: Vitamin A, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, proteins, healthy fats and oils, and all essential minerals.

We are all aware of the ills of consuming junk foods, such as highly processed foods, fried or fatty foods, and low nutritional value foods, verses sticking to a healthy diet rich in nutrients. A diet rich in nutrients is good for skin health as well as our body's health.

It's also important to include an array of fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in antioxidants. Also, be sure to include whole grains and food rich in proteins.

Avoid those deep fried foods, or food containing excessive amounts of cheese, butter or fats, as these foods often trigger breakouts, due to the fact these foods cause inflammation in the body. This inflammation will then often be, reflected on the skin.

However it is important to have a minimum intake of healthy oils like olive, flax, walnut, etc. since a small quantity of good fats in the diet is essential for healthy, well-nourished skin.

Holistic Skin Care: Taking Care of Your Skin

In addition to the above, proper skin maintenance is imperative. Avoid the use of harsh chemical based beauty products. Use milder products or ones that have herbal and botanical ingredients.

The first step to proper skin care is to use products suited for your skin type. Analyze whether you have dry, oily or a combination skin, and look for products formulated for your skin's specific needs.

Always keep your skin clean by using a gentle face cleanser or a face wash. Make it a point to use an effective exfoliating treatment a few times per week, to remove the dead skin layer, thus resulting in softer, younger looking skin.

All skin types benefit from using a toner after cleansing and exfoliation. Toners return the skin to its natural pH balance and helps to reduce and close the pores.

Rose water, (and alcohol-free toners with a high percentage of rose water) are ideal toners for all skin types. Rose water based toners are gentle, natural and will leave your skin fresh and supple. Other wonderful options are toners containing orange, chamomile, sandalwood or comfy hydrosols.

Holistic Skin Care: Keeping the Skin Hydrated

Keeping the skin well hydrated is a must for healthy skin. Holistic skin care stresses providing sufficient fluids to the body to keep it healthy. The key to achieving this is to include plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in water content.

Juices may also be added into your diet. Prime juices are those coming from freshly juiced fruits and vegetables. However, the easiest solution is to drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day.

Drinking ample amounts of water facilitates overall body detoxification and prevents accumulation of harmful toxins in the body. When insufficient fluids are consumed, the skin will become flaccid, dry, flaky, show more obvious fine lines and wrinkles, and may even have a grayish hue.

Holistic Skin Care: Exercising for Healthy Skin

Exercising is a must for healthy looking skin! There is no way around it, and everyone should be partaking in some form of exercise most days of the week. Exercising is also good for overall functioning of all organs of the body, and hence, is an absolute must.

Everyone is well aware exercising improves cardiovascular health, but it also increases the intake and absorption of oxygen in the blood. This brings circulating blood to the skin, which helps to tone the skin.

In addition, exercising is one of the best ways to aid the body in releasing toxins and waste products through sweating. People who exercise have youthful, fresh looking skin, which in turn, reflects their good health.

Exercising helps to burn excess fat and calories, which is good for the heart and in turn, good for blood circulation. Exercise can include anything walking, running, cycling, swimming, weight training, aerobics, yoga, or any other physical fitness activity you will enjoy.

Holistic skincare really then, comes down to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Included in this advice is of course, don't smoke. Smoking damages the skin and causes premature aging of the skin. It also causes the skin to dull and gray - not very attractive or vibrant looking! If you do smoke, try to quit.

Embracing healthy living will help to keep you looking younger, more fit, and ... healthy. This is what holistic skincare is all about. Remembering to take care of the whole you.

If you’d like more information on what holistic skincare ingredients to look for in your products, visit my guest post on Modern Hippie Magazine to read: My Top 7 Favorite Natural Skin Care Ingredients.

In addition, we invite you to visit our Facebook page and become a fan. Post comments, ask questions, request a product formulation you'd like to see, etc. We have our BEAUTY TIPS & BEAUTY BEAT series, in which we share information on ingredients, beauty recipes you can make at home, helpful tips, post product updates, host giveaways just for fans and it's a way for us to easily stay in touch. We're looking forward to meeting up with you on Facebook!

Enter essensu's Facebook Fan Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 04:07:00 +0000

essensu holistic skincare is having a GIVEAWAY just for their Facebook fans in appreciation for all their support. You have the opportunity to win an 8 ounce bottle of Blueberry Smoothie Moisturizing Body Wash and a Jumbo Bath Pouf. You won't be disappointed with this great, fresh scent.

It smells just like fresh blueberries with a hint of cream added. Yummy! We're also including a jumbo bath pouf you can use in the shower or bath. Retail Value for the set: $17.00. This would also make a great gift for someone special.

So how can you enter to win? By completing one or more of the actions below. Multiple entries are permitted, so check out how to get all your opportunities in to win. When does the giveaway end? TBA. The giveaway will run through the end of September however, to give everyone time to get their entries in. So, keep em coming! Giveaway will end sometime during the first week of October, and we will announce the date as it gets closer. For now, it's a surprise! But don't delay. Get your entries in now. Good luck!

GET ONE ENTRY: Post about our giveaway on your Facebook page (either business or personal or do both). Go to essensu's Facebook Fan page Discussion Tab. Here you'll find a Discussion titled FAN GIVEAWAY. This is where you post the link to your Facebook page (url) where you posted about our giveaway. This will earn you one entry.

GET TWO ENTRIES: If your friends also want to post our giveaway on their Facebook page, they will earn an entry when they become a fan, and post their link under the Discussions Tab. Also, ask your friends to go back to your page and grab your Facebook link (the url), so they can post it, along with their link, to get you another entry. They must be posted together. Your friends in turn, can ask their friends to do the same, and they will get a second entry.

THIRD ENTRY: Post our giveaway on Twitter and get another chance to Win. Post a link to the tweet in the Discussions Tab, along with your Facebook url or Facebook handle (name). (Some people have slightly different twitter names - we just want credit to go to the right person).
We have a suggested post for twitter, if you'd care to use it:
Facebook Fan Giveaway by @essensu skincare. Go to their Discussions Tab & find out how to win a Body Wash & Bath Pouf. http://bit.ly/dpI0y4

FOURTH ENTRY: Become a follower of our Blog, The Holistic Diva. If you are already a follower, terrific. Either way, post under the Discussion Tab that you are a follower, and earn another entry.

