Is your health, home and beauty only skin deep?

An interesting and important  book is has hit the market for all Informed Beauty's.

The Healthy Home is about the dangerous substances  that we may be exposed to on a daily basis, and the simple but effective changes we can start making to help us reduce the toxic burden of living in the modern world.  Love it!

Seven Steps for a Looking Better — From the Inside Out 

By Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz Authors of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers 

At one time or another, we’ve all heard the saying that beauty comes from within. This saying means more than you know. How well you look on the outside greatly depends on how well you take care of your body on the inside. Your daily habits, whether good or bad, greatly contribute to how healthy your cells are, and, in turn, how youthful or how aged you look. 

If you want to look better, you have to take better care of your body on the cellular level. Here are seven things you can start doing today that will improve the way you look and feel, from the inside out. 

Diet Your skin is your largest and most visible organ, yet it is the last to receive nutrients from the body. Keep your skin healthy (and looking good) by eating foods rich in protein and healthy fats. Healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, along with key amino acids and protein, are crucial for collagen formation and cell repair. Lean meats like chicken and fish, along with avocado, nuts, and olive oil, provide these critical nutrients. Additionally, foods high in antioxidants, such as dark berries and leafy greens, help fight against free radicals that cause oxidative damage to your cells.

Water Aside from eating right, you should also stay hydrated. Why? Your body is made up of more than 10 trillion cells, and they all need water to operate at an optimal level. Water helps your cells keep their shape, and acts as a conduit for healthy, necessary biochemical processes within your cells to take place. Our bodies are more than 60 percent water, so replenishing lost fluids throughout the day is necessary for healthy cells and glowing, healthy skin. There are many sports drinks and fruit juices out there claiming to “rehydrate,”but purified water is best. Drink eight to 12 eight-ounce cups of water a day.

Supplements If you are like the average American adult, you are not getting the nutrients your body requires to function at its best. Poor eating habits consisting of processed, fatty, sugary foods can lead to many health concerns, including erratic blood sugar levels and obesity. Even if you try your best to eat the freshest fruits and vegetables, you are probably still lacking several key nutrients because it’s difficult to consume the amount of nutrients your body needs to function properly with food alone. To help ward off malnutrition, supplement a healthy diet with high-quality vitamins and minerals. Studies show that synergistic vitamin and mineral blends yield better results than taking individual nutrients on their own.

Every body is different, so start with a high quality multivitamin or vitamin pack and then customize additional nutrients as needed. And remember: it could take several months of consistently taking your vitamins to see visible results. Just know you’re doing your body a favor by giving it exactly what it needs to function at an optimal level. 

Sleep There is a reason it’s called “beauty sleep.” Getting quality rest in a good quantity — 6–8 hours — every night gives your body and mind a chance to recuperate from the stresses of the day. But this is also the time when your cells repair themselves. If this process is disrupted, it will show on your face through puffiness, dark circles, and uneven skin tone. If you have trouble falling asleep, there are a few natural options. A melatonin supplement can work with your body’s natural melatonin production to help you achieve optimal rest for renewed energy. Try incorporating a repetitive habit into your daily bedtime routine to help mentally trigger your brain to shut down for the night. Reading is one such activity. Regular exercise can also improve the quality of your rest. Speaking of exercise. . .

Exercise Regular cardiovascular and strength training will not only help you feel better; it will help you look better too. Regular exercise can boost your mood and improve your sexual drive, and sweating during exercise helps cleanse your pores of toxins to reveal brighter, healthier-looking skin.

Quit Smoking Smokers are basically asking their skin to age faster. Nothing damages your skin and overall health more. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health.”Smoking also reduces your skin’s elasticity, which will increase those lines on your forehead and around your eyes. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-care/SN00003 Stop Stressing It may be hard to believe, but the mental strain caused by stress can also tax the body. Excessive stress can lead to all sorts of damage, including high blood pressure and heart disease. But it also causes skin damage, including wrinkles and breakouts. Managing your stress correctly can produce positive results on how you look and feel. Even just a few minutes of silent meditation or deep breathing can help calm and de-stress the body and the mind.

One Last Thought Your skin will eventually age — that is inevitable. But simple steps like the ones listed above can keep the signs of aging at bay for as long as possible.

It’s also important to remember that not all skin care products are made with the highest quality ingredients and are best for your skin. Stay away from products that contain harsh chemicals and preservatives that actually speed up the aging process and will eventually cause more harm than good. Remember, your skin is the last organ to receive nutrients from the body and often the first to show signs of nutritional deficiency. Proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet are truly the key factors for overall health and beauty.

© 2011 Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz, authors of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers

Author Bios

Dr. Myron Wentz , author of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers, holds a Ph.D. in microbiology with a specialty in immunology from the University of Utah. He founded Gull Laboratories in 1974 and developed the first commercially available diagnostic test for the Epstein-Barr virus. Later, he founded USANA Health Sciences andSanoviv Medical Institute. Dr. Wentz was honored in June 2007 with the Albert Einstein Award for Outstanding Achievement in theLife Sciences. He is the author of A Mouth Full of Poison and Invisible Miracles. He travels the world with his lovely partner, Prudence.

