Think about someone sending you a bouquet of flowers.

Makes you smile just a little bit, huh?!?

Now imagine that feel good joy and happiness throughout your day. That’s exactly what flowers can do for you and your family. No need for drugs, meditation or a fistful of supplements each morning. Simply get yourself to a florist.

Here’s the nitty gritty:  A Rutgers University study found that the link between flowers and your satisfaction with life is far more important than previously thought. Having flowers in your home increased happiness, reduces depression and anxiety and actually can increase emotional contact with friends and family. A separate study by Harvard University found the same results – increased compassion, feeling less negative, and more energy at work. In a trifecta of flower research, Texas A & M University found that flowers and plants in the workplace improve problem solving skills and increase creativity.

The research is so conclusive that the Society of American Florists has dedicated a page linking to all of the positive research of bringing flowers into your home, as well as sharing real-life tips and tricks from lifestyle experts on how to Live Like A Flower and foster a happier life.

Flowers have been called Vitamin F, for all the good that they can do for your body and soul.

We know the importance of giving flowers, but it’s just as important to buy them for yourself and treat yourself well, too. It’s the last design element. When I bring my clients fresh flowers at the end of an interior design, it always makes them smile for many reasons.

But think about it. Why do we always make our home look better for our guests than for ourselves? If we had company coming over, you’d clean and tidy up, stash the piles, and add fresh flowers to welcome them. Why don’t we treat ourselves that way in our own home where we live and work?

Bills, magazines and clutter pile up and you quickly forget about the environment in your home. Adding that little touch of beauty through flowers makes you feel happy.

Are there certain colors of flowers we should add to improve our health and happiness?

Brighter colors that give us energy are those that focus on energy from the inside out. Yellows and oranges really pump those feelings up.

What kind of flowers are best to bring inside the home to improve your mood and energy?

The type of flowers is completely subjective. It’s really fun to see people’s favorite flowers. They always mean something different to each person for different reasons. For you, a type of flower could remind you of your boyfriend or another special memory, but it means something different for someone else. So I always say pick what makes you happy and brings good memories.

What are some ideas to incorporate flowers in the home so that we can improve our well-being?

Put flowers where you’re going to see them often. It depends on what rooms you spend the most time in. For me, if I want to start my day off right, I have fresh flowers on my nightstand so that I see them as soon as I wake up. I put them in the bathroom and kitchen, too, since that’s where I spend most of my time. Think about the steps of your day and where you are the most. If you have a home office where you spend most of your day, it would make sense to put flowers or plants in there.

What are some unique ideas for adding flowers to your home?

Decorate the chandelier with simple fresh flowers over a kitchen table to add some unexpected beauty. Replace some knick knacks on your shelves with fresh flowers. We get so complacement in our home that we forget what we’re looking at. Pretend like you’re have company coming and decorate that for yourself. Bring your own container to your florist. My florist loves it and she doesn’t have to try to guess my decor. If I bring in a mid-century urn, she’ll create an arrangement that complements the style, so I don’t get anything that stands out or looks weird in my home.

The color of flowers seems to be one of the reasons that they are so healing. What other advice do you have for decorating our homes?  
 
Think, What does this room need to do? Do I need to relax, do I need to work and feel energetic…. just fill in the blank. If you want to relax, bring in soft colors and neutrals, such as in a bedroom. If you want energy, bring in brights. Think of how you want to feel in a space. Then look at magazines and pictures and collect the images that you like. Invariably, you’ll find a color scheme that you’re drawn to that will mimic the way you want to feel.

By KIMBERLY BUTTON   
  

10 Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

Lemons are good sources of vitamin C which can provide you with numerous health benefits such as having young looking skin and helping you lose weight. But did you know that drinking lemon water actually provides plenty of benefits? It’s no wonder it has become a rage these days.

1. Balances your pH levels. Your body’s pH levels will be regulated thanks to the acidity of the lemon. Also, lemons can create alkaline in your body fluids which is important in bringing balance to your pH level.

2. Weight loss. Drinking lemon water helps you to lose weight as it flushes out the toxins in your body while at the same time improve your digestive system. Your liver will also be purified as well which aids in speeding up weight loss.

3. Prevents acne and wrinkles. Thanks to the huge amount of vitamin C contained in lemons, your body receives ample nutrients to fight off wrinkles, acne, and other skin problems. It is no wonder why many are sipping this drink throughout the day.