FIFTH ENTRY: If you are feeling really ambitious, feel free to look around our in our shops on: Artfire or Etsy and post an item and it's link under the Discussions Tab that you like.

SIXTH ENTRY: If you want to blog about our giveaway, you will earn 5 EXTRA chances to WIN! Leave the link to your blog post under the Discussions Tab.

** All entries must be submitted as individual entries on the Discussions Tab, except where it's noted to post them together.

Winners will be chosen by a random generator and announced on our Facebook Fan page. The winner will also be contacted by us for a delivery address.

Essensu Holistic Skincare Was Chosen as a Featured Trend

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:28:00 +0000

One of essensu's holistic skincare body creams, was recently featured in Trendhunter Magazine.

Our product was chosen due to the incredible buzz created by one of our customers, who wrote a testimonial and posted before and after pictures on her blog. You can read about her AMAZING results after this cream on her face for four months, at Fo-Shizzle Design Studios.

Before

After

We thought we would share her before and after photos here as well. Our cream is packed with goodness, which nourishes and re-hydrates even the driest skin.

The photo on the left was taken in January, 2010. The photo on the right was taken in June, 2010, four months later. She used the cream on her face and eye area twice a day, morning and night. Her testimonial was completely unsolicited and sent to us after she posted it on her blog.

We are delighted to have a customer have such wonderful results upon using one of our products!

Fresh Summer Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:48:00 +0000

Now with summer here, what better way to enjoy warm, sunny days than with a few refreshing summer recipes? Enjoy!

Garden Fresh Lemonade

1 cup sugar

4 cups water
8 large sprigs of fresh mint
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, shredded
4 lemons

Stirring over high heat, bring sugar and 1 cup water to a boil. Add ginger and mint; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook the syrup at a slow boil until it is slightly thickened. Using a wire strainer, pour syrup into a bowl, pressing against the herbs to release flavor.

Set aside and cool. Add the juice from 4 lemons (about 3/4 cup juice) and lemon zest into a pitcher. Stir in syrup and 3 cups water, mixing well. Serve over ice; garnish with mint or thinly sliced lemons.

Basic Vinaigrette

1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons vinegar
1-1/2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon gourmet mustard
1 tablespoon fresh herbs
Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into a jar and store in the refrigerator.

Note: Suggested herbs include thyme, oregano, parsley, basil, marjoram and rosemary.

Veggie Salsa

1 large avocado, chopped
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup purple onion, chopped
8 oz pack of Feta cheese, crumbled
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon oregano, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil

Mix together and serve with organic tortilla chips.

Are Fish in Freshwater Streams Polluted with Mercury?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:49:00 +0000

Have you wondered how bad the mercury pollution really is in our fish population? In a new study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), every single fish tested from 291 freshwater streams across the United States was found to be contaminated with mercury.

"This study shows just how widespread mercury pollution has become in our air, watersheds and many of our fish in freshwater streams," said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that builds up in the food chain at ever higher concentrations in predators such as large fish and humans. It is especially damaging to the developing nervous systems of fetuses and children, but can have severe effects on adults, as well.

The pollutant enters the environment almost wholly as atmospheric emissions from industrial processes, primarily the burning of coal for electricity. It then spreads across the plant and settles back to the surface, eventually concentrating in rivers, lakes and oceans, where it enters the aquatic food chain.

The number one cause of human mercury poisoning in the United States is the consumption of fish and shellfish.

Researchers tested the water, sediment and fish of the 291 streams between 1998 and 2005. Fish tested were mostly larger species near the top of the food chain, such as largemouth bass.

All fish were contaminated with mercury, and more than 66 percent of them at levels higher than those set by the Environmental Protection Agency as a "level of concern for fish-eating mammals," according to Reuters. More than 25 percent of the fish were contaminated at levels higher than those set as the threshold for human consumption.

The study is the first to focus on mercury contamination of streams, rather than lakes, reservoirs, wetlands or oceans. The researchers found the highest mercury concentrations in fish from the coastal blackwater streams of the Southeast. Apparently the combination of pine forests and wooded wetlands found in these regions transforms mercury very effectively into its more toxic organic form (methylmercury). Mercury concentrations were also high in streams fed from areas with a history of mining.

Source: Natural News 100 Percent of Fish in U.S. Streams Found Contaminated with Mercury

Healing Herbal Teas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:48:00 +0000

The Benefits of Drinking Tea

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Since ancient times many cultures have adopted this drink for its pleasant flavors, its energizing effects, and for its many medicinal properties. But not all teas are the same and each has its own unique qualities.

Here are eight popular teas with their benefits and widely believed healing properties.

1. Black Tea

Contains exceptionally high levels of antioxidant the arubigins
Regular intake can reduce risk of cancer
Can reduce risk of stroke
Can reduce clotting of arteries
Helps sooth the digestive tract
Helps improve cholesterol levels
Can improve breathing in asthmatics
Steep for 15 min to alleviate diarrhea (no sugar)
Helps maintain normal blood pressure
Helps improve circulation

2. Chamomile Tea

Contains antioxidant flavanoids
Often used as a muscle relaxant
Helps alleviate menstrual cramps
Helps alleviate discomfort from allergies
Used topically for dressing burns
Beneficial for skin irritations
Can be taken internally or topically for acne
Helps stimulate the immune system
Helps fight infections during colds
Helps relax nerves

3. Green Tea

Contains exceptionally high levels of antioxidant catechin
Regular intake can reduce risk of cancer
Can benefit those with rheumatoid arthritis
Helps improve cholesterol levels
Can benefit those with cardiovascular disease
Can help fight infections
Known to stimulate impaired immune function
Can help dieters burn extra calories
Helps prevent food poisoning
Help prevent plaque and tooth decay

4. Oolong Tea

Contains exceptionally high levels of antioxidant polyphenols
Regular intake can enhance metabolism and prevent obesity
Helps prevent tooth decay
Can alleviate skin conditions like eczema
Helps improve cholesterol levels
Rejuvenates internal organs
Helps prevent hardening of the arteries
Helps prevent bad breath
Helps fight flu virus
Helps regulate blood sugar levels