Dave Wentz , author of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers, is chief executive officer of USANA Health Sciences, a state-of-the-art manufacturer of nutritional supplements and health products. He received a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego. Dave lives with his wife, Reneé, and children, Andrew and Sydney, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he enjoys skydiving, playing volleyball and soccer, mountain biking, and skiing Utah’s famous powder. For more information please visit http://www.myhealthyhome.com/

ACNE: What is it and how do you deal with it?

There is no classic acne case. Those who suffer from acne are all of different ages, different backgrounds and different lifestyles. What they share is their frustration with the condition of their skin. They all want to know why this is happening to them.

Let's start at the beginning.

There are three major organs in the human body that are responsible for the elimination of waste and toxins: the liver, the kidneys and the skin. We take for granted that the skin is an organ involved in the excretory process. Many of us treat our skin like we might a vinyl floor, scrubbing, overcleaning, overdrying and applying harsh chemicals to it. Not only is this type of treatment unnecessary, but it can cause longterm harm to the skin, and will probably not improve the situation much.

If the liver and the kidneys are overwhelmed by the number of substances to be cleared and eliminated from the system, the skin takes over. The liver will clear caffeine, hormones, allergens or sources of sensitivities, chemicals, including food additives and coloring agents, as well as a host of other substances to which you are exposed on a daily basis. It is no small wonder why many of our livers are crying out for a little support.

The skin, in an effort to back up the liver and the kidneys in the removal of unnecessary substances from the body, will become overwhelmed and affected by the amount of waste that is forced out through its pores. This process disrupts the skin's integrity and affects its appearance.

Sometimes the appropriate topical treatments are enough to help the skin cope with the overload. By keeping pores open, by absorbing excess oil and keeping the proliferation of bacteria in check, the correct product may work to clear the skin.

However, if the problem is more extreme, or of a deeper underlying nature, more may be required.

Serious medications such as accutane have serious side effects. They correct the problem, at a cost. In some respect this type of medical treatment simply kills the symptom (the acne) without addressing the underlying cause. In some cases, acne recurs, albeit in time.

If your objective is the preservation of longterm and comprehensive health as well as beauty, the key is to lighten the load on your other excretory organs, and watch the skin begin to clear. This sounds easy, but is in fact no small task.

Hormones

Anyone who survived adolescence knows that hormones begin to rage during the teenage years. This is usually the time when acne makes its first appearance. Later in life, we may experience it again with hormonal changes, including premenstrual and perimenopausal episodes.

While any hormonal excess can promote acne, the male hormones (which are present in both males and females, only in differing amounts) are particularly notorious for stimulating the cells in the hair follicle to produce more keratin (a hard protein that forms hair, skin and nails). Additionally, male hormones such as testosterone cause the oil glands to enlarge and produce more oil. This traffic jam of substances trying to escape the pore can cause a blockage.

The blockage of the hair canal can in turn promote the overgrowth of bacteria, which will promote inflammation. This is the redness that you see when a pimple becomes infected. Not all pimples, however, become infected.

If the bacterium grows out of control, the hair canal can rupture. If it does so on the surface of the skin, the result is a pustule. If it does so more deeply into the skin, the result may be a cyst, which requires a doctor’s intervention to successfully treat. Cysts can result in significant damage and possibly scar formation, so it is well worth the doctor’s visit.

Interestingly, blood levels of testosterone are not always indicative of a hormonal overload. The problem appears to lie in the skin’s ability to metabolize the hormone. Acne patients show a greater activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into a more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The conversion into DHT seems to be the more direct cause of the acne, and is also the primary cause of unwanted facial hair in women.

MINERALS CAN HELP

Certain minerals such as Zinc and Sulfur are fabulous skin healers and builders. Make sure your diet is rich in fresh produce to ensure proper mineral content, and supplement with a high quality multi-vitamin that will guarantee you a dose daily. Extra zinc in supplement form does wonders for many people suffering from this type of acne.

Some herbs, such as saw palmetto and pygeum, have been found to curb the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This can be especially helpful for stubborn acne cases where DHT is a factor. In some cases, Saw Palmetto has had the welcome side effect of minimizing unwanted facial hair in women.

SUGAR

If you love chocolate half as much as I do, you despise the notion of sugar having anything to do with acne breakouts.

This is a fairly contraversial subject, and most researchers agree that the connection between sugar and acne is at best indirect, and certainly not universal (phew!).

However, the skin cells of acne patients have in many cases demonstrated the inability to metabolize sugar correctly . Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that promotes the uptake of sugar by the body cells. In many acne patients, there seems to be an impaired uptake of blood sugar by the skin cells, due to insensitivity to insulin. Some researchers believe this is a factor contributing to acne breakouts.

Sugar is not the only culprit. Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white pasta and white rice, are converted quickly into sugar in the system. At the very least, this bogs down the system by requiring much effort on the part of the pancreas. Further, many researchers believe this reduces immunity considerably. Reduced immunity becomes a factor in acne, because acne involves infection. You want to keep your immunity strong to fight off acne infections, so I suggest you seriously reduce or eliminate all refined carbs, sugary foods included.