4. Fights throat infections. Another plus to drinking lemon water is that any infection in your throat can be treated because lemons have antibacterial properties that will combat any unwanted bacteria in your body.

5. Brings fever down. If you have fever then preparing lemon water is highly recommended. One reason behind this is that lemon contains antiseptic properties that can help combat your high temperature. Not only that but your immune system gets additional help from your drink to really fight off any health issues that you are facing.

6. Can combat cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death all over the world. Protecting yourself from this serious illness is possible by drinking lemon water. This is because lemons have anti-cancer compounds that can put a stop to the cell division of cancer cells in your body.

7. Prevents immune system deficiencies. Our immune system protects us against common ailments such as colds, fever, and flu not to mention other health issues. Unfortunately, with the kind of food that we are eating, we don’t usually get the nutrients we need. Drinking lemon water will not only help us get more vitamin C in our system but we’re also helping our immune system to become stronger for better health protection.

8. Improves nerve and brain cells. Who would have thought that drinking lemon water can actually help improve your nerve and brain cells? This helps prevent nerve and brain damage especially when you grow older.

9. Remove toxins from the body. One reason why we tend to get sick is because of the numerous toxins that our body absorbs every day not just from the food that we eat but also from our environment. The problem is that many of us don’t really know how to get rid of these toxins that are wreaking havoc on our body. Fortunately, there is a solution to this and that is by drinking lemon water. The antioxidants as well as vitamins contained in lemons will help flush out the toxins in your system for better overall health.

10. Reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure puts you at risk of suffering from various cardiovascular diseases. One of the best ways to bring your blood pressure down is to drink lemon water because it can reduce blood pressure while boosting your HDL or good cholesterol.

These are just a few examples of what health benefits you can gain from drinking warm lemon water throughout the day. If you want to help yourself become healthier in the long run, try out this trick.

5 Superfoods That Can Unclog Your Arteries

To have a healthy heart, you should also have healthy arteries, which are the ones responsible for carrying healthy blood to your tissues. If you don’t cleanse your arteries, plaque can build up and they will soon become clogged. As a result, blood flow is inhibited. You want to get rid of the plaque that is actually from cholesterol, fat, cellular waste, fibrin, and calcium.

The best thing about cleansing your arteries is that you only need to eat healthy foods. The following are artery-friendly foods that you should add to your diet right away:     

1. Garlic – Adding garlic to your meals is one of the easiest ways to cleanse your arteries. According to a research held in Germany, regular consumption of garlic can prevent aorta hardening. It also reduces your bad cholesterol levels and provides benefits to the heart, especially for older people.

2. Pomegranate – A known exotic food, this fruit is helpful in clogging arteries as confirmed by a 2005 study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This fruit has high amounts of polyphenols, vitamin C, and other antioxidants. It also helps in stimulating nitric oxide production, which keeps the arteries open and therefore making it easier for blood to flow.

3. Salmon – A fatty fish that is well-known for its health benefits, salmon can help get rid of plaque buildup. It has omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. Both can increase your HDL cholesterol or the good cholesterol, while reducing dangerous triglyceride levels and the occurrence of inflammation in your blood vessels.

4. Turmeric – Another well-known superfood, turmeric is a spice that you can add to your foods to help keep your arteries free from blockages. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, which is a compound that is very healthy and comes with several benefits, including lowering chances of inflammation and blood vessel damage.

5. Olive Oil – When buying olive oil, it always helps to go for extra virgin olive oil, which is extremely good for the heart. This type of oil comes with antioxidants, particularly the heart-healthy polyphenols. When combined with the oil’s monounsaturated fats, olive oil can reduce bad cholesterol levels, while improving good cholesterol amounts. As a result, plaque buildup in the arteries is greatly reduced.

Arteries are essential to the heart and blood flow. Naturally, the arteries are strong, elastic, and flexible, but deposits can make them hard, which restricts the distribution of oxygen-rich blood to the whole body. Add the superfoods listed above to cleanse your arteries and keep your heart healthy at the same time.

7 Deep Tissue Massage Benefits, Including Treating Chronic Back Pain

Whether you’re an athlete with a daily high demand placed on your body or recovering from an injury or illness, deep tissue massage likely has some benefits to offer you. Massages have been utilized for thousands of years throughout the world to lower both physical and psychological stress. And today, research continues to show that whether used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, massage therapy is an effective way to help treat common conditions like arthritis, anxiety and chronic lower back pain.

