Hair Loss in the Pregnant and Post-Partum Woman

  This is a repost written by Tony Pearce RN.

Nothing reveals the unique beauty of a woman quite like a healthy woman displaying her pregnancy. The additional life growing inside her presents a glow that no cosmetic make-over could ever replicate.

Her hair too is usually at its most lush density and soft manageability. A pregnant woman’s scalp hair growth (anagen) cycle – usually a constant 85-90% - may increase to 95% during her 2nd + 3rd trimesters. Only during her young adolescence would a woman’s scalp hair follicles be so active in growth (Dawber+ Van Neste: 1995).

Her two dominant female sex hormones (Oestradiol + Progesterone*) increase immensely to help support the growth and development of the unborn child. These hormonal surges have a ‘flow-on’ effect to hair growth – adding to the expectant mother’s radiance.

As pregnancy progresses it’s generally accepted that higher oestrogen levels (oestradiol + estrone) are responsible for an increased and prolonged anagen phase, as well as thickened hair shaft density in trichometric studies. Pecoraro et al (1967) also suggested ‘telogen’ (shedding) phase is more rapid in a pregnant woman than the usual 2-3 months of a follicle cycle.

The rate of scalp hair growth in humans is profoundly influenced by the levels of unbound (i.e.: ‘active’) thyroid hormone (Dawber+ Van Neste: 1995). In their excellent text ‘Thyroid Power – 10 Steps to Total Health’, Shames + Shames (2002) note that women at the beginning of their pregnancy used to be given small doses of thyroid hormone to help prevent miscarriage and aid in foetal development. Even a minimal thyroid imbalance may be associated with miscarriage, premature birth, and even birth defects according to Arem (1999). He cites research that suggests 2-3% of pregnant women have an under-functioning thyroid gland. **

Excessive hair fall during pregnancy:

Essentially this should not occur, and is a contradiction of the hormonally mediated influences on hair growth during pregnancy.

When excessive scalp hair shed does occur it is likely due to:

1. Nutritional deficiency: iron, Vitamin D, Iodine, zinc or other deficiency.
2. Metabolic disturbance: thyroid gland dysfunction; pregnancy-related glycaemia (blood sugar + insulin) disturbance.
3. Telogen Effluvium from recent illness.

Regrettably - nutritional deficiency in pregnant women is not uncommonly seen, and is due (in my opinion) to NON-specific baseline pathology testing (i.e.: testing ‘Haemoglobin’ instead of a full ‘Iron Studies’ panel). Vitamin D (25 [OH] D), Iodine or Red cell zinc are rarely ever tested unless specifically requested.

It is unacceptable in a 1st world health system that pregnant women should be allowed to proceed through pregnancy with severe iron, iodine, vitamin D or other nutritional deficiency. One West Australian woman who consulted me was found to have an iron storage (ferritin) of 8ug/L (range: 20-300) at six months pregnancy.

Quite recently a young woman five months pregnant and expecting her first child consulted me for continual excessive hair shedding. Her Vitamin D levels were so low they could not be measured by pathology testing. The 2007 reference range for 25(OH) D is 50-200nmol/L; ‘target’ is to be greater than 100nmol/L – this woman could only register LESS THAN 10nmol/L.

There are now many studies (www.vitamindcouncil.org) which demonstrate that an optimal Vitamin D status (i.e.: >100nmol/L) during pregnancy is essential for both maternal well-being and in-utero development of the child. There is also a growing awareness of the link between gestational Vitamin D deficiency in the pregnant mother and autism in her still-unborn child: Canadian Paediatric Society. Vitamin D supplementation: Recommendations for Canadian mothers and infants. Paediatr Child Health 2007;12(7):583-9 + Cannell JJ.  Autism and Vitamin D. Med Hypotheses 2008;70(4):750-9.

We have a known national Iodine deficiency among the general Australian population (Eastman: 2007); women are physiologically more prone to iron, iodine and 25(OH) D deficiency than males because of their ‘femaleness’. The medico-legal implications of this are self-evident.

Post-partum hair loss:

In essence, post-partum effluvium is a withdrawal of specific hormonal influences previously mentioned which hitherto have prolonged the hair follicle’s growth phase and delayed entry into catagen/telogen.

Following childbirth telogen hair count begins to rise and has been reported as high as 65% at two months (Dawber + Connor: 1971) - typically though 30-35% of scalp hair may be in telogen phase at two months postpartum.

A diffuse effluvium – disproportionate hair shed from the entire scalp - may be distressingly excessive for about three months but can continue for as long as a year. In usual circumstances the duration of shed is less than six months, and the majority of women return to normal hair density within a year.

The prolongation and exacerbation of post-partum hair loss is influenced by Prolactin secretion in breast-feeding, blood loss during childbirth, sleep deprivation, nutrition, or the many reasons for emotional stress in a new mother.

Anecdotally I have found post-partum effluvium to be more severe in those women who are continually sleep derived for extended periods of time. Simply put: if we can’t sleep our Pituitary Gland won’t produce sufficient Growth hormone (GH); we’ll be fatigued, weak, suffer mood disturbance – and our hair will fall out (Arem: 1999).

Management:

• Post partum alopecia is considered the one true moult in humans, and new young mothers who exhibit post-partum effluvium should be reassured that (in time) a full recovery of lost hair density is the expected outcome.
• If not previously tested, baseline blood pathology should be ordered to assess iron studies, (red cell) zinc, 25(OH) D, Iodine, B12 etc. All levels need to be in the 50-75th percentile of respective reference ranges to facilitate a more rapid ‘resetting’ of follicle anagen phasing.