STRESS

Few of us can claim to be unaffected by stress. Stress comes in many forms, among them psychological, physical and environmental.

The body secretes anti-inflammatory hormones in response to stress and trauma. If, however, you are operating under long-term stressful or traumatic conditions, these hormones can cause side effects, including the hormonal toxicity that can result in acne.

Try to take some time for yourself every day to unwind and relax. Meditation, a hot bath, soft music, candles and recreational reading can all help relax tightly strung nerves.

WEAPONS YOU CAN USE TO FIGHT ACNE:

1. Stressing out over stressful situations never helps matters, so focus on getting past it and don't let the situation frazzle your nerves.

2.Calcium and Magnesium do more than strengthen bones, they help to soothe the nerves and reduce sugar cravings. Make sure you supplement with these essential nutrients, as part of your high qualtiy multi-vitamin and mineral formula, although extra calcium will probably be needed, since calcium is too bulky to be sufficiently contained in a multi.

3.Vitamin C and a good Bioflavonoid complex will help to strengthen connective tissue, which includes, among other things, the lower skin layers (the dermis). These nutrients also act as natural anti-inflammatory agents.

4. Detoxification is a fail-safe method of cleansing the body of internal build-up and overloads of ALL kinds, and works really well for acne sufferers.

By detoxification, I am speaking of an internal cleansing diet that should be carried out under the guidance of a licensed professional. When the cleansing period is over, the tissues of your body will have eliminated a good deal of stored toxins that you have been carrying around most likely for many years, and the result is vibrant energy, increased metabolism and clearer skin.

5. Exercise accelerates circulation, which in turn speed up the excretion of waste. Try 20-30 minutes of activity every day, at least.

6.Drink water and plenty of it. The purest forms are purifed via a process known as reverse osmosis, or distilled. I am not a fan of Spring water. Call me a skeptic, but I sincerely question whether there is a single "pure spring" left on the planet.

7.Eat as much fresh foods as possible. Basically, buy food that is in a state as close as nature provided it as possible. That means fewer boxed, jarred, canned and bagged foods, and more fresh fruits and veggies. If you were a child and you were coloring a picture of your diet, would it be a rainbow of vibrant colors, or a pasty, pale range of tans, browns and whites? The more colors, the more phyto (or plant) nutrients, and these will keep the intestines clean and build greater vitality.

8.Milk Thistle is an herb that is venerated for it's powerful ability to purify the liver. I have personally seen several people overcome serious skin disorders like eczema with milk thistle and flax seed oil alone. However, not all milk thistles are created equal. Teas are largely ineffective, and many capsules are not properly absorbed by the body. A high quality liquid extract is your best bet.

9.If your diet is lacking in Fiber, then take Fiber Supplements. Of course, it is far better to eat plenty of fruits and salads, because in addition to fiber these foods contain a wide variety of nutrients. However, when your diet has been less than ideal, these can help. They not only speed up the elimination of food in the digestive tract, but they may help bind toxins as they go. Constipation fosters the development of acne, and can worsen an already existing condition.

10. Last, but definitely not least, increase the essential fatty acids in your diet, Specifically the Omega-3's.

11. Look for certain product ingredients that will help boost your skin's capacity to deal with the excess oil secretions. Fruit acid gels are excellent for exfoliating the skin and keeping pores unclogged. Use them regularly.

Reference: http://healthyskinshop.com/acinper.html

Eat Your Sunscreen

"Thank you to Jimm Harrison for this great article!Enjoy the read and don't forget your Sun Block Informed Beauty!"

When planning your dinner meal this evening, don’t forget to include a side dish of sunscreen. May seem odd, but, seriously, this is a good idea. No, I’m not talking about strange creams in a tube or jar. I’m talking about spinach and broccoli and tomatoes and deeply colored and tasty foods that are likely already part of your menu. And what about a sunscreen for dessert? Well, chocolate with berries of course!

Botanical UV Protection

There has been a lot of interest lately in the use of botanicals and their ability to quench free radicals and protect cells from the damage caused by over exposure to the sun. In a recent presentation at the 7th Scientific Wholistic Aromatherapy Conference in San Francisco, California, I documented a full array of foods, herbs, and essential oils that have been well researched with positive results in protecting cells from sun and tanning booths. Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) induced caused by the sun and tanning booths can cause photoaging, erythema (sunburn), basal and squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

I was blown away by the amount of evidence available supporting the UV protection that can be provided by the foods and herbs we could and should be eating or supplementing with everyday.

The main reason these botanicals provide such potent UV protection is due to their powerful antioxidant action. Yet another reason to be sure you are getting ample amounts of highly antioxidant foods into your diet. Antioxidants protect against the damaging free radicals produced by UVR, which cause damage to cells, affecting the DNA.