The primary goal of deep tissue massage is to reduce pain and discomfort, while improving the body’s ability to heal itself. Deep tissue massages are not only relaxing — they also help “lengthen and release muscles” that frequently feel tense and get stuck in uncomfortable holding patterns. Let’s explore what, exactly, deep tissue massage is and all the ways it can benefit your body and mind.

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage involves manipulation of the deep layers of tissue in the body, including the fascia and other supportive tissue that make up the muscles and joints. Compared to other popular massage techniques — including Swedish massage or acupressure, which tend to be lighter in pressure and can involve moving the body into certain positions — deep tissue massage is usually slower and firmer. 

A person receiving a deep tissue massage usually lays on the stomach or back in one position, while deep pressure is applied to targeted areas of the body by a trained massage therapist. The massage is beneficial mostly because it helps stimulate blood flow and relieve muscle tension, while at the same time lowering psychological stress and releasing “happy hormones” like serotonin and oxytocin.

Most deep tissue massages normally focus on major muscle groups — such as the neck or lower back — along with joints and tendons that are susceptible to straining or injuries. Certain areas of the body that tend to tense up in times of stress, including the shoulders, neck and hips, can often benefit the most from this type of deep manipulation. Many people consider “sports massages” to be a form of deep tissue massage, which involves physical treatment primarily to neuromusculoskeletal systems to treat pain and disability, improve muscle recovery and joint mobilization, and prevent injuries.

Manipulative approaches to naturally treating pain and other health problems have been utilized for over 3,000 years, dating back to Ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations. Pressure massages were used to improve “Qi” (life force or energy), detox the body and promote better liver function — which today can be explained through the process of activating the lymphatic system.

Experts believe that the ancient Egyptians were the first to use very firm, deep pressure to treat chronic pain. (3) In the West, deep tissue massage started to gain attention during the mid-19th century, starting in Canada and making its way throughout the U.S.

7 Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage 

1. Treats Chronic Back Pain

One study that compared the effectiveness of two different kinds of massages for treating chronic back pain, therapeutic massage versus deep tissue massage (DTM), found that DTM treatment over the course of 10 days resulted in significantly better improvements in pain compared to therapeutic massage.

In this particular study, published in Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, therapeutic massage included techniques of tapping and friction, while DTM used “oblique pressure and a combination of lengthening and cross-fiber strokes.” All sessions were 30 minutes long and preformed daily, and all participants did not receive any other treatments during the course of the study. After 10 days, participants treated with DTM reported significant improvements in pain (lower back pain in this case) compared to those treated with therapeutic massage, based on scores using the Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale and Visual Analog Scales. 

Other studies have show similar findings. A 2014 study published in the Scientific World Journal even found that DTM treatment alone had just as much of a positive effect on reducing pain in patients with chronic symptoms compared to massage and NSAID painkillers used together. 

2. Helps Lower High Blood Pressure

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that deep tissue massage had positive effects on systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure readings in adults with pain and high blood pressure symptoms.

The study involved 263 volunteers with an average age of 48.5. Overall muscle spasm/muscle strain was described as either moderate or severe for each patient prior to treatments, which consisted of a massage between 45–60 minutes in duration. Results demonstrated an average systolic pressure reduction of 10.4 mm/Hg, a diastolic pressure reduction of 5.3 mm/Hg, a mean arterial pressure reduction of 7.0 mm/Hg and an average heart rate reduction of 10.8 beats per minute following massage treatment.  

3. Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Muscle Tension

Inflammation caused by chronic stress and muscle tension can lead to worsened overall health, longer recovery time, reduced immune function and cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure. Studies have found that massage therapy can help lower cortisol levels and even boost production of the hormone called oxytocin, which relaxes the body and has soothing effects.  Oxytocin is the primary hormone responsible for sustaining social bonds in humans and increasing motivation for cooperative behaviors, which is why it’s often called the “cuddle hormone” and known to be released during hugs, birth, social bonding and from touch.

Several mechanisms for deep massage’s natural stress-relieving effects include its ability to dilate blood vessels and also lower activity of the limbic system (including the hypothalamus), which is responsible for autonomic nervous system regulation and cortisol secretion. Massage has been shown to improve relaxation by boosting activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, as measured by heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate variability. 