Activance Rhodanide is a natural ‘leave-in’ treatment (the vitaminoid Rhodanide is the active nutrient) which I have found very effective in accelerating effluvium resolution. Unlike Minoxidil it is completely safe for lactating/breast-feeding women to use (Minoxidil is excreted in breast milk). www.activance.com.au.

Photo-biotherapy such as ‘soft/cold’ low level laser light (LLLT) is in my experience most effective in effluvium-type shedding due to its anti-inflammatory and vaso-dilating (blood perfusion) properties. Six-twelve 15-20 minute treatments twice-weekly helps settle post-partum effluvium in the majority of women.

In theory – providing a post-partum woman experiencing effluvium and/or post-natal mood disturbance with a low dose natural Progesterone (P4) cream (1% or less) with a low-dose ‘Biest’ addition – should help to arrest both issues. However earlier studies by Skelton (1966) found ‘no consistent beneficial effect’.

Consult a qualified and experienced hair loss Practitioner only – such as a Trichologist or Medical Practitioner.

*The Corpus Luteum of non-pregnant females may produce 10-20mgs of Progesterone (P4) per day. A pregnant woman’s placenta produces up to 300mgs of P4 per day (Dr. John R. Lee MD; ‘What your Doctor may not tell you about Menopause’: 1996)

**Ridha Arem MD is a noted US Endocrinologist. He cites a study by Glenoer, D (1997) of American pregnant women.

About the Author: Tony Pearce RN, WTS is a Specialist Trichologist of female hair loss + scalp problems.

Hair Loss ... Not Always Genetic

Hey there Informed Beauties!  If there is one consistent and growing conundrum out there, it's the complex topic of hair loss.  I see it every day in my salon chair, so let's shed some light on this problem that truly can be overcome with dedication and  diligence! Common Hair Loss Question:

"I went to a dermatologist who told me I had female pattern baldness and that there was nothing I could do other than use Rogaine twice a day. Is this my only option?"

I have shared frustrations with many worried woman and the topic of hair loss in my salon chair.  Those of my clients that have sought a "whole--istic" approach have seen great results. We've been able to set them up with Functional Medicine testing, great hair products, and supplemental nutritional products to help from the inside- out.

I also add that there are a small percentage of clients that simply have their genetic DNA going against them.  With that said, the  majority of women presenting patterned hair thinning show (in my opinion),  an acquired pattern alopecia due to the cascading affects metabolic/hormonal disturbance within a number of body systems.

This is caused by a few things, including  low iron, low thyroid, not enough protein, stress which causes low thyroid, and autoimmune disease, and medications.

Suggested Steps to re-growth.......

1. Knowing I need to practice what I preach.... Informed Beaute's need to truly be pro-active in de-stressing your life.  Make those around you aware of this!
2. Eat more protein.  As women age, we loose metabolic function, hormones go on default, etc. Unless one receives complete chains of amino acids for the body to quick use and uptake......the lethargy continues stealing from areas needed to function healthy hormones, energy, memory, etc.
3. Take a multivitamin and other supportive supplements.  To mention:  I love Premier Research Labs:  B Complex, Adaptogens, Calcium/Magnesium, Vitamin D, Minerals/Pink Salt, digestive enzymes and HCL.  I've seen this "package" make strides for clients.
4. Get your hormones tested!  All women young and old need a baseline.
5. Make sure your TSH is below 2.0 
6. Make sure your ferritin is between 40 and 70.Lifestyle and Liver HealthAn ATP-deprived liver is ‘sluggish’ & readily overloaded when a woman is taking hormone therapy (contraceptive or HRT medication), consumes some daily alcohol, lack of nutrition. These combined substances occupy the total capacityof the liver’s Phase I detoxification pathway, & the liver’s ability to process other substances such as the body’s own hormone by-products or other toxins is progressively impaired – ultimately resulting hormonal disturbance & cellular toxicity.Successfully treating women for hair loss problems requires careful review of their medical, nutritional, hormonal & lifestyle history undertaken in an organized & sequential way. This provides  a clearer representation of what other areas are influencing the primary problem, & treating the causeof the condition rather than just the symptoms can then be undertaken.NOTE!  The discipline is important because it truly takes time to reverse hair loss and in most cases can take up to 6 months.   May you see the value of your Beautiful Health........and enjoy those new baby hairs on the come back!   Dont give up.

Love and Support......   Kassie

Quantum Premier Research Labs 10 Supplement Secrets

Secret #1 - Hidden Toxicity Research shows you have only a 2.5% chance of selecting a nutritional product in the market place that is both nontoxic and effective.  In other words, you have a 97.5% chance of selecting a nutritional product that is either toxic or does not work.   This was confirmed in a landmark study reported in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (winter, 1999).  How can this be?  Unfortunately, toxic ingredients in nutritional products are now commonplace.  Quantum Nutrition Labs see many problems such as the use of the wrong herbal species, ingredients that are simply too old, that have been poorly grown, irradiated, fumigated or contaminated with pesticide/insecticide residues.

The Answer:  Now more than ever, you can not take a company's integrity for granted.   You must evaluate for yourself each company's manufacturing methods.  Quantum Nutrition Labs' mission is to deliver 100% nontoxic and effective products.  It has taken decades to determine how to accomplish this -- since there are now so many pitfalls to avoid.  Read on to learn what many of these common pitfalls are, so you do not end up with products that do not work.