Today’s Sunscreens

Over the counter sunscreen use is the most widespread approach to protection from sun damage, skin cancer and photoaging. Though useful, sunscreens are not adequate and fail in the prevention of solar UV induced skin cancer and photoaging, according to a 2007 article in Life Extension magazine. This may be due to improper use, incomplete spectral protection and potential toxicity. Common sunscreens are designed to protect against sun damage by either reflecting or scattering UV rays or by absorbing the UV rays.

Recently in a 2009 SOFW journal, questions have been raised regarding the safety of sunscreens to humans and their harmful effect on the environment and aquatic life. The use of sunscreens, coupled with the some people’s fear of the sun, is related to deficiencies of the necessary nutrient vitamin D.

Commercially available sun protection may not be the best that we can do. According to a 2006 journal of Experimental Dermatology, there are novel strategies that have been presented to reduce the occurrence of skin cancer and delay the process of photoaging by way of prevention with the use of botanical antioxidants that are present in the common diet. Antioxidants are capable of preventing UVR-induced skin cancers through their capability to quench free radicals and inhibit many UVR-induced cell-damaging effects, as stated by a 2003 journal on photo chemo prevention of skin cancer.

Botanical antioxidants are growing in popularity as many mainstream makers of sunscreens are now using them in their products in combination with traditional sunscreens, though they give little acknowledgement of the botanicals as sun protective agents.

It is still recommended for you to use sunscreen even with these cautions. But there are also additional food based measures you can take to protect your youthful skin.

Sunscreen for Dinner

To benefit using the added protection from sun damage that botanicals provide you will need to eat large amounts of the active botanical compounds found in the food. It’s these active compounds that provide the variety of color to foods and gives evidence to the high-powered antioxidant value. The beneficial compound families, and some foods that contain them, are:

• Carotenoids ~ carrots, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, corn, egg yolks, melons, blueberries and purple berries
• Flavonoids ~ grapes, apple, berries, green and black tea, black-eyed peas, broccoli, ginger, turmeric
• Polyphenols ~ grapes, red wine, berries, green and black tea, chocolate, olive oil, peanuts

The average recommended amount of fruits and vegetables is 3-4 servings of fruit and 4-5 servings of vegetables a day. That’s a simple guideline, when in doubt; eat more, within reason of course. Spice up that meal as well with ginger, basil, turmeric and other richly fragrant herbs and spices. Be sure you are eating the freshest whole foods, and organic whenever possible. Also, cooking depletes the nutrients, so never over cook, instead, lightly steam for 3 to 4 minutes. Juicing is a great way to get a high concentration of botanical nutrients. Antioxidant supplements are recommended for added benefit. The best are those that are the concentrated food extracts, such as the supercritical extracts or tinctures.

The foods, and their compounds, need to be consumed for a period of time before they will actually provide adequate protection. So don’t think after eating a grape you’re all set to go. Most studies showed a period of 10 to 12 weeks before the botanicals offered the sun protection.

This is also not a replacement for sunscreen.

Food on the Body

Extracts from these same foods can be used topically to help provide antioxidant protection from sun damage. This, again, is not yet a sunscreen replacement. I think within time, and provided regulations and corporate considerations are made, botanicals will be available as natural full spectrum sunscreen. But for now, let’s look at what you can do on your own. All of the above mentioned foods and their extracted compounds are finding their way into skin and body care products. The more natural color you see in products containing them, the more benefit you get from these compounds.

Here is a list of topical ingredients to look for in your skin care formulas:

• Olive oil ~ this is an ideal preventative lotion on its own. Use olive oil daily and under your sunscreen for beautiful, healthy skin.
• Shea Butter ~ provides a good emollient and moisturizing effect, with UV protection, to lotions and creams.
• Astaxanthin ~ a red algae (Haematococcus pluvialis) supercritical extract that is well documented for its powerful antioxidant action and UV protective quality. It’s a deep red, orange color and difficult to put into skin care, but worth it.
• Vitamin E mix ~ Vitamin E is a popular antioxidant and is now known to protect from sun damage. A good mix will contain the naturally extracted tocopherol and tocotrienol forms of vitamin E.

You’re on Your Way to Better Skin and Health

There are many more botanicals and extracts that could be listed here. The information provided should give you a pretty good start to your botanical sun protection regimen. If you do the types and amounts of food recommended here, not only will you be providing added protection from skin damage, but will also be increasing your overall health and beauty.

Jimm Harrison’s innovative and distinctive approach to beauty and health is the culmination of years of in-depth research on natural and nutritional beauty principles. He is a Holistic Beauty Scientist, educator and developer of organic and nutrient rich skin care products. Jimm is the author of Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils for Esthetics.

Loose Weight with Essential Oils

There are man stages and nuances in weight loss to truly be effective and sustainable. Through the following information in this article, you will see how essential oils can aid the process from controlling appetite to feeling uplifted and confident in your pursuits and every day lifestyle. Of course there is no substitutes within a weight-loss regimen, aromatherapy must essentially be used in conjunction with an appropriate diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Aromatherapy harmonizes the mind, body and soul in a way that allows people to prepare better for a weight-loss program and derive the maximum benefit.

How can essential oils help weight loss?