5. Rooibos (Red) Tea

Rich in antioxidants
Regular intake may help prevent cancer
Found to interfere with skin cancer cell production
May reduce risk of heart attack and stroke
Helps prevent DNA damage
Enhances detoxifying enzymes in the liver
Helps relieve constipation
Helps alleviate inflammatory skin conditions
Alleviates infant milk allergies

6. Rosebud Tea

Rich in essential oils
Helps improve circulation
Known to promote a healthy heart
Known to soothe the nerves
Helps soothe the mind
Alleviates stress and nervous tension
Known to soothe mild sore throat
Can ease stomach bloating
Used with brown sugar and red wine for menstrual pain

7. Ginseng Tea

Improves mental functioning and alertness
Enhances immune system
Improves circulation
Increases resistance to stress induced illness
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetics
Regular intake significantly reduces risk of cancer
Can benefit cases of impotence
Alleviate digestive disorders
Helps regulate high blood pressure
Alleviates many skin disorders

8. Yerba Mate

Rich in antioxidants
Good for detoxification
Enhances immune function
May reduce risk of cancer
Improves digestive function
Increases mental focus
Relaxes muscles
Helps alleviate allergies
Helps burn calories in dieters
May reduce risk of heart attack and stroke

Alzheimer's Disease: Early Signs and Symptoms You Need to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:05:00 +0000

I’d like to apologize to all my lovely readers for the absence of recent posts. Right after my last post in November, my beautiful mother-in-law’s health declined rapidly, and she passed away right before Thanksgiving due to Alzheimer's Disease.

All families endure difficult life happenings at one time or another. I don’t think anyone with loved ones escapes this. As well imagined, my efforts were directed at supporting my family through our loss and taking care of all the necessary things required, when we lose someone.

However, I did miss sharing blog posts with you, and I’m ready to return to writing them. With that said, I do hope you will forgive me for taking time off and I hope you will continue to be a Holistic Diva reader.

This life loss inspired my current topic of discussion; Alzheimer’s: The Early Signs and Symptoms You Need To Know. My amazing mother-in-law unfortunately lost many of her later years to the insidious grip of Alzheimer’s Disease. As incredibly tragic as this was, her husband, my father-in-law, also suffered and died from this unforgiving disease.

Due to this unusual occurrence, we gained substantial insight and a “working” knowledge of many of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Also, it affects each person differently, and it did for them as well.

We Can Age Well and Enjoy Our Golden Years Together

There are of course, organizations offering support to people and families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, and we commend and recommend using them. However, I was often left with more questions than answers when visiting these websites.

It is my wish to share with you the subtle changes, symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s, so you will be able to recognize any potential “red flags” you may see with a loved one. I share with you personal examples from many of the symptoms we observed.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older people, although dementia is common, with an expected prevalence of 13 in 1000 in people aged 65-69 and 122 in 1000 in those over 80, only about half of those affected are diagnosed.

This disorder involves parts of the brain controlling thought, memory and language and can seriously affect a person's ability to carry out daily activities. Without a diagnosis, patients and care givers cannot access the services they need, so earlier diagnosis is key. However, early diagnosis is not always easy and no definitive test exists.

Its been found, people who are not aware they are forgetful are more likely to have a form of dementia. Currently, new memory tests are being developed, but the commonly used Mini Memory Test, is an effective tool for testing a person’s memory who is suspected of having memory deficit problems. After which time, family members can be observant of further clues, like the ones I list here.

(This beautiful picture was done by the talented artist Leah Piken Kolidas of the Blue Tree Art Gallery. In her description of the picture she writes, “The brain's pathways often remind me of a tree's branches, in this case it relates to my family tree, as my grandmother has Alzheimer's Disease.”)

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Weight Loss – Weight loss of 20 or more pounds over a relatively short period of time (a few months), with no known medical condition causing the loss. May occur up to ten years prior to other symptoms being observed. Both my in-laws lost 20+ pounds when subtle signs were beginning to manifest. Their physician disregarded it as a common occurrence in older people. This is incorrect.

Excessive Sleeping – When the brain has to work overtime to compensate for the memory decline, it often makes the person tired and sleepy, and they require more sleep. They may not be interested in socializing. I think it requires such concentration to follow and carry on a conversation, that it’s exhausting for many in the beginning. The support agencies call this apathy, but I really believe it’s exhaustion. My father-in-law slept for long hours during the day. But my mother-in-law did not have this symptom ever. She was a spitfire right up to the end.

Repeating Oneself – Asking the same question again and again, repeating pieces of conversation over and over, repeating the same story almost word for word, many times. It’s like they never heard the answer to the question, and don’t realize they just told you the same story over again. This was one of the first signs my mother-in-law displayed. She would ask the same questions to things she could no longer remember. She’d ask, “How long have you lived here? How far away am I from you?”

Difficulty Following Directions – Difficulty following directions, especially with things they commonly did or are familiar with. Examples: washing a dish by hand, loading the dishwasher, putting dishes away, running the washing machine. Upon explaining how it's done, they don't understand, or are unable to complete the task. A simple task like setting the table can become a struggle to complete without assistance, or may take much longer to complete. Concentration becomes impacted.

Forgetting or Unable to Operate Common Household Appliances – Things like washing machines and gas grills can become a challenge with someone suffering from dementia, and it can be subtle where you’re not even aware they are having a problem. The person will try to compensate for their confusion by finding another way to get something done. My father-in-law had great trouble with his stereo. He was unable to remember how to even turn it on. Mom compensated for him by using an old fashioned radio to play music. My mother-in-law had increasing difficulty with the washing machine and would wash the clothes by hand.

Difficulty Following and Remembering Conversations – You might tell a story about a person for instance, and a while later if part of the conversation is mentioned, they won’t recall it or they’ve mixed up the details of the story. They may forget ever having the conversation. The short-term memory is the first to be affected. This will begin to happen as a pattern, because of course, everyone forgets things or conversations. It’s the pattern of the behavior to look for.

Lack of Hygiene – Failing to brush one’s teeth, shower or bathe, wash their clothes, or even put on clean clothes. Or, their efforts with these daily living activities are poor. They may wash their body but forget to wash their hair until reminded. If asked, they will insist they have bathed or their clothes are clean. This is a rather common sign.