Secret #2 - Routine Herbal Contamination

Quantum Nutrition Labs' research shows over 60% of the herbs currently used in nutritional products in the U.S. have been either fumigated, irradiated or contain significant pesticide/insecticide residues -- including many organic herbs.  Quantum Nutrition Labs has detected widespread contamination of most herbs, including fumigation, irradiation and pesticide/insecticide residues.  This was true even of many organic herbs.  Most product manufacturers do not test the raw materials used to make their products.  They usually accept the Certificate of Analysis from the suppliers.  But the Certificate of Analysis is not enough, since it usually tests only for harmful bacteria and mold, and rarely tests for toxic contaminants.

The Answer:  The key is thorough testing.  At Quantum Nutrition Labs, we absolutely do not use raw materials that have been fumigated, irradiated or that contain pesticide/insecticide residues.  Quantum Nutrition Labs (QNL) does not rely solely on the supplier's Certificate of Analysis for the presence of toxic agents.  Unlike most manufacturers, QNL places every batch of incoming raw materials into a "quarantine area" for our own testing.  Before any raw material is used, it must pass our standard biochemical, and bacteriological test as well as QNL proprietary bio-energetic analysis.

Several years ago, Quantum Nutrition Labs proprietary bio-energetic screening detected gamma-irradiated green tea.  Although the tea had passed routine tests with flying colors, no tests were available to detect the irradiation (and its toxic, radiolytic by-products).  Today, newly developed photoluminescence equipment is able to detect irradiation of products, but these devices are not yet available in the U.S.  Fortunately, QNL's proprietary bio-energetic screening continues identify and reject toxic, gamma irradiated products, therefore protecting the customer.  (Up to 70% of green tea is now irradiated).

Secret #3 - The Grade 10 Scale

An herb's nutrient content as well as phytochemical properties can vary drastically, depending on its growing and harvesting methods.  Quantum Nutrition Labs has found most herbs grown in the U.S. are too weak, too toxic or both, to offer the full spectrum of benefits typically quoted in the scientific literature.  Depending on the growing and harvesting methods used, a plant can vary in its mineral content by over 900%.  Likewise, its phytochemical nutrients can range from very potent with spectacular healing properties to virtually inactive.  If an herb is poorly grown, even a concentrate or extract will not help it yield better results.  How the herb is grown is of critical importance.

The Answer:  To obtain 100% contaminant-free raw materials, PRL sources most of its food and herbal ingredients outside the U.S. -- where nutrients are grown in rich, unspoiled soil with pure water.  Back in 1988, Tom Brokaw reported that even by then, there were no uncontaminated drinking water sources left in the U.S.  This means virtually all crops, even organic, are watered with contaminated water.

But buying materials outside the U.S. is not enough.  QNL has devised a grade 10 scale (a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being best) to rate all nutrients.  The Quantum Nutrition Labs' goal is to use exclusively grade 10 nutrient sources.  To accomplish this lofty goal, we must gather nutrients worldwide: from the deep central forests in India, to the wilds of the South American rainforests, to the pristine mountaintops of China.  Once Quantum Nutrition Labs has located the key nutrients, it packages them in rugged, HDPE drums with tamper-proof locking pins.  This preserves their freshness and avoids the routine fumigation at the ports of passage on the way to the U.S.  In contrast, other companies typically import herbs and foods in flimsy containers, such as burlap bags, papers and cardboard boxes, which are easily fumigated and contaminated.  One importer from India reported that his goods are fumigated 5 times (on average) between India and the U.S.

Secret #4 - Infectious Prion Exposure

Animal-based organ and glandular products (from commercial animals) carry the risk of infectious prion contamination exposure as well as a greatly increased burden on the kidney and liver to metabolize them. Great concern and fear over "mad cow" disease, which causes spongiform encephalopathy in humans, has now been reported in animals around the world, including the U.S.  Recently, mass animal exterminations have been carried out in numerous locations worldwide in an attempt to curtail outbreaks of the disease.  In the U.S., the USDA ordered mass exterminations on two sheep farms in Vermont (March, 2001) for fear of spread of the disease to other animals and humans.  Products made with constituents from commercial animals (such as as organs and glands) now carry the risk of contaminations with toxic prions (infective particles which transmit the disease).

The Answer:  Due to the widespread risk of prion contamination in commercial animals, the wisest advice is to avoid nutritional products made with constituents from commercial animals (including beef, sheep and pork) as well as avoiding gelatin capsules made from hooves of commercial animals. QNL is the first company to design effective nutritional products that can target and strengthen a specific organ or gland in the human body without using animal by-products, thus avoiding the risk of prion contamination.  QNL's unique organ and gland complexes are made with 100% grade 10 herbal and food concentrates and presents a novel approach to target and transport nutrients critical to the body's own healing and recovery systems.

A great benefit of this targeted approach is that a specific organ complex can be coupled with another agent, such as an anti-infective herb, so that it can be targeted directly to the same organ.  As an example of this targeting approach, Premier Heart Complex, a product used to strengthen the heart, can be taken together with Premier Oleuropein, an anti-infective herbal complex featuring Italian olive leaf extract.  Taken together, the anti-infective nutrients can also be targeted to the heart.  Similarly, any other powerful anti-infective agent could be targeted to the desired organ or gland systems.