Essential oils help shape up the body through a multi-tiered approach:

* Some oils like cedarwood, grapefruit, orange and rosemary can help purge the body of toxins and retained fluids

* Other essential oils energize the mind so that you are less tempted to skip your workout routine. Try peppermint, cardamom, rosemary

* Some essential oils infuse a sense of positive energy and help boost up confidence and body image. Use ylang ylang, clary sage, litsea cubeba. When you feel all fresh and charged-up, you have little reason to flop on the couch with a tub of ice cream.

Curb those Cravings

Have you noticed how the aroma from a hot stove pizza makes your tummy rumble and beg for food? It is   because the nose sends a message to the brain that in turn signals the stomach to feel hungry.

Just like some smells enhance appetite; there a some smells that curb it. When you start eating with a sense   of fullness and satisfaction, you will naturally end up eating less.

A few essential oils that will help curb are: fennel, grapefruit and spearmint,  stimulate the hypothalamus, which is the center of hunger and satiety in the brain and thus neutralizes the urge to keep eating. These oils also promote a sense of positive energy and well-being that negates all factors that lead to comfort eating.

TIPS

* Always have one of these on hand

* When you are craving or are feeling hungry or before eating a meal, open bottle and take three sniffs in each nostril

* Breathe very deeply

* The more you use it, the more effective it will be.

Flushing Toxins

Are toxins in your body making you fat? “You bet they do!”  Contribute to the flush with essential oils!  Inhibitors of releasing toxicity can be incorrect nutrition, lacked physical activity and hormonal fluctuations, causing body cells to retain excess fluids and fats.

Oils of rosemary, grapefruit, cedarwood and orange are potent detoxifying agents that enhance lymphatic flow and eliminate excess fluids and toxins from the body. Orange oil stimulates the liver, enhances the flow of bile and aids fat metabolism.

TIP

After shower, massage over body in a circular motion with a blend of your favorite “flushing oils” in conjunction with jojoba oil as a carrier.

Think Positive, Feel Great

Stress and depression trigger a vicious cycle of fat accumulation in the body by increasing the level of cortisol in the blood. People battling the bulge are often plagued by feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. It is commonly observed that self-pity coupled with a lack of confidence can throw a fitness plan completely off-track. Once the mind is healthy, a fit body will not be far out of reach. A self-assured and positive person is more likely to stick to a weight-loss regimen because positive energy inspires determination and a will to succeed.

Citrus essential oils like bergamot and lemon are also called the "happy oils". Put two drops of CITRUS DELIGHT on a tissue.  Close your eyes. Take three slow, relaxed, deep breaths and visualize your mind being clear of negative thoughts and feelings.

Learn more about Kasia Apothecary Single Note Oils HERE!

DIFFUSE!  Learn more about diffusing your oils. It is the easiest and  most cost efficient way to utilize your new healing scents!

References: Aromadina

Rosemary has Anti-Cancer Properties

The same rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) used by the Romans to improve memory is also under investigation as a potent anti-cancer therapy. These anti-cancer properties are probably associated with rosemary's anti-oxidant property, which is more effective than typical food additives such as BHT and BHA.

Additionally, rosemary has anti-inflammatory activity, an activity that researchers are now finding often correlates with anti-cancer activity. This was demonstrated in an experiment that showed that carnosol, a component of rosemary, was able to reduce the amount of nitric oxide production in mice cells.2 Nitric oxide, which is released during inflammation, is a free radical that can damage DNA. Because cancer is often associated with states of chronic inflammation, some physicians recommend anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and sulindac for the prevention of colon cancer. Active constituents of rosemary include carnosol, carnosic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, rosmaridiphenol and rosmanol, most of which are present in the essential oil fraction.

Several studies have indicated that rosemary can prevent the binding of cancer causing chemicals (carcinogens) to cellular DNA. Binding of a carcinogen to DNA, leads to mutations in the DNA, and is an early step in the development of cancer. In one report, researchers compared the effects of whole rosemary extracts with the purified rosemary components, carnosol and ursolic acid, on breast cancer in rats. They found that whole rosemary extract given in the diet prevented the binding of the known carcinogen, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, (otherwise known as DMBA) to DNA in breast cells.4 Carnosol was also able to prevent binding, but to a lesser extent, whereas ursolic acid had little effect. Similar results were seen in the actual formation of breast tumors in these rats with both rosemary and carnosol decreasing tumor formation by 37%, while the groups receiving ursolic acid showed little reduction in the amount of tumors formed. These results are similar to previous results showing that rosemary extracts can decrease skin tumors in mice caused by certain carcinogens.

These results were confirmed by a later study also showing that rosemary could prevent breast cancer caused by administration of DMBA. Rats fed 1% rosemary in their diet for two weeks prior to the administration of DMBA had 76% less of the carcinogen bound to DNA compared to rats fed a control diet.5 This effect was also present when excess fat was added to the diet which increased the amount of carcinogen bound to DNA. High fat diets are known to be associated with a higher risk for breast cancer. Significant effects were also seen with only 0.5% rosemary in the diet. Similar results have been found using human bronchial cells and liver cells. In these experiments the DNA binding of the carcinogens aflatoxin and benzo(a)pyrene were also shown to be inhibited by rosemary extract. This indicates that the protective effect of rosemary is not just associated with DMBA and probably goes beyond just breast cancer.