Inappropriately Dressing – I think it’s mentioned in all pamphlets about how someone with dementia might put on two shirts or mix up types of clothes, like pajamas and street clothes. With both of my in-laws, we did not see this happen. However, my father-in-law would try to put on a spring raincoat when it was the dead of winter. He did not realize the difference or what was required for dressing for the weather.

Forgetting Birthdays, Anniversaries, Family Member’s Names – Very common. Yes, they both forgot these early on. They didn’t even remember their own birthdays or anniversary without reminders. My mother-in-law would often have a birthday card out on the desk close to a grandchild’s birthday for instance, but would never remember to send it, or why she had it out. It’s like there was a moment of clarity, then it was gone.

They may also forget the names of people they see everyday. They will recognize them, but not remember their name. My mother-in-law would say, “Hi ya honey” to friends or family when she couldn’t remember a name. Sometimes, later on in the visit, she would remember and would use it. However, as time went on, she even forgot her own name.

Personality Changes – This is an interesting one. Since we are all unique, then the changes in personality will be as well. The person may become fearful of things they were never afraid of, like a dog barking or getting their teeth cleaned, more prone to outbursts of anger or tears, less generous if they once were a giving person, may think people are out to take advantage of them, their time or money, may become less trusting.

My mother-in-law was always very generous with her time and gifts. She started to believe people invited them out to dinner, as one example, just so they would have to pay for it. It seems perfectly logical to them, and they’ll tell you how they know this, which in no way will make any sense.

Loss of Speech, Language Problems – Some people with Alzheimer’s lose their ability to carry on a conversation and can not speak in sentences. They can not “find” the right word to convey their thoughts. It’s so devastating. They may often forget the name of common objects or mix up words and call things by the wrong name. May begin to misspell common words and perhaps even their name. The inability to write may follow. They may retain the ability to write “hi” or “no,” or very simple words.

My father-in-law lost all ability to speak except for, “hey” when greeting you. Very sad, as he was a brilliant man. He would whistle to communicate in his own way.

He was clever at compensating. One time when I was over to help write out checks and make sure the bills were getting paid, he wanted to remind me the quarterly taxes were due. So, he came over to the table and put a quarter down and pointed to it. I told him I understood, not to worry, they would be paid. How brilliant was that! Again, everyone forgets the name of something, but it’s the pattern of forgetfulness that is of concern.

Hoarding – Collecting and hoarding trivial things and refusing to throw them away. When living at the retirement community, my mom-in-law would have an over abundance of sugar packets in her purse, or saltine crackers, or napkins, tissues, decks of cards, pens, bananas etc.

It can be anything, but whatever it is, they will amass as much as they can. We would find bananas in the bedside drawers, the cupboards, the closet, her purse, and in the fridge.

I must admit, it’s almost humorous. Sometimes the only way to survive this illness as a care giver or family member, is to look for the humor and laugh about it.

Confusion of Time or Place – Unable to distinguish one month from another, not recognizing familiar neighborhoods or areas they usually travel, not understanding the seasons of the year, getting lost taking a walk on their street, not knowing where they live, not knowing how they arrived somewhere.

When we brought my in-laws over to visit, they would be confused as to where they were and forget we picked them up and drove them over. The calendar became useless as they didn’t understand the passing of days. If there was a doctor’s appointment and we said, “Now remember, Wednesday you have a doctor’s appointment and we’ll be over to pick you up at 11:00 AM,” they were unable to comprehend that. We would call the night before and again in the morning to remind them.

Inability To Manage Money, Finances – Neglecting to pay bills, inability to do banking or make financial decisions, unable to do simple arithmetic needed to add or subtract money, etc. My father-in-law handled all the bills and money decisions.We had no idea, and either did my mother-in-law that the bills were not getting paid. I happen to see a notice threatening to turn their heat off if the bill wasn’t paid by such and such date! From that time forward, I made sure my mother-in-law was paying all the current bills and doing the banking.

Forgetfulness – Forgetting recent events or information, forgetting where they left things, forgetting what they were doing, etc. My father-in-law would always ask his wife where his glasses and slippers were. This was while he could still converse. He never remembered where he left them. Again, it’s the patterns you begin to observe with increased forgetfulness and questions about where things are, or who is President, or what month it is, or what day it is, etc.

Driving Errors – This one is crucial to be observant of if the person has a car and is still driving and you suspect they are having memory problems. I personally don’t believe someone suffering from dementia should still drive. My father-in-law was driving himself and his poker buddies to their poker game at a friend’s house. He was perhaps 72 years old at the time. The friends told of how he started to drive onto the expressway via an exit ramp! After learning of this, we insisted he could no longer drive, and that mom would be the driver from now on. (She did not show signs of Alzheimer’s yet at this point). He was saddened by this because he loved to drive. He would take the car keys and try to go drive. She had to hide them from him for awhile.

Paranoia and Suspicion – Although not always an early sign, I did have a friend who’s mother thought her own husband was a stranger in the house. She was terribly confused about who he was. This was the main symptom catching the family’s attention, however, I’m sure there were others before this one manifested, but they were unaware her behavior or memory problems should be a concern.

The person may become paranoid someone is going to break in during the night, or suspicious people are trying to steal money or possessions from them. My mother-in-law thought someone was coming into her apartment at night, while she was living at the retirement community, and stealing her pants and leaving different ones. In actuality, the pants no longer fit and were too small (from the weight loss mentioned above). So, she thought someone left those but took her pants with them. I must say, it’s quite funny. Again, sometimes you need to be able to laugh.

She also thought someone was going to get in during the night, so she would jimmy a chair under her door into the apartment. And even though she was on the second floor, she wouldn’t open her drapes because a stranger might see in. The paranoia and suspicion would come and go. It was not what I would say was an early sign for her however. It was more into the middle stages, but some people may show this symptom in the earlier stages.

In summary, concerns are warranted if you notice a person cannot remember the date, write a sentence or does not know where he or she is, over a period of time. A primary care physician can administer or make a referral for a cognitive evaluation if the patient exhibits – or family members notice – signs of memory loss. If you suspect a loved one may be suffering from memory problems, I urge you to keep notes, make a doctor’s appointment and go with them for further evaluation.