Another threat of prion exposure is from animal-derived digestive enzymes which may also contain other toxic tag-along chemicals.  In contrast, QNL uses 100% pure, non-animal digestive enzymes (called Quantum Digest), which are specially derived from aspergillus.  Unlike other enzyme sources, our enzymes are ultra-purified and filtered by special Japanese technology (not available in the U.S.), so they are 100% free of fungal residue -- a common problem in other enzyme products which can elicit allergic-type reactions.  QNL's unique enzyme process uses no heat, which ensures the enzymes are fully biologically active over the broadest range of gastrointestinal pH exposure -- a feature starkly missing in enzyme products extracted with heat.

Secret #5 - Calcium That Works

Most calcium products promote remineralization of bone only, neglecting the tremendous need for remineralization of soft tissue (which includes all the body's organs and glands).  In addition, most companies do not provide a means of testing the body's mineral reserves (via the pH) for regular monitoring. Although replenishing minerals is of critical importance for bone physiology, little emphasis is typically given to replenishing minerals for soft tissue.  However, adequate soft tissue mineral levels are critical for optimal organ and gland function.  An individual may have adequate bone repletion while the soft tissue mineral levels badly suffer.  In addition, most common sources of calcium are inadequate as agents to quickly replete bone and are unable to replete soft tissue.

The Answer:  QNL offers the Quantum Trio, a package of three products proven to rapidly replete calcium, magnesium and trace elements to both bone and soft tissue, a key ability most other mineral products simply do not have.  pH testing allows you to test for yourself, the status of your mineral repletion.  The Quantum Trio includes:

• Coral Legend, a unique, highly ionized source of calcium, magnesium and trace elements from ocean coral, is the first member of the Trio.  Recommended Use:  adults and children (age 2 and up): take ½ tsp. to 1 tsp. one or twice daily.

• QNL Quantum Aloe Powder, the second member of the Trio, is mixed with the Coral Calcium to enhance the uptake and to target the coral's minerals to soft tissues.  This combination also helps the body manufacture its own MCH (microcrystalline hydroxyapatite) calcium.  More importantly, Coral Calcium helps raise the levels of the elusive but essential mono-ortho calcium phosphate, the soft tissue form of calcium.  This soft tissue calcium plays a key role in tissue oxygen, the foundation of good health at the cellular level.  Mono-ortho calcium phosphate also plays a key role in flexibility of the body's joints.

• The third member of the QNL Quantum Trio, Cod Liver Oil, is 100% pure U.S.P. grade cod liver oil (available in capsules or liquid).  Our source tests free of mercury, while non-U.S.P. grades may not.  Recommended use: adults or children (age 2 and up): take either 2 capsules or ½ tsp. once/day to assure sufficient levels of vitamin D₃, an essential vitamin for calcium utilization for almost every cell in the body.  Most Americans do not get an adequate amount of sunlight to make enough vitamin D to properly metabolize calcium.  Without sufficient vitamin D₃, the body cannot properly use calcium.

Each player of the Quantum Trio works together to provide dramatic help to rapidly replete mineral uptake (including calcium, magnesium and trace elements) for good bone health as well as restoring soft tissue health.  Each member of the Quantum Trio has been thoroughly tested to assure its potency and also to assure that it is both nontoxic and effective.  The effectiveness and the speed of mineral repletion to both bone and soft tissue by the Quantum Trio can be accurately and inexpensively assessed by monitoring your first morning urine pH.

Secret #6 - Toxicity of Isolated Vitamins and Minerals

When a product containing isolated vitamin and mineral nutrients is taken long term, it may induce side effects that are difficult to identify and correct.  A person taking a formula with isolated vitamins and minerals may receive help at first, but later may begin to react to the imbalance of too much of a specific mineral or vitamin.  A good example of a toxic overload from taking isolated vitamin/mineral formulas is a prostate formula containing 15 mg or more of zinc.  It may be beneficial when taken during the first few weeks, but over time, zinc levels that have become too elevated may burden the body, misbalancing other mineral levels such as copper, triggering a cascade of new problems.  The consumer may not associate these new problems with a product that initially helped.

The Answer:  QNL engineers each of its food/herb complex formula so they are indeed modular.  That means they can be taken in any combination.  QNL's food/herb complexes can be used without fear of inducing a toxic overdose of isolated vitamins or minerals or a toxic interaction so common when taking isolated vitamin/mineral preparations.

Secret #7 - Toxic Agents in Tablets and Capsules

In the process of tableting or encapsulating, toxic agents such as binders, fillers and flowing agents are the rule.  When these tablets or capsules are consumed over time, the toxic chemical agents can bio-accumulate and later create serious toxicity and absorption problems.

The Answer:  QNL never uses toxic binders, fillers or flowing agents in our 100% pure vegetable capsules.  An ingredient may be too light and need a sister agent to assist in the process of putting it into a capsule at high speeds.  Quantum Nutrition Labs has painstakingly researched the physical properties of each nutrient in order to use the most synergistic and beneficial nutrient blends to accomplish this task.  In fact, during the research and development phase, QNL has meticulously elucidated the physical properties of each of its nutritional formulas and has pioneered novel ways to preserve their full potency as well as enhancing their bio-availability and transport to target tissues.