Besides acting by preventing binding of carcinogens to the DNA, rosemary can also affect the metabolism of some carcinogens in a way that decreases their toxicity. Enzymes found in the liver, known as P450, glutathione S-transferases (GSH), and quinone reductases (QR) can affect the toxicity of some chemicals. Although the main role of the liver P450 enzymes is to detoxify compounds, the aromatic hydrocarbons such as DMBA are actually activated into much more potent carcinogens. Thus, DMBA, benzo[a]pyrene and aflatoxin are considered pro-carcinogens rather than direct acting carcinogens. The second group of enzymes, GSH and QR, act by detoxifying these active carcinogenic metabolites and thus protect against cancer. When rats were fed diets containing whole rosemary extract, the enzymes GST and QR were increased significantly compared to controls. 6 Animals fed carnosol in their diet did not exhibit an increase in these liver enzymes. These experiments show that rosemary has a protective effect by increasing the amount of enzymes that the liver uses for detoxification of cancer causing chemicals, and that the effect of whole rosemary is greater than that of its component, carnosol.

Similar experiments using human bronchial cells and liver cells in tissue culture have shown that rosemary extract, carnosol and carnosic acid were all able to reduce the levels of P450 enzymes after treatment with benzo(a)pyrene or aflatoxin B1.7 In bronchial cells, rosemary extract, carnosol and carnosic acid were able stimulate the QR and GST enzymes after treatment with benzo(a)pyrene. Therefore, by decreasing the enzymes that can convert procarcinogens to a more potent carcinogen and increasing enzymes that can inactivate carcinogens, rosemary components have a protective effect on cancers.

In summary, two separate mechanisms have been identified to explain the anti-carcinogenic properties of rosemary; blocking carcinogen binding to DNA, and modifying metabolic enzymes to decrease the toxicity of a carcinogen. Although the anti-cancer properties of rosemary have been clearly demonstrated in animal studies, these have not yet led to human trials. Since whole rosemary seems to be as beneficial or more beneficial than isolated components that have been examined to date, the addition of rosemary to one's diet may have more benefit than just as a food flavoring or preservative.

Learn more about ROSEMARY here.

Thank you:  Cindy L. A. Jones, Ph.D.  Published in Nutrition Science News, 1998.

1. Chan, M. M-Y. Ho C-T. And Huang, H-I. Effects of three dietary phytochemicals from tea, rosemary and turmeric on inflammation-induced nitrite production. Cancer Letters 96:23-29, 1995.

2. Offord, E.A., Mace, K., et al., Rosemary components inhibit benzo(a)pyrene-induced genotoxicity in human bronchial cells. Carcinogenesis 16:2057-2062.

3. Ho, C-H, Ferraro, T., et al, A Phytochemicals in tea and rosemary and their cancer-preventive properties,@ In Ho, C-T, Osawa, T., et al ed., Food Phytochemicals for Cancer Prevention II:2-19. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1994.

4. Amagase, H., Sakamoto, K., et al, Dietary rosemary suppresses 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene binding to rat mammary cell DNA. J. Nutr. 126:1475-1480, 1996.

5. Singletary, K., MacDonald, C., and Wallig, M. Inhibition by rosemary and carnosol of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary tumorigenesis and in vivo DMBA-DNA adduct formation. Cancer Letters 104:43-48, 1996.

6. Singletary, K.W., Rosemary extract and carnosol stimulate rat liver glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase activities. Cancer Letters 100:139-144, 1996.

7. Offord, E. A., Mace, K. Et al. Mechanisms involved in the chemoprotective effects of rosemary extract studied in human liver and bronchial cells. Cancer Letters 114:275-281, 1997.

Stress Management and How Stress Affects Us

Stress Management in Our Modern World

Ask any doctor, yoga teacher, natural health practioner… what their patients’ biggest complaints are and we guarantee the answer is stress-related. Yes, guarantee. Sure our modern world is full of amazing technology that make our lives easier, wonderful vacation destinations that make our lives more relaxing and medications a plenty to make all of our boo-boos go away like that.  But the more that our contemporary world has to offer, the more responsibility we assume. We have to learn to use that new microwave, take 2 hours of our precious time at the travel agents to book that flight, and work 40 hours a week to have benefits that cover those pricey meds.

Types of Stress, a Caveman & the Stress Response

There are two different types of stress, the first being acute stress or short-term, the less severe of the pair. Acute stress is that rush we feel in a sticky situation – that deadline in an hour, that fender-bender last week. This type of stress quickly fades once the threat is gone. The second type, chronic stress or long-term, is more brutal than the latter. In today’s 24/7 world, many people stay with their chronic stress symptoms for months or even years. This type of on going stress is one of the most common causes of mental illness and disease today.