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Mediterranean diet may be brain-protective - A presentation scheduled for the American Academy of Neurology's 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto April 10 to April 17, 2010 will reveal the finding of Nicolaos Scarmeas, MD, MSc at Columbia University Medical Center in New York that consuming a Mediterranean diet may help preserve memory and learning ability by protecting against cerebrovascular disease.

The diet typically consumed in the Mediterranean region provides high amounts of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereal, fish, and monounsaturated fats, low levels of saturated fats, red meat and poultry, and a moderate amount of alcohol. In previous research conducted by Scarmeas and his colleagues, an association was found between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in addition to improved survival among Alzheimer's disease patients.

The authors conclude a "Higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced cerebrovascular disease suggesting the impact of a Mediterranean diet on cognition may be partially mediated by brain infarction." ~~ from the February 12, 2010 Life Extension Update

* * * * * * * * * * *
NEW information has been collected, indicating up to 50% of diagnosed Alzheimer's is incorrect. Many doctors are not spending enough time with a concerned patient, to completely access the whole picture. Make sure your attending physician is checking all these possible culprits, which could be causing symptoms of dementia, but may actually be something more treatable: Did the Doctor Make an Error in Diagnosis?

* * * * * * * * * * *

NEW research has found consuming coconut oil in one's diet may be beneficial in treating Alzheimer's. Check out the latest research findings here: Coconut Oil: Can it Stop Alzheimer's?

Stressed Out? Get Relief With Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:14:00 +0000

Exercise Helps To Reduce Stress

There is an easy, inexpensive and drug free way to reduce stress, and it can be accomplished with one word. Exercise. Simply put, adding exercise and fitness into your lifestyle reduces stress and creates better health.

I know people have heard many times about the benefits of exercise, especially when used to lower stress. Why then, is stress, disease and fatigue so prevalent in today’s society? The simple answer is, we know what we need to do, but we just aren’t doing it.

Experts agree one best way to manage stress is through exercise.

Exercise has a multitude of benefits including: eases depression, improves blood flow to the brain, burns body fat, increases oxygen to the body, wards off disease, improves the cardiovascular system, lowers blood pressure, increases endurance, tones muscles, and relaxes the mind and body, to name a few.

When our bodies respond to stress, it causes chemical reactions to occur within our bodies, preparing it for the “fight or flight” response by releasing stress hormones. This process is part of our sympathetic nervous system and when it’s constantly aroused it leads to adrenal burnout.

In this heightened nervous state of adrenal burnout, the body overproduces adrenaline, Cortisol and other stress hormones. Over time, since the adrenal glands are the first to respond to stress, this causes them to show wear and tear and they become depleted.

In addition, this frequently leads to impairment of the thyroid gland, which can lead to a further decline in energy level and mood. This is one of the reasons why so many women have thyroid glands that aren’t working well. As you can see, continued release of these stress hormones are damaging to our bodies. In fact, ninety percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress related disorders.

In the early days of human civilization, survival was a daily struggle, allowing us the opportunity to disengage our stress through our physical challenges. We were able to run away, or if needed, fight the threat immediately.

In today's society, we do not have to fight off wild animals, or face those physical hardships of early man. Our progression to modern man, has limited the outlets we have to release stress or pent up negative emotions. Therefore, we carry it with us, thus creating emotional and physical problems.

Exercise can provide a helpful outlet for our negative emotions such as worry, irritability, depression, hostility, anger, frustration, and anxiety. These feelings can be eased or eliminated by simply enjoying a round of tennis, going for a walk or run, bike riding, or working out in a gym, etc.

Regular exercise provides the opportunity to manage the “fight or flight response” and helps the body to return to a balanced state more quickly.

When we work our bodies physically, we also enjoy the benefits of endorphins – the feel good hormone. These hormones stimulate physiological changes in the body. Endorphins work to relieve pain and stress by sending off "no pain," signals to the brain. The increased blood flow from exercising releases the endorphins.

In addition, exercise reduces stress levels by enhancing a sense of well being and self confidence, and can improve self-esteem and self worth by improving our physical appearance.

Also, by setting and achieving exercise goals, we build our self-esteem through a feeling of accomplishment. This can lead to the desire to be more social and outgoing, and socializing and being part of a group also helps to ease stress.

Different Types of Exercise

Aerobic Exercise verses Anaerobic

Aerobic exercise is an activity which involves using our major muscle groups. Some examples of aerobic exercise are: walking, running, swimming, and cycling. This type of exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system by increasing your heart and respiratory rate and bringing more oxygen into the body.

To reap the full benefits of aerobic exercise, you must workout at an intensity of 60 to 80 percent of your target heart rate for a minimum of 20 minutes, three to five times a week.

To calculate your target heart rate use the following formula:
Take 220 - (subtract) your age X (multiply 60%, or 70%, etc. intensity rate.) = target heart rate, then (divide) by six for a ten second pulse count, to get your pulse rate.

So, for a 50 year old person wanting to workout at 80% of their target heart rate, the formula would look like this:

220 – 50 (age) = 170 x 80% (intensity) = 136 (target heart rate)

Now take the target heart rate of 136 and divide it by 6 to get the pulse rate when counted for 10 seconds.

136 (divided) by 6 = 22.66 (the pulse rate for a 10 second pulse count)

After you begin your aerobic workout take your pulse for ten seconds to see if you are working at the intensity you are trying to achieve. Speed up the pace if you are below 60%.

Anaerobic exercise builds muscle strength and power. Isotonic and Isometrics are two kinds of anaerobic exercises.

Isotonic workouts use an object to contract your muscles against it through movement. Weight lifting or resistance training is an example of isotonic exercise. The benefits of isotonic exercise include: stronger, toned muscles, stronger bones, helps prevent injuries, releases endorphins, has a positive effect on your hormone levels by increasing the fat burning ones and decreasing the catabolic hormone Cortisol, and condenses and shapes muscle for better esthetics.

Isometric exercise is contracting your muscles against resistance without movement. Such as lifting an object like a dumbbell and holding a position. By holding a position in this manner, you are isolating that muscle. Isometrics works the muscles through contraction.

To build healthy, lean, strong muscles and maximize strength, use both types of anaerobic exercises.