A good example of synergistic nutrients assisting one another is Premier Oleuropein, which features olive leaf extract.  Olive leaf extract has a hydroscopic nature, a naturally high affinity for moisture.  Within a month or so of encapsulation, it tends to absorb moisture and become hard, losing much of its potency.  Rather than using common toxic encapsulating agents, we researched and found the perfect synergistic nutrients to protect the olive leaf extract from moisture damage as well as ensuring its full potency and activity.  Pull apart a capsule of Premier Oleuropein.  Smell it for yourself.  It will smell as fresh and potent as the day it was encapsulated.  If an olive leaf product does not smell fresh and aromatic, then it most likely is not.  Quantum Nutrition Labs often recommends that doctors and patients use their own senses of smell and taste to assess the purity and potency of products.  This simple testing provides you with an extraordinary discernment to assess the quality of any product.

Secret #8 - Nondisclosure of Product Ingredients

To avoid alarming consumers about the use of toxic tableting or encapsulating agents, most manufacturers simply avoid the problem by not listing them on their label. Flowing agents such as talcum powder, a suspected carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), are used routinely by most other manufacturers as well as polyvinylpyrrolidone, magnesium stearate (a proven immuno-suppressive agent), waxes and many other known or suspected carcinogens.  It is disappointing to find so many manufacturers who use these toxic agents in their nutritional products, making the choice not to inform their consumers about these hazards.

The Answer:  QNL labels honestly list every ingredient used in each product.  There no unlisted ingredients; a common practice  for so many other manufacturers with other products made with tablets and capsules.  Quantum Nutrition Labs credo is: "We won't make it if we won' t take it."  Secondly, QNL chooses not to use tablets to contain our precious nutrients.  Tablets require processing with heat, high pressure and toxic glues.  Despite the fact that a tablet costs 50% less to manufacture than a capsule, this is an unacceptable manufacturing process for Quantum Nutrition Labs.  A capsule is 50% better absorbed than a tablet.  QNL has chosen to go even one step further using 100% pure, preservative-free vegetable capsules.  Vegetable capsules cost twice as much as gelatin capsules but are 50% better absorbed than a gelatin capsule.  In addition, they are free of animal prion risk as well as toxic preservatives necessary to preserve gelatin capsules.  These are critical considerations for people who take nutritional products on a regular basis.

Secret #9 - Hidden Talc In Capsules

Unbelievably, almost all manufacturers use talcum powder, a suspected human carcinogen, in their high speed encapsulators to produce encapsulated products. After purchased its first, expensive, high speed encapsulator, the manufacturing reps stated, "You can run most products the best by adding 1 to 2% talcum powder per capsule."  In fact, for almost all high speed capsule manufacturers, that is exactly what is done.  Since Quantum Nutrition Labs refused to do this, the high speed encapsulator sat idle for almost a year as new, nontoxic ways to run products at high speed without talcum powder or other toxic agents were reseached.

The Answer:  Considering how widespread this problem is, QNL may be one of the few manufacturers who does not use toxic encapsulating agents to produce capsules as well as using only beneficial, synergistic nutrients.  All of QNL's herbal/food concentrates and formulas contain 100% grade 10, nontoxic, premier quality ingredients.

Secret #10 - Consistent Clinical Testing

Most nutritional formulations available today have not been clinically tested.  When you use them, you can not be sure they will work.

The Answer:   QNL clinically tests each of its products.  Each proposed new formula or formula revision is clinically tested through ongoing trials.  Through this cutting edge process, each product's ingredients, quality, form and synergism with other ingredients are studied to find what really works.  Quantum Nutrition Laboratories continuously evaluates new sources and forms of ingredients as well as new synergistic combinations of ingredients.  This guarantees that now, and in the future, you are using only the very best.

Resource:  http://healthproductsusa.net/30secrets_health.htm

Nutrition that Works for your Beautiful Health!

  Many would agree, that each of us individually or someone that we know suffers from discomfort in their health and well-being.   An example of this is the drastic numbers of intenstinal issues.  In fact, in recent conversations with my medical community clients at Kasia Salon, there has been comments as strong as this is the most ignored epidemic of our time and intestinal  issues are the root of many illnesses evolving today.  Most just ignore the symptoms.

As busy as our team and myself have been behind the chair, I have had a rich time in diving back into the foundations of Functional Medicine.  The guests we see at Kasia are pure example of just needing to tweak their lifestyle a bit, or to learn about adding the benefits of "NUTRITION THAT REALLY WORKS!"

Please take the time to read more about the partnership with the cleanest nutrition on the market (Premier Research Labs) and offerings at Kasia Organic Salon and your Beautiful Health.  Kassandra is now trained in muscle testing to better understand your minor or major gaps to a more optimal life.  Only YOU have the power to put a stop to the chance of being an epidemic.

__________________________________

WHAT MAKES PREMIER RESEARCH LAB PRODUCTS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MARKET?

Kassie has studies and practiced whole health and nutrition for years, integrating and inside-out approach.   Our hair, skin, and desired healthy weight are directly linked to  how we metabolize hormones, internal detoxification, and the link of our “second brain” — our digestive health.  Kassie has partnered with PRL and has trained in on  state-of-the-art QRA 4-Polarity testing to be sure you are not doing more harm to your health – with toxic supplements and/or dis-ease within your health/body.

The vast majority of  discomfort have a root cause in hidden infections, chemical or other toxic exposure, and low functioning organs. Once the body’s organs are properly tonified and toxins are eliminated, many illnesses can be effectively cleared for the long term.