In another perspective, stress can be a  good reaction as well, as it protects us from harm. Just imagine a strong, tall, and unruly caveman running for his life, a vicious wild beast hot on his trail. Although, as soon as he saw the viciousness  on his opposite, this particular caveman’s body went through a rapid series of hormonal responses that ran through his brain, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands so that he could, well, run for the hills! Let’s take a look at the process.  First, his brain secreted a hormone messenger to the pituitary (also located in the brain) which sent another messenger to his adrenals to release cortisol. The release quickly shifted the blood, oxygen and energy flow away from the digestive and reproductive systems to the muscles and heart. Thus his quick get away. Phew!

How Stress Affects Us

The problem is we are no longer cavemen running for our lives. In fact, we are far from it. So far in fact, the stress response is working against us.

Our bodies go through the same process as his, only many of us are so consistently overwhelmed that we don’t shut it off the way he did once safely at home. This chronic stress means that our body is always in “fight or flight” mode, never fully resting; be it days, months or years. And the problem with never shutting off is that long-term stress affects the body in ways we could have never imagined.

Here are a few of a lengthy list:

-       Dysfunctional blood sugar metabolism, often leading to diabetes

-       Cellular aging leading to older appearance and shorter life span

-       Literally, restructuring a brain, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression and/or other mental disorders

-       Heart problems, oftentimes deadly such as heartattacks

-       A conflicted immune system often resulting in auto-immune diseases wherein the body attacks its own cells

Common Auto-Immune Disorders Caused or Heightened By Stress:

-       Allergies

-       Cystitis

-       Diabetes

-       Hyper or Hypthyrodism

-       Narcolepsy

-       Psoriasis

-       Rheumatoid arthritis

-       Schizophrenia

Once this stress response has been turned on for a significant period of time, the adrenal glands become wiped out. This happens over the period of time, in what some in the medical field describe as the three steps to adrenal exhaustion. At first, the adrenals are turned on like there is a ten-alarm fire in the body. Hormones, like cortisol, are pumped in to combat the flames. But when the stressors don’t go away, the second phase, or resistance response comes into play. The adrenals simply can’t maintain the demand for cortisol. Thus, daily functions are carried out but with a struggle. Anxiety and insomnia begin are more present as is irritability. In the third stage, the adrenals become exhausted. Fatigue sets in and different systems in the body begin malfunctioning. If stressors are not minimized, the adrenals will fail. Most patients at this point collapse or die of cardiovascular dysfunction.

3 Steps to Fight the 3 Phases

If you find that you are lacking in stress management skills or think you may be falling into a pattern leading to adrenal exhaustion, all’s not lost. Fight back with three easy lifestyle fixes: Nutrition, relaxation, and therapeutic techniques.

Nutrition

There is a lot to be said about the healing power in the right foods. Those that are stressed often reach for the easiest foods which are nearly always laden with sugar, fats, and caffeine. To get balance back, skip the coffee and sweets in favor of a diet that combines whole grains, proteins, and heart healthy fats (ie: olive oil). Eat three portioned meals and two snacks daily to keep blood sugar intact. Adding mineral-rich Celtic salt or sea salt is also beneficial, especially in causes of adrenal exhaustion.

Supplements can also help the body properly handle stress. This include but are not limited to:

-       2,000 – 4,000 mg of Vitamin C

-       800 IU of Vitamin E

-       B-Complex

-       Zinc and other trace minerals

-       Ginseng

-       Licorice

-       DHEA

If you plan on taking any of these supplements, please consult a doctor first as some may have averse side effects.

Relaxation

A change of pace is what most of us need. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean the need to pick up the pace but rather to change the pace. Therefore, if you find yourself running around like a nut all day everyday, by night, a soothing yoga and meditation practice is right up your alley. But if you find yourself deskbound, your change of pace should be something more lively; a ½ hour walk on your lunch break or a cycling class after work. This yin-yang approach to daily life helps our bodies stay in tune to being both sedentary and active. In essence, it keeps us balanced.

Therapeutic Techniques

Whether it is reading self-help books or going to see a counselor in the flesh, 99% of the population can benefit from therapy of some sort. Learning to see reality for what it is and most importantly, what it is not, is the first step toward mental stability. (Hey, most of our lives really aren’t all bad.) Once we have a handle on our emotions, we are better equipped to handle anything that life might throw our way.

Although stress is one of the biggest health issues of our time, it is one of the easiest fixes – no meds required. Taking the time to learn what causes your unique stress story and finding your own coping techniques are the first steps in a road to regain balanced well-being and freedom of life back.

Resources:

http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/articlearchives/adrenalfatigue.shtml http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/adrenalglandnutrition.aspx http://www.drlam.com/articles/adrenalexhaustion.asp

Kassie Kuehl is a respected leader and educator in natural health and beauty care. The founder of Kasia Organic Salon and many result orientated "beautiful health" products, and experts in ammonia free hair color.  Kasia remains on the cutting edge of all-natural, non-toxic, and organic professional hair, skin, and body products and services. To become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612.386.4044, or visit www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.

Causes of dandruff and tips with essential oils

The best essential oils for dandruff will depend on the underlying cause of your dandruff.

What are the triggers?  Stress?   Diet?    Lifestyle?