The required amount of exercise time required to decrease your stress level is minimal. The key is to select activities you will enjoy and can do for at least 20 minutes, three to five days a week. Incorporating activity into your life does not necessarily mean hitting the gym every day or turning it into a chore. It can simply be a 30 minute walk around your neighborhood or dancing to some tunes.

Try to think "activity" verses "exercise." Before long, exercise will become habit, part of your weekly routine. You may start to notice how you purposely park a little farther away, do stretches at the computer, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.

Make a commitment to begin being more active and stick to your activities for 21 days. Why 21? Research has showed it takes about 21 days to create a habit. Document how your feel after the 21 days. Your stress levels should be lowered, you should feel more energized, and see some physical changes such as a slimmer physique if you were carrying a few extra pounds.

You may already know the benefits of exercise but are you doing any? Start by making a decision, begin slowly, then gradually work up to longer or more intense workout sessions.

The bottom line is stress results from feeling out of control. You have the ability to reclaim control of your life and to start taking care of yourself. No one else is able to do it for you. Only YOU. Exercise can be the the first step.

Is Mineral Oil Starving Your Skin To Death? Why To Avoid It

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Mineral Oil Offers No Health Benefit for the Skin

Is mineral oil starving your skin to death? Our body's largest organ is our skin and it has an important role in helping to maintain our overall health. But, it may be starving for oxygen, and mineral oil in your skincare products may be to blame! Your skin is also the first line of defense against the harshness of environmental factors we encounter everyday.

In addition, our skin acts as a filtration system by eliminating toxins from our bodies. But, if you’re using products containing mineral oil or its derivatives, your skin’s health is most likely compromised. Using mineral oil is like wrapping your skin in plastic so it can not breathe.

Unfortunately, many people are still unaware of the detriments of mineral oil, which is the main ingredient in so many personal care products used every day. People presume since it’s an oil, it must be acceptable for use on the skin. However, this is far from true in regards to the actual properties of mineral oil as it does not contain any minerals, nutrients or organic ingredients.

Mineral Oil is a By Product of Crude Oil

It’s an odorless and colorless substance which does not have an organic origin, and instead is derived from underground geologic locations, ranging from rocks, to underground traps, to sands. (Mineral oil, also known as white oil in the industry, has some close cousins used in products as well.

Check your labels for any of the following: petroleum, petrolatum, liquid petrolatum, paraffin, paraffin oil, liquid paraffin, liquid parafinum, paraffinum liquidum, and petroleum jelly. When we refer to mineral oil, the same problems apply for these ingredients as well).

Mineral oil is a by-product of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil and it is a non-renewable resource. It’s the main ingredient in motor oil. It cannot be absorbed into your skin because the molecules are too large.

Rather, it forms a film over the skin and actually clogs your pores because it interferes with the skin’s natural moisturizing factor. This means, it doesn't allow your skin to absorb water (moisture) or eliminate toxins.

This film prevents the skin from absorbing or contacting anything from the environment, but also prevents the natural release of toxins and other waste products by keeping oxygen out.

Disrupting this natural respiration process most often results in dry skin and other unhealthy skin conditions. Also, products containing this ingredient can be a cause of skin breakouts, as the blocked pores react to the lack of oxygen and build up of trapped toxins.

Petroleum Oil is a Form of Mineral Oil

This layer of film created by the mineral oil suffocates the skin as it can not breathe. It damages the body by preventing the absorption of oxygen and the elimination of toxins. We assume and have been conditioned to believe, if our skin feels smooth, then it must be moist or hydrated. This theory is however, completely misdirected when using products containing mineral oil.

After application, the skin will feel smooth for a time, but due to the disruption in the cycle of oxygen to the skin (suffocation), it will soon appear dry, flake or peel, thus requiring the application of more products.

This creates a vicious cycle in which the skin never receives any vital nutrients or hydration, including water, thereby creating a dry skin condition, rashes, or dermatitis like acne or eczema. Simply put, dry skin is created when these two vital bodily functions are disrupted.

The purpose of a moisturizer is not to “lock in” moisture as is often advertised. Locking something in prevents something from getting out, as previously discussed.

Water Hydrates Skin

What a moisturizer is intended to do is hydrate your skin and slow the absorption of water from it. Hydrating nourishes the skin, keeping it healthy and vibrant. This is accomplished by using a moisturizer made from plant or vegetable oils which provide a natural-based shielding product.

A few examples of skin-loving, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) ingredients are: jojoba oil, shea butter, vegetable glycerin, water, aloe vera gel, aloe vera oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, mango butter, and coconut oil. Companies committed to providing nature-inspired, mineral oil free products such as essensu, will ensure your skin is being being provided a healthy alternative.

The continued use of mineral oil also increases premature aging of the skin. People using products containing this ingredient often wonder why they keep looking older or why their skin continues to dry out, even with the use of moisturizers.

It’s because the skin problem is not being treated, it’s being masked, and possibly even worsened.

If a skin problem was being masked through use, it will quickly reappear once the offending product is stopped. Also, skin becomes dehydrated as mineral oil dissolves your skin’s natural oils. This too, makes skin look older.

Mineral Oil Will Not Moisturize Your Skin

It’s also been reported to slow down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. (In addition, skin will burn faster when using petroleum products, which also contributes to photo-aging damage).

Why is mineral oil so widely used in mass produced skin care products? The answer is simple -- it’s cheap! Mineral oil is leftover liquid from the distillation of gasoline from crude oil and because it’s in abundance, it’s inexpensive.

It is less expensive for manufacturers to purchase these by-products and use them as a filler, than it is for the industry to dispose of it. In addition, because it’s inert (containing no chemical activity), it acts as a protective agent, allowing the product to have a longer shelf life and not spoil.

This is similar to the purpose of high fructose corn syrup in processed foods; mineral oil dramatically extends the shelf life of products which contain it. Much like high fructose corn syrup, mineral oil can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, in extreme cases.

This occurs because the body’s ability to eliminate the built-up toxins has been slowed and interrupted, thus giving the mineral oil the opportunity to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K from the skin. Then, the only way to alleviate these nutritional deficiencies and restore these vitamins to their proper levels is through food and supplements.

It’s up to you as the consumer, to become aware of what the ingredients are in the products you apply to your skin. Product manufacturers of commercial, mass-produced skin and body care are not going to cite the harmful effects of mineral oil on their label or in their product literature.