4. Breaks Up Scar Tissue

Deep tissue massages are often utilized following injuries to help break up newly forming scar tissue that can make recovery more difficult and lead to stiffness. Massage has been shown to help reduce inflammation and muscle spasms by stimulating blood flow, loosening up muscles to allow for more oxygen and also helping reduce the nervous system’s automatic stress response.

Following injury, and especially if it’s also a very stressful time, inflammation can prevent proper blood flow from reaching damaged tissue and can cut off vital nutrients and oxygen. This can cause toxins to accumulate around damaged tissue, which only increases swelling and pain. Some studies have found that even self-administered massage can help reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis and other injuries. 

5. Improves Athletic Recovery and Performance

Research published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness reported findings of a positive trend for deep tissue massages in regard to improved athletic recovery and performance. The most beneficial type of deep tissue massage for athletes is considered to be “sports massage,” which is commonly performed prior to athletic events to help warm the body and prevent injuries or immediately after to improve recovery.

The report showed that the science of sports massage has become of growing interest to athletes, athletic trainers, coaches and sports physiologists. Studies show that deep tissue massages can help improve lactate clearance, delayed onset of muscle soreness, muscle fatigue, injury prevention and injury treatment. 

The researchers also note there are psychological benefits for athletes receiving massages, which other research shows can include improved focus and confidence. Although more research is still needed on a long-term scale, both tissue healing and the psychological effects of massages are areas that seem promising for both professional and recreational athletes.

6. Can Help with Labor Pain and Delivery

Many pregnant women now turn toward alternative/complementary medicines for helping control labor pain and supporting a natural birthing process like the Bradley Method. In fact, surveys show that the most common alternative therapies recommended during pregnancy are massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic therapies.

Some research has shown that massage therapy can be effective during pregnancy due to its anxiety-lowering effects, and women who receive massages before and during labor tend to experience decreased depression, anxiety, and leg and back pain. Results from one study found that women who received massages prior to and during labor had significantly less pain, plus their labors were on average three hours shorter and required less need for medication.

Because cortisol levels decrease following massage and blood flow is improved, pregnant women are also better protected from excessive fetal activity and risk for premature delivery. 

7. Reduces Arthritis Symptoms

According to the Arthritis Foundation, massage is often used to relieve common symptoms of many types of arthritis, including chronic joint pain, stiffness, anxiety, limited range of motion in joints and trouble sleeping. Firm massages can be used daily for natural relief, whether performed by a professional or by the patient themselves.

Research shows that firmer massages with more pressure can result in a significant reduction in arthritis pain compared to lighter massages. Lighter massage tends to be arousing (not relaxing) because often the heart rate goes up. However, with moderate pressure, heart rate usually goes down, and this stimulates relaxation and reduced tension. (13)

Types and Techniques of Deep Tissue Massage

If you’ve ever received a massage that was done in a Swedish fashion — involving long strokes that moved along the lines of muscles — a deep tissue massage will probably feel like a bit of a different experience.

Deep tissue massages are usually “cross-grain,” moving against the muscles to relieve aches or pains rather than moving  with them. This can sometimes feel a bit more painful as a result compared to standard “relaxation massages.” However, the pressure involved in deep massages is actually a good thing. It provides many of the benefits that this type of therapeutic massage has to offer. Deep tissue massages also tend to be slower-paced and longer than many other massages, ideally about 1.5 hours long, which gives bodily tissue enough time to warm up and then relax.

Massage therapists who are trained in deep tissue massage technique usually offer their clients several services:

They’re capable of safely treating particular areas that are extra tense or were previously injured.
They can offer tips of improving posture, which can help lower chronic tension and pain.
They usually have knowledge of helpful exercises or stretches that can be done at home between massage sessions.
They also often have additional education in regard to reducing anxiety or stress held in the body and improving relaxation.

by Dr Axe via by Jillian Levy, CHHC

Celery Juice Providing Skin and Body Benefits

Celery juice may not sound like the most appetizing food to fall in love with, but it is the new wellness food that people, including celebrities, can't get enough of. This trend started on Instagram with wellness channels beginning to promote this celery juice, and all of its benefits from helping with eczema to delivering antioxidants. 

Celery Juice Body Benefits

The low-calorie juice checks a lot of boxes in terms of delivering vitamins A, K and C, beta carotene, flavonoids, phytonut­rients and tons of other nutrients the body needs. However, it goes beyond being low calorie and diet friendly, and it is shown to help prevent chronic diseases, lower blood pressure and minimize oxidative stress, according to Healthline.​com. While this may have started trending in 2018, the research for it can date back to 2015. A study published by NCBI discussed the anti-inflammatory benefits, explaining how it can be used to treat arthritis.