Recommended Essential Oils include:

Geranium, juniper, lavender, rosemary, sage, and lemon scented tea tree.

If your dandruff is the result of fungus, Kasia Lemon Scented Tea Tree oil is  your best choice. If your scalp is oily:  Cedarwood and juniper  may be useful.

For a dry, flaky scalp, you can try chamomile,  lavender or sandalwood.

If you want to use one oil at a time, add a few drops to your shampoo.  Kasia Organic Salon team recommends your choice of essential oils with Jojoba oil, and/or scalp treatments with Kasia Restore Hair Oil.

Causes of Dandruff

Truly, the cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown and can have a variety of catalysts.

A relationship to hormones and  yeast infections has been a consistent possible causation of guests at Kasia Organic Salon.

The primary cause of dandruff is thought to be a yeast.

• Over activity of oil glands is another possible cause. Shampooing daily with a sulfate free agent will eliminate the oil and help prevent the dandruff.  Do not over strip the hair.

• Shampooing in too hot of water may strip out the natural oils and dry out your scalp. It's best to use tempid and/or cooler water to help close the pores, which will relieve the flaking problem.

• Avoid PVC and alcohol-based styling products as they tend to dry out the scalp. The styling gels, sprays and mousses can build up on your scalp.

• Excess Stress can trigger or exacerbate dandruff very easily.

• A high sugar intake may be another major cause. Sugar requires B vitamins in order to metabolize and can cause a deficiency. To compensate take a high potency B-complex to relieve the dandruff.    Diabetes and the high sugar levels result in dehydration of the tissues as the body flushes out fluids in an attempt to rid itself of the sugar. One of the end results is dry skin.

• People on low or no fat diets may be deficient in unsaturated fats called essential fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Call Kasia Organic Salon to have a consultation or to schedule a treatment for your hair/scalp!  612 824 7611

Essential Nutrients for your hair and skin with antioxidants, cold pressed oils and fatty acids

  Our hair and skin are the fingerprint of what’s going on inside your body because it is one of the 4 exit doors for waste along with bowel, Kidneys, and Lungs. Depending on your diet, age, exercise habits, sun exposure, and your personal lifestyle.

Underneath the epidermis is the dermis, leaving a matrix of collagen, elastic tissue, and  fibers.  Sagging skin, slow hair growth and deep wrinkles can occur when there is a breakdown in your inner structural  layers from free radical damage.

Restore Hair Oil and Renew Facial Serum minimize the damage done to your hair and skin with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and essential fatty acids.

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Antioxidants

Antioxidants give you the anti aging protection against the diseases and help slow down the aging process of your skin, cells, tissues and organs. The main antioxidants found in food include vitamins A, C and E, the minerals selenium and zinc and all of the phytonutrient carotenoids.  Antioxidants keep free radicals from ravaging your body and stealing the life from your cells.

Critics used to claim there was no evidence that topically based products affected skin aging. Over the years, a remarkable number of published studies have proven these skeptics wrong! Science clearly substantiates the role that free radicals play in causing skin aging and the fact that topically applied antioxidants confer significant protection and can even partially reverse some aspects of skin aging. Indeed, various animal and human studies have proven that low molecular weight antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, as well as alpha-lipoic acid exert protective effects against free radical damage (oxidative stress) (Podda et al. 2001).

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids offer anti aging benefits to dry skin, hair, and nails.   EFA's will give your body the nutrients it needs for smooth, glowing skin and healthy hair and is even known to help balance hormones.

Fatty Acid (Omega 3) anti-aging benefits and reduction may be directly linked to cell inflammation. They help to keep the cells healthy and reduce the inflammation that may occur in the cell when omega 6 levels are too high. Internally the most commonly consumed source of omega 3 fatty acids are salmon, mackerel, linseeds, flax seeds, spinach, walnuts, brazil nuts, pecans, egg yolks, canola oil, linseed / flaxseed oil.

Sunflower oil (comprised in Kasia Restore Hair Oil) contains fatty acids and are essential to hair health and effective in preventing hair loss from male and female pattern baldness and alopecia areata.

Enjoy the effects of anti-inflammatory, free radical fighting, and  lipid rich solutions in Restore and Renew for your skin and hair!

WHAT IS A FREE-RADICAL?

Free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron seeking another electron. They travel through the body seeking out healthy cells and breaking them down. This process is referred to as Oxidation and the damage it causes is known as Oxidative Stress. It has been linked to a number of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer.

WHERE DO FREE-RADICALS COME FROM?

Free radicals are produced in the body when it is physically excerted. They also come from pollutants and toxins in the air and water, toxins, smoking, and an unhealthy diet.

WHAT IS AN ANTIOXIDANT? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Antioxidants help the body fight back and repair itself from the inside out. They give the free-radicals the electron they are looking for to prevent them from stealing them from healthy cells. Antioxidants have the ability to reduce free-radical stress and promote healthy by assisting in preventing illnesses and chronic health problems.

Enjoy the effects of anti-inflammatory, free radical fighting, and  lipid rich solutions in Restore and Renew for your skin and hair!