*Note:  Kasia Organic Salon offers multiple PRL Products. Please contact Kassie (Kassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com) for further questions or availability.

Wasting your money on  “Supplements?”

Chances are the products you are using may not be utilized by your body.  QRA can prove it to you.   Clients are pleasantly surprised when they start on PRL.  Feel the difference in your “Beautiful Health”  energy!

What is Quantum Reflex Analysis?

QRA  is a simple way of allowing the body to tell us what it needs to heal. It is the union of science-based kinesiological testing, time-proven ancient therapies,  analysis of the body’s  biofield, and outstanding nutrition and detoxification breakthroughs. QRA provides a comprehensive system to initiate the most rapid resolution.

Most supplements, believe it or not, test toxic.  PRL products are EXCIPIEN FREE.  They contain no toxic tagalongs like magnesium stearate, fillers, or dyes. Over time, those things can destroy the DNA.   Dr. Marshall has invested in state-of-the-art equipment that tests every product that is sent to his lab.  Whatever tests toxic is immediately sent back to the manufacturer  Dr. Marshall uses only herbs and products from parts of the world that are free of pollutants.

YOUR BODY KNOWS BEST

The body has the ability to heal itself given the right component. If you have been struggling with your health it is time to seek new modalities, this could be the answer for you.

• Sometimes just eliminating Interference Fields can change a person’s life.
• Nutritional support
• Sometimes addressing  stress
• Emotional blocks

Premier Research Labs is the world’s first producer of cellular resonance products that are capable of restoring  coherence to the body’s inherent biofield.

QRA  and Ingredient Testing

PRL conducts scientific laboratory testing of every incoming container of raw material and all finished products, as well as state-of-the-art QRA™ 4-Polarity testing of all ingredients. PRL has pioneered the use of QRA™ 4-Polarity testing to ensure the customer is con­sistently getting the best quality.  In addition, we use the most ad­vanced lab equipment and test methods to assure the potency and reliability of every ingredient and to scan for many contaminants that other companies typically do not test ― such as radiation, heavy metals, pesticides and excess moisture.

What about tablets? Tablets ALWAYS contain excipients (that is how they are made; they cannot be made without them); therefore, we believe it is wisest to especially avoid nutritional products as tablets.  One common example of a questionable excipient is magnesium stearate, a cheap lubricating agent. Research shows it may be immune-compromising.

Read more about PRL and common FAQ at    http://www.prlabs.com/faq

Eczema and Your Gut

Eczema and Your Gut

If you are plagued with eczema, you know just how frustrating and debilitating this condition can be. You try all the creams and lotions samples from your dermatologist– to no avail. You finally turn to steroids, which immediately improve your condition, but slowly destroy your body and health in the process. You are disappointed to discover that almost to the day that you stop steroid therapy, your eczema comes back. But even worse, chronic steroid use causes dysbiosis (abnormal gut flora), which is the prime cause of eczema!

This situation is true even for infants and children. Infants inherit their gut flora from their mothers. Since millions of mothers suffer from dysbiosis, millions of infants suffer from eczema right from the start. For infants, kids, and adults the gut flora-that thick, beneficial-bacteria layer that covers your intestinal lining-is the very cradle of your immune system.

When this flora and the intestinal lining become damaged from prescription drugs, antibiotics, sugary and processed foods, and chemicals, dysbiosis (the overgrowth of harmful bacteria) is the result. Chronic indigestion, diarrhea, cramps, constipation, colitis, Crohn’s disease and more are the direct result of dysbiosis. But more insidious is that the immune system becomes damaged, and you end up becoming immune compromised.

In simple terms, your immune system is divided into two divisions known as T-cell type 1 and T-cell type 2. T-cell type 1 serves as a barrier to infection and invasion anywhere the body comes in contact with the outside world-for example, through the skin and mucous membranes. This system uses biochemicals such as interleukin-2, immunoglobulin A, gamma interferon, and more to keep invaders out of your body.

When you develop dysbiosis (abnormal gut flora), this system is weakened, letting foreign microbes and toxins into your body. Your body responds by over stimulating the T-cell type 2 system. This system kicks into high gear using its own set of biochemicals such as interleukins, alpha interferon, and immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is the master of allergic reactions.

Once this scenario takes place-when T-cell 1 is underactive, allowing foreign invaders into your body, and T-cell 2 kicks into high gear, the result is predictable. You end up with chronic viral infections, allergies (often severe and to everything), chronic fatigue syndrome, candidiasis, asthma, and eczema. Other dysbiosis syndromes include, but are not limited to, arthritis; chronic inflammation and pain; menstrual problems; mental and emotional problems including, but not limited to, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia syndrome, and depression; and much more.

So if you suffer from chronic eczema, you need to fix your gut. It is difficult to overestimate just how critical the state of your gut flora is when it comes to all these dysbiosis syndromes, including eczema. Most of the syndromes spring from severe nutritional deficiencies that come automatically when your gut is host to happily growing abnormal bacteria. When this is the case, your gut simply cannot absorb the nutrients your immune system and your body need to stay healthy and strong-no matter how good your diet is, or how many “vitamins” you take.