Celery and the Skin

It is fairly well known that celery has anti-inflammatory properties, and it is actually the luteolin and polyacet­ylenes that provide powerful antioxidant properties and lower inflammatory prostagl­andins. (1)

A more indirect way that celery juice can actually help the skin is by promoting sleep. Getting enough sleep at night is important for skin care, and celery restores hydration and contains a high amount of magnesium to help clients sleep better at night. (1)

Finally, drinking celery juice can actually improve the skin as well by providing anti-aging benefits through vitamin K and vitamin C. (1)

References

(1) www.​vitamonk.​com/​blogs/​health/​health-benefits-of-celery-juice

The 12 Best Foods for Healthy Skin

Nutrition is important for health. An unhealthy diet can damage your metabolism, cause weight gain and even hurt organs, such as your heart and liver.

But what you eat also impacts another organ — your skin.

As scientists learn more about diet and the body, it's increasingly clear that what you eat can significantly affect the health and aging of your skin.

This article takes a look at 12 of the best foods for keeping your skin healthy.

1. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring, are excellent foods for healthy skin. They are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining skin health .

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to keep skin thick, supple and moisturized. In fact, a deficiency in omega-3 fats can cause dry skin.

The omega-3 fats in fish reduce inflammation, which can cause redness and acne. They can even make your skin less sensitive to the sun's harmful UV rays.

Some studies show that fish oil supplements may fight inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting your skin, such as psoriasis and lupus.

Fatty fish is also a source of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for your skin. Getting enough vitamin E is essential for protecting your skin against damage from free radicals and inflammation.

This type of seafood is also a source of high-quality protein, which is needed for maintaining the strength and integrity of your skin.

Lastly, fish provides zinc — a mineral vital for regulating inflammation, the production of new skin cells and overall skin health. Zinc deficiency can lead to skin inflammation, lesions and delayed wound healing.

SUMMARY

Fatty types of fish, such as salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and keep skin moisturized. They’re also a good source of high-quality protein, vitamin E and zinc.

2. Avocados

Avocados are high in healthy fats. These fats benefit many functions in your body, including the health of your skin .

Getting enough of these fats is essential to keep skin flexible and moisturized.

One study in over 700 women found that a high intake of total fat — specifically the types of healthy fats found in avocados — was associated with more supple, springy skin.

Preliminary evidence also shows that avocados contain compounds that may protect your skin from sun damage. UV damage to your skin can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage. Most Americans don't get enough vitamin E through their diet.

Interestingly, vitamin E seems to be more effective when combined with vitamin C.

Vitamin C is also essential for healthy skin. Your skin needs it to create collagen, which is the main structural protein that keeps your skin strong and healthy.

A deficiency in vitamin C is rare these days, but common symptoms include dry, rough and scaly skin that tends to bruise easily.

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that protects your skin from oxidative damage — caused by the sun and the environment — which can lead to signs of aging.

A 100-gram serving, or about 1/2 an avocado, provides 10% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin E and 17% of the RDI for vitamin C.

SUMMARY

Avocados are high in beneficial fats and contain vitamins E and C, which are important for healthy skin. They also pack compounds that may protect your skin from sun damage.

3. Walnuts

Walnuts have many characteristics that make them an excellent food for healthy skin.

They are a good source of essential fatty acids, which are fats that your body cannot make itself.

A diet too high in omega-6 fats may promote inflammation, including inflammatory conditions of your skin like psoriasis. On the other hand, omega-3 fats reduce inflammation in your body — including in your skin.

While omega-6 fatty acids are plentiful in the Western diet, sources of omega-3 fatty acids are rare. Because walnuts contain a good ratio of these fatty acids, they may fight the inflammatory response to excessive omega-6.

What's more, walnuts contain other nutrients that your skin needs to function properly and stay healthy.

One ounce (28 grams) of walnuts contains 6% of the RDI for zinc, which is essential for your skin to function properly as a barrier, as well as necessary for wound healing and combatting both bacteria and inflammation.

Walnuts also provide small amounts of the antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium, in addition to 4–5 grams of protein per ounce (28 grams).

SUMMARY

Walnuts are a good source of essential fats, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and protein — all of which are nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy.