Read the Ingredients of Your Skincare Products

You won't be seeing this on labels: "Frequent and long-term exposures can result in health hazards and in a variety of skin diseases that are generally designated as dermatitis.” (Runge and Duarte, 1989).

While mineral oil is not proven to cause cancer, it is still an injurious agent and should be avoided.

For instance, baby oil, which is touted for babies, is actually mineral oil and fragrance. Stated directly on the label of a well-known brand of baby oil, they claim that: "pure mineral oil forms a silky barrier to help prevent excess moisture loss" and it "moisturizes baby's delicate skin and helps protect from dryness." These are their actual claims in support of mineral oil's effect on the skin.

Mineral oil is the main ingredient in many other commercial baby care items as well. Besides baby oil, there is petroleum jelly for diaper rash, baby wash, and baby lotion with mineral oil as the key ingredient. But once again, mineral oil is a derivative from the distillation of gasoline from crude oil, and the barrier it forms actually suffocates the natural breathing process of the skin! Is this what you want, especially on your babies?

Studies funded by the FDA implicate pore-clogging petrochemicals like mineral oil as one of the major allergens in skin based products. Allergic reactions from these allergens range anywhere from scaliness and rashes to eczema and acne. Last I checked, we typically use lotions and creams to prevent and heal such reactions, not cause them!

Currently, it’s been reported 90% of all cosmetics contain mineral oil or its derivatives, including eye shadow, foundation, blush, lipsticks, lip gloss, lip balm, shaving cream, cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, creams, conditioners, self-tanning lotions, and most SPF sunscreens, to name a few. The good news is it’s never too late to make a change.

Alternatives to mineral oil are natural or organic oils. The use of pure, natural oils will increase the cost of the end product for the consumer.

Mineral oil will never be found in essensu products

However, the benefits are natural, botanical ingredients absorb into the skin to provide hydration and protection from the environment and aging by allowing the skin to breathe.

You have to be an advocate for yourself. Protect your skin: read your labels, educate yourself, and choose natural products like those offered by essensu holistic skincare that do not contain harmful agents, but rather, are good for your skin.

* A special thank you to Shayna Abiuso, who contributed to this post.

Eco-Friendly Products Review and Special Offer!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:13:00 +0000

In this post I'm reviewing a few eco-friendly, unique but practical green products from the company myEarth360. My readers are also being offered a special discount on their website.

myearth360 was born after owner, Lynn Hasselberger witnessed the waste produced when disposing of purchased bottled water. She discovered we toss out enough water bottles in the U.S. to circle the equator every 2.9 days!

Wanting to reduce her family's exposure to everyday toxins led Lynn in search of products, which are earth friendly and healthy to use. Her mantra on her website is, “where everything you buy counts for our Earth.”

The website is not limited to the items you see here for review. This is just a sampling from the their great selection of earth friendly and eco-practical products available.

I invite you to check out her site for everything from drinking and baby bottles, green art, school and business supplies, water purification, clothing, wrapping paper, to sea glass jewelry, vegan organic chocolates and much more.

SKOY CLOTHS - 100% BIODEGRADABLE AND REUSABLE

The SKOY cloth is a fabulous, absorbent, biodegradable and natural multi-use cloth. These re-usable, long-lasting earth friendly cloths are perfect in your kitchen, bathroom, and on most surface areas in your home or office.

SKOY cloth can be used in place of your sponge, wash cloth or paper towels. Common household cleaners may also be used with the SKOY cloth, and they are available in a variety of designs and colors.

SKOY cloths are 100% biodegradable as they are made from a blend of natural cotton and wood-pulp cellulose. SKOY cloth is a non-toxic, chlorine-free product printed and dyed with with water-based colors and inks.

After an independent composting test, SKOY cloth broke down completely within 5 weeks.

Due to its amazing durability, it can be reused and last for months. Using one SKOY cloth is equivalent to using 15 rolls of paper towels in an average home. With the high cost of paper towels, it's the obvious choice for household cleaning and wiping up spills.

This in turn, is advantageous to your wallet and the environment.With an absorption factor of 15x its own weight, SKOY is the most superior cloth product available. Imagine using 15 sheets of good-quality paper towels at once? This is how a wet SKOY cloth will feel in your hand.

One of the SKOY cloth's best feature is the ability to throw it in the washer or dishwasher to be cleaned,. It is also dryer safe. It also dries quickly after use, so it's not a breeding ground for bacteria. Good bye smelly sponges! SKOY cloth may also be placed wet in the microwave for one minute to keep it germ-free and healthy between washings.

I know this same procedure is also recommended for sponges, however, commercial sponges actually contain plastic. This makes it more difficult to keep them germ-free, clean or enabling a long life before needing to be thrown out. Sponges will not decompose in the environment due to the plastic they contain.

After putting the SKOY cloth through the rigors of various cleaning routines; scrubbing bathroom counter tops and sinks, wiping up kitchen counters, table, stove top, some spills on the floor, and scrubbing the kitchen sink with baking soda, my SKOY was unscathed.

It definitely has delivered on all it promised. After the cleaning rounds, I put it in with the dishes on the top shelf of the dishwasher, and ran it through a wash cycle. Again, my SKOY still felt thick, absorbant and just like new.

They are sold in a four pack and at less than $2.00 a piece, I think the SKOY cloth provides an affordable alternative to paper towels and a valuable option for reducing the waste we produce and dispose of in our environment. I was pleasantly impressed with the durability of this product and it gets a big thumbs up from me. I would highly recommend giving them a try.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ myEARTH360 is offering The Holistic Diva readers 10% off by entering the code DIVA10 at checkout. I encourage you to stop by and check out this wonderful website and all the earth friendly products.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

ECO-FRIENDLY DINNERWARE FROM FALLEN LEAVES

I've never seen anything quite like the all-natural, VerTerra party-ready dinnerware, made from fallen palm leaves, steam, pressure and heat. The fallen palm leaves are gathered and pressed into distinctive shapes, so no two are exactly a like.

No chemicals, lacquers or bonding agents of any kind are used in their manufacture. They do not contain any waxes, plastics, bleaches or dyes. They are completely non-toxic, which makes them a perfect choice for children's parties.