Cure Dysbiosis to Cure Eczema

You have to normalize your gut and give it what it needs to bring back a healthy and normal flora. Only then will you be able to finally balance your immune system, turn up your T-cell 1 system, and turn down your T-cell 2 system. Normalizing your gut will start to turn off the over stimulated and allergic reactions in your skin and body. And once your gut is on the way towards normalization, you will slowly recover from the major, powerful, and multiple nutritional deficiencies that cause endless suffering for all persons with dysbiosis. With a normalizing gut, and the proper nutrition, you will once again be able to absorb the nutrients needed to end eczema, allergies, and all the other nutritional deficiency syndromes from which most Americans suffer.

So start today.   At the very least, begin to help yourself by changing your diet immediately. Eat only real, whole foods, no processed foods, and give your gut a rest by eliminating all gluten (anything made from wheat, rye, barley, and oats) for 6 months. Start taking a probiotic to feed your gut the healthy, beneficial bacteria that it needs.

Contact Kassie today to test and discuss any needs for supplemental products to help heal your "gut" and clear your skin.

Reference:  By Dr. Bruce West

Hormonal Imbalances Related to Acne

Acne

Acne is associated with genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, a junk food diet, and emotional problems.   It is associated with excess secretion of the sebaceous glands, which secrete an oil (sebum) to prevent aging.  Testosterone, a major male hormone also present in women, stimulates secretion of this oil during puberty.   In acne prone individuals, excess sebum accumulates in skin follicles and feeds the always-present bacteria.  As the oil breaks down into fatty acids, the cells lining the follicles stick together causing clogged pores impacted with dead cells.  This leads to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts.  First, let’s summarize causes.  I will skip the genes.  Everyone has them.  If you have acne genes, then you are predisposed to acne but that doesn’t mean you have to get it.

Hormonal Imbalances Related to Acne

Low thyroid function is a primary causal factor in acne.  Why?  Because when thyroid hormone is deficient, the body cannot convert cholesterol to the anti-aging steroids, including pregnenolone, progesterone and DHEA.  Of these, progesterone is the most important hormone in the prevention and cure of acne.  It inhibits both estrogen and testosterone. Although progesterone is the major female hormone, it is also helpful for males with acne.  Dr Raymond Peat has a cream containing 3% progesterone, which is useful in this purpose.  Peat reports his studies using dissolved progesterone on both females and males.  Both experienced a regression of their acne.  Peat says that his clients consistently reported that the use of progesterone at the first sign of a pimple stopped the development and prevented the outbreak, and within a few days resulted in a relatively clear skin.  In males, this progesterone support is important because it inhibits the excessive testosterone present in male (and some female) acne sufferers.  However, I must caution males to not inhibit their testosterone to the extent that they lose their whiskers and libido!

Why is the thyroid hormone so important in acne?  Because the thyroid hormone along with adequate vitamin A works by ensuring progesterone formation, providing you have adequate LDL cholesterol.

Dietary Factors

Please read the  dietary rules list and avoid a junk food diet.  This includes all processed, refined, junk foods and non-foods such as all commercial dairy, meat, poultry and eggs.  Sometimes, just avoiding junk and processed foods is enough.  But, if you have hormonal problems, changing your diet will not be sufficient.

There are many nutrients important in preventing skin conditions.  Instead of taking megadoses of synthetic vitamins and minerals, why not eat an organic, whole foods diet?  This will supply you with adequate amounts of B-vitamins, minerals, including zinc, folic acid and the entire B complex including biotin, and the fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A and E, both of which are very important in skin health.

Friendly bowel bacteria are called probiotics and have many beneficial functions in the intestinal tract.  Among them are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bifidus, and Streptococcus faecium.  These are not enzymes but they help the body produce enzymes such as protease, lipase, and lactase, B vitamins, and natural antibiotics, which inhibit at least 27 types of pathogenic bacteria.  They thus aid healing of skin diseases including acne.

Emotional Problems

Severe emotional problems suppress the immune system, reduce thyroid function, and contribute to all problems, including acne.  I am listing these problems here so as not to negate the importance of emotional health and realizing when there are emotional problems that need to be resolved.

Below is a general program for acne sufferers.

Nutritional Program for Acne Sufferers

• Eat a whole, organic food diet.  Avoid processed, synthetic foods.  This includes all refined sugars, grains, processed foods and junk foods.
• Use a multiple digestive formula to facilitate digestion of your foods.  Find out what you have trouble digesting and minimize it.
• Check your thyroid function.  If you have a sluggish thyroid gland, you are a candidate for acne (and a lot of other health problems).
• Women should use Peat’s 10% progesterone oil.  Men should use the 3% progesterone cream.  Refer to the chapter on anti-aging steroids for more details.
• Use topical creams.  These include:  natural progesterone in vitamin E, retinyl palmitate and creams containing salicylic acid (active ingredient in aspirin) and alpha-hydroxy acid (glycolic acid).
• Premier Research Labs supplements are an option for malnutrition and balancing the body.

Be sure to check out Kasia's Specialty Medical Grade Facials and Peels! 

Reference:  http://www.litalee.com

Premier Research Labs and your Beautiful Health!

WHAT MAKES PREMIER RESEARCH LAB PRODUCTS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SUPPLEMENTS?

*Note:  Kasia Organic Salon offers multiple PRL Products. Please contact Kassie (Kassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com) for further questions or availability. 

Kassie has studied and practiced whole health and nutrition for years, integrating and inside-out approach.   Our hair, skin, and desired healthy weight are directly linked to  how we metabolize hormones, internal detoxification, and the link of our "second brain" -- our digestive health.  Kassie has partnered with PRL and has trained in on  state-of-the-art QRA 4-Polarity testing to be sure you are not doing more harm to your health - with toxic supplements and/or dis-ease within your health/body.