4. Sunflower Seeds

In general, nuts and seeds are good sources of skin-boosting nutrients.

Sunflower seeds are an excellent example.

One ounce (28 grams) of sunflower seeds packs 37% of the RDI for vitamin E, 32% of the RDI for selenium, 10% of the RDI for zinc and 5.4 grams of protein.

SUMMARY

Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of nutrients, including vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant for the skin.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Beta-carotene is a nutrient found in plants. It functions as provitamin A, which means it can be converted into vitamin A in your body.

Beta-carotene is found in oranges and vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source — one 1/2-cup serving (100 grams) of baked sweet potato contains enough beta-carotene to provide nearly four times the RDI of vitamin A.

Carotenoids like beta-carotene keep your skin healthy by acting as a natural sunblock. When consumed, this antioxidant is incorporated into your skin and protects your skin cells from sun exposure.

This may help prevent sunburn, cell death and dry, wrinkled skin.

Interestingly, high amounts of beta-carotene may also add a warm, orange color to your skin, contributing to an overall healthier appearance.

SUMMARY

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which acts as a natural sunblock and may protect your skin from sun damage.

6. Red or Yellow Bell Peppers

Like sweet potatoes, bell peppers are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.

One cup (149 grams) of chopped red bell pepper contains the equivalent of 92% of the RDI for vitamin A. They’re also one of the best sources of vitamin C, necessary for creating the protein collagen which keeps skin firm and strong.

A single cup (149 grams) of bell pepper provides an impressive 317% of the RDI for vitamin C (18).

A large observational study in women linked eating plenty of vitamin C to a reduced risk of wrinkled and dry skin with age.

SUMMARY

Bell peppers contain plenty of beta-carotene and vitamin C — both of which are important antioxidants for your skin. Vitamin C is also necessary to create collagen, the structural protein that keeps your skin strong.

7. Broccoli

Broccoli is full of many vitamins and minerals important for skin health, including zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C.

It also contains lutein, a carotenoid that works like beta-carotene. Lutein protects your skin from oxidative damage, which can cause your skin to become dry and wrinkled.

But broccoli florets also pack a special compound called sulforaphane, which boasts some impressive potential benefits. It may even have anti-cancer effects, including on some types of skin cancer.

Sulforaphane is also a powerful protective agent against sun damage. It works in two ways: by neutralizing harmful free radicals and switching on other protective systems in your body.

In laboratory tests, sulforaphane reduced the number of skin cells killed by UV light by as much as 29%, with protection lasting up to 48 hours. Evidence suggests sulforaphane may also maintain collagen levels in your skin.

SUMMARY

Broccoli is a good source of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids that are important for skin health. It also contains sulforaphane, which may help prevent skin cancer and protect your skin from sunburn.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and contain all of the major carotenoids, including lycopene.

Beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene have been shown to protect your skin against damage from the sun. They may also help prevent wrinkling.

Because tomatoes contain all of the major carotenoids, they’re an excellent food for maintaining healthy skin. Consider pairing carotenoid-rich foods like tomatoes with a source of fat, such as cheese or olive oil.

Fat increases your absorption of carotenoids.

SUMMARY

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and all of the major carotenoids, especially lycopene. These carotenoids protect your skin from sun damage and may help prevent wrinkling.

9. Soy

Soy contains isoflavones, a category of plant compounds that can either mimic or block estrogen in your body.

Isoflavones may benefit several parts of your body, including your skin. One small study in middle-aged women found that eating soy isoflavones every day for 8–12 weeks reduced fine wrinkles and improved skin elasticity.

In postmenopausal women, soy may also improve skin dryness and increase collagen, which helps keep your skin smooth and strong. These isoflavones not only protect the cells inside your body from damage but also your skin from UV radiation — which may help prevent some skin cancers.

SUMMARY

Soy contains isoflavones, which have been shown to improve wrinkles, collagen, skin elasticity and skin dryness, as well as protect your skin from UV damage.

10. Dark Chocolate

If you need one more reason to eat chocolate, here it is: The effects of cocoa on your skin are pretty phenomenal.

After 6–12 weeks of consuming a cocoa powder high in antioxidants each day, participants in one study experience thicker, more hydrated skin. Their skin was also less rough and scaly, less sensitive to sunburn and had better blood flow — which brings more nutrients to your skin.

Another study found that eating 20 grams of high-antioxidant dark chocolate per day could allow your skin to withstand over twice as much UV radiation before burning versus eating low-antioxidant chocolate.