They are sturdy, durable, lightweight and may be reused if rinsed off and cleaned, and they dry quickly. The available plates, bowls and platters are perfect for outdoor/indoor parties, picnics, packing with lunches and travel.

In addition, by using sustainable production methods, no trees or plants are cut down in their making. They naturally biodegrade in two months after disposal and are certified compostable, making them an earth friendly, innovative choice for your special events or meal-to-go needs.

They also are microwave, oven and refrigerator safe, along with liquid friendly. The plates are available in dinner, lunch/light meal and salad/dessert size, in addition to a generous bowl size and a party platter.

I've had the pleasure to use this unique dinnerware. I think it's a great option for parties verses paper plates which clog our environment with more garbage. I feel as consumers, we need to consider our buying decisions and take into account the impact our choices have on our environment.

The fact that these products are made of fallen leaves is quite baffling. It proves to me solutions can be found to our ever mounting refuse problem, plaguing all nations. Reusing something from nature in this fashion, I find quite genius.

Now granted, these plates, bowls and platters are not long-term use items. These were designed as disposable party ware, but can easily adapt to other portable uses as mentioned above.

When they have served their lifespan, however, you can dispose of them guilt free in regards to the environmental impact of doing so. Personally, I find that appealing.

ASPENWARE BIODEGRADABLE WOOD UTENSILS

In North America, billions of individual, plastic disposable cutlery are used every year. The ecological and health consequences associated with the production, use and disposal of these products are growing. Aspenware biodegradable and compostable cutlery will help reduce these issues one meal at a time.

Aspenware cutlery is made from birch and aspen -- hardwoods that were cut down during the harvesting of softwoods, such as fir and spruce, and would have been left to rot, or been burned during the process of regular industrial logging.

This cutlery is smooth, stylish, comfortable to use and provides an upscale look to your party table verses plastic ware, or can easily be packed for work or school lunches, a picnic or travel.

They can be reused if hand washed. They are not recommended for the microwave or dishwasher. They have been manufactured with no chemicals, bleaches or dyes. Even the packaging is 100% recyclable and compostable. Again, a very cool product for reducing our non-recyclable footprint.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ myEARTH360 is offering The Holistic Diva readers 10% off by entering the code DIVA10 at checkout. I encourage you to stop by and check out this wonderful website and all the earth friendly products. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Easily Share the Benefits of Reiki With Others

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Reiki Hands Positions for Treating Othersgreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Reiki is an ancient healing practice, combining two Japanese words Rei and Ki, which together mean Universal Life Energy. Rei, represents the all-knowing or wisdom, and Ki, the unseen non-physical energy. Essentially, Ki is our spirit. Ki is obtained from the food we ingest, from sunshine, sleep and the air we breathe. The combination of all these components formulates our spirit.

The objective of practicing Reiki is to aid in the harmonization of the body, mind and spirit, by allowing the life force to flow freely through us and around us in our aura. Life force is receptive to our thoughts and feelings, therefore, when we acknowledge negative thoughts or feelings about ourselves, our life force is disrupted. When it’s disrupted, the fundamental functions of organs and tissues in our physical body are diminished. When Ki energy is low, a person is susceptible to becoming ill.

This is where Reiki is utilized.. Since Reiki is guided by Higher Intelligence, it knows exactly where to go and seeks out the disorder in the energy field. It charges these parts of the energy field with positive energy, causing the negative energy to break apart and fall away.

Reiki is an uncomplicated treatment process. The practitioner simply places their hands on areas of the body, or hovers them for certain positions, and proceeds to transfer positive energy to the individual. Recipients often describe receiving Reiki as a feeling of warmth, or tingling in the area of focus, others feel it as energy. Reiki heals on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels, with the ultimate goal of returning the body to equilibrium. It balances the energies within the body, strengthens the immune system, clears and rids toxins, relaxes and reduces stress, and aids in meta-cognition.

Believe it or not, Reiki has served in the healing process of nearly every known illness and injury ranging from severe problems such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, mental illness and cancer, to the less serious like the flu, sore throat, insomnia and poor memory. If anything else, it is a valuable practice to be used concurrently with modern medicine, as it reduces negative side effects, shortens healing time, and reduces or eliminates pain.

Of course in order for Reiki to be effective, one needs to open their mind to such a non-physical practice. Western culture is so conditioned to accepting grave side effects from prescription medication; this is a societal norm of ours.Our doctors are not educated on alternative practices that will achieve the same, if not better, results, thus they
don’t advocate such treatment. With Reiki healing however, it provides a beneficial and positive alternative for the patient being treated.

Reiki Hand Positions

Position 1
Place your hands together over the eyes. Cup your hands gently so that the palms do not touch the eyes, which can be uncomfortable for the client. Rest the base of your hands on the forehead, and allow the tip of your fingers to rest very lightly on the cheeks. If your hands start to sweat put a cloth or paper tissue above the eyes.

Position 2A
Cup your hands gently around each ear.

Position 2B (optional)
Rest your hands on the crown of the head.

Position 3
Slide your hands gently under the head. Hold the head with the hands together and the fingers extending towards the neck. Cup your fingers around the skull touching its base with your fingertips.

Position 4A
Wrap your thumb under the neck and rest your hands and fingers over the collarbone.

Position 4B (alternate)
Wrap your hands lightly around the chin and throat.

Position 5
Gently slide your left hand under the neck. Place your right hand over the heart.

Position 6
Rest your hands on the upper stomach. Place the fingers of one hand under the base of the other hand to connecting the flow of healing energy.

Position 7
Slide both hands to the middle area of the stomach.

Position 8
Slide your hands one more time placing them over the lower abdomen over the hip bones.

Position 9
Use both hands to hold the right foot.

Position 10
Use both hands to hold the other foot.

Position 11
Now hold both feet using both hands in any way that's comfortable for you.

Position 12
At this point ask your patient to flip to the prone position. Place your hands over the upper back keeping your fingers close together.

Position 13
Rest your hands on the upper back. Place the fingers of one hand under the base of the other hand to connecting the flow of healing energy.

Position 14
Slide both hands to the middle back.

Position 15A
Slide both hands on more time Slide your hands down one more time placing them on the lower back.

Position 15B (optional)
Place hands behind the heart and on the lower back.