The vast majority of  discomfort have a root cause in hidden infections, chemical or other toxic exposure, and low functioning organs. Once the body’s organs are properly tonified and toxins are eliminated, many illnesses can be effectively cleared for the long term.

Wasting your money on  "Supplements?"

Chances are the products you are using may not be utilized by your body.  QRA can prove it to you.   Clients are pleasantly surprised when they start on PRL.  Feel the difference in your "Beautiful Health"  energy!

What is Quantum Reflex Analysis?

QRA  is a simple way of allowing the body to tell us what it needs to heal. It is the union of science-based kinesiological testing, time-proven ancient therapies,  analysis of the body's  biofield, and outstanding nutrition and detoxification breakthroughs. QRA provides a comprehensive system to initiate the most rapid resolution.

QRA can be used to clearly identify:

- Regions of weakness within the body

- How your body, and individual organs, etc., responds to individual supplements

- Whether your body responds to specific foods with strength or weakness

- What your body is weakened by, involving toxins, allergies, and so much more

Most supplements, believe it or not, test toxic.  PRL products are EXCIPIEN FREE.  They contain no toxic tagalongs like magnesium stearate, fillers, or dyes. Over time, those things can destroy the DNA.   Dr. Marshall has invested in state-of-the-art equipment that tests every product that is sent to his lab.  Whatever tests toxic is immediately sent back to the manufacturer  Dr. Marshall uses only herbs and products from parts of the world that are free of pollutants.

YOUR BODY KNOWS BEST

The body has the ability to heal itself given the right component. If you have been struggling with your health it is time to seek new modalities, this could be the answer for you.

• Sometimes just eliminating Interference Fields can change a person’s life.
• Nutritional support
• Sometimes addressing  stress
• Emotional blocks

Premier Research Labs is the world's first producer of cellular resonance products that are capable of restoring  coherence to the body's inherent biofield.

Look for upcoming articles on the best use of PRL products and Beautiful Health Topics on the Kasia BLOG!

Sugar... glycation and it's effect on your skin.

 The story of AGE and your skin.

As Halloween fast approaches, and then the holiday season to nip it in the butt, the sugary treats will be on the rise.  We're here to give you forewarning and bring our "Informed Beautes'" up to speed of how sugar effects the skin.

Conventionally, we know inflammation is bad for the body, and it's influence on our skin and hair. Most women/men are shocked to find out that excess refined sugar is a big contributor to skin aging.   The culprit to be blamed for this is a natural process called glycation, where blood sugar attaches itself to proteins and makes way for AGEs (Advanced Glyacting End products).  These AGE molecules  can cause premature aging, skin dullness and sagging skin and these molecules are directly linked with sugar.

Impacted by Sugar!

Recent research and studies indicate that sugars in the form of added carbohydrates or refined sugars can lead to premature aging, sagging skin and more wrinkles. When we consume simple sugars in the form of starches such as rice, bread, potatoes and sweets, there is a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This blood sugar then combines with the protein molecules and gives birth to the new AGE molecule. Apart from the usual sugar-related health impact, AGEs also affect the skin in the following ways:

• Damages elastin and skin protein collagen, which are responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
• Restricts the body’s ability to utilize and produce anti-oxidants, making the body more vulnerable to damage by free radicals.
• Makes your skin more vulnerable and prone to sun damage (which is one of the leading causes of skin aging) by deactivating the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes.

The more sugar you consume, the more vulnerable you are to the damaging effects of glycation and skin aging. The sugar impact is felt mostly after the age of 35, as tissue regeneration slows down and glycation increases.

Prevention

To prevent the damage caused by sugar you need to cut down on the added sugars from your diet. Though it is not possible to completely eliminate sugars (such as sugars in the form of fructose and sucrose, which are unavoidable and produce end products such as glucose and galactose, which can be easily digested so eliminating these natural sugars is not required), here is what you need to do to avoid damage from high consumption of sugar:

• Avoid foods with added and high sugar content such as sweets, chocolates, carbonated beverages
• Limit the consumption of simple carbohydrates such as potato, pasta, white bread and white rice
• Increase protein intake to control carb cravings

To counteract the damage caused by sugar you need to:

• Replace processed sugars with natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables
• Limit refined sugar consumption to less than 10% of your total calorie intake
• Supplement your diet with essential vitamins such as a daily dose of 1mg of Vitamin B1 and B6
• Fight the detrimental effect of AGEs by reducing/avoiding sun exposure especially between 10 A.M and 4 P.M when UV rays are at their strongest by using a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen
• Increase the intake of vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids by eating brightly colored vegetables, fruits and cold water fish such as salmon and sardines. Add a handful of nuts to your diet and sip on antioxidant-rich green tea instead of coffee or regular black tea
• Enjoy the benefits of Kasia enMoist antioxidant rich anti-aging lotion and follow a  inside/out  skin care routine

Kasia quicknote:  Sugar is notorious for causing acne, yeast/candida, allergies, stress, weight gain, dandruff, inflammation, headaches and taking out the immune system.

Kassie offers nutritional supplements to help buffer your biochemistry helping to neutralize your PH levels, while reducing your sugar cravings.

Stop in or call about being muscle tested and learning more about busting the sugar crave today!   612 824 7611

Article reference: blog.myskin.com