Several other studies have produced similar results, including improvements in the appearance of wrinkles. However, keep in mind that at least one study did not find significant effects (34, 35, 36, 37). Make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa in order to maximize the benefits and keep added sugar to a minimum.

SUMMARY

Cocoa contains antioxidants that may protect your skin against sunburn. These antioxidants may also improve wrinkles, skin thickness, hydration, blood flow and skin texture.

11. Green Tea

Green tea may protect your skin from damage and aging.

The powerful compounds found in green tea are called catechins and work to improve the health of your skin in several ways. Like several other antioxidant-containing foods, green tea can help protect your skin against sun damage.

One 12-week study in 60 women found that drinking green tea daily could reduce redness from sun exposure by up to 25%.

Green tea also improved the moisture, roughness, thickness and elasticity of their skin (41).

While green tea is a great choice for healthy skin, you may want to avoid drinking your tea with milk. There's evidence that milk could reduce the impact of green tea’s antioxidants (42).

SUMMARY

The catechins found in green tea are powerful antioxidants that can protect your skin against sun damage and reduce redness as well as improve its hydration, thickness and elasticity.

12. Red Wine

Red wine is famous for containing resveratrol, a compound that comes from the skin of red grapes.

Resveratrol is credited with a wide range of health benefits, among them reducing the effects of aging.

Test-tube studies suggest it may also slow the production of harmful free radicals, which damage skin cells and cause signs of aging.

Unfortunately, there's not much evidence that the amount of resveratrol you get from a glass of red wine is enough to impact your skin. And since red wine is an alcoholic beverage, there are negative effects to drinking it in excess.

It's not recommended to start drinking red wine just because of its potential health benefits. However, if you already drink in moderation, you might enjoy red wine as your alcoholic beverage of choice.

SUMMARY

Resveratrol, the famous antioxidant found in red wine, may slow your skin’s aging process by impairing harmful free radicals that damage your skin. The Bottom Line What you eat can have a big impact on your skin health. Make sure you're getting enough essential nutrients to protect your skin. The foods on this list are great options to keep your skin healthy, strong and attractive.

by Healthline

The Many Health Benefits of Raw Honey

According to Dr. Ron Fessenden, M.D., M.P.H. the average American consumes more than 150 pounds of refined sugar, plus an additional 62 pounds of high fructose corn syrup every year. In comparison, we consume only around 1.3 pounds of honey per year on average in the U.S. According to new research, if you can switch out your intake of refined sugar and use pure raw honey instead, the health benefits can be enormous.

What is raw honey? It’s a pure, unfiltered and unpasteurized sweetener made by bees from the nectar of flowers. Most of the honey consumed today is processed honey that’s been heated and filtered since it was gathered from the hive. Unlike processed honey, raw honey does not get robbed of its incredible nutritional value and health powers. It can help with everything from low energy to sleep problems to seasonal allergies. Switching to raw honey may even help weight-loss efforts when compared to diets containing sugar or high fructose corn syrup. I’m excited to tell you more about one of my all-time favorite natural sweeteners today, which I hope will convince you to eat honey more and sugar less.

8 Health Benefits of Raw Honey

1. Healthy Weight Management

Research studies have linked honey consumption with weight loss. A San Diego State University study found that replacing sugar with honey can actually help prevent packing on extra pounds and also lower blood sugar. The results also suggest that in comparison to sugar, honey may lower serum triglycerides. 

Another study from the University of Wyoming found that raw honey can activate hormones that suppress the appetite. In the double-blind randomly assigned study, appetite hormones and glycemic responses were measured in 14 healthy non-obese women after consuming a breakfast containing either honey or sugar. Overall, researchers concluded that honey consumption offers potential obesity protective effects. 

2. Counters Pollen Allergies

Raw honey contains bee pollen, which is known to ward off infections, provide natural allergy relief and boost overall immunity. Honey’s ability to prevent allergies is based on a concept called immunotherapy. How so? The bees in your neighborhood go from flower to flower collecting pollen that causes you to suffer, but when a you consume local raw honey, you also consume that same offending local pollen. After some time, an allergy sufferer may become less sensitive to this pollen that previously caused problems and experience less seasonal allergy symptoms. Many seasonal allergy sufferers have found local, raw honey to be helpful because it desensitizes them to the fauna triggering their allergic reaction.

A 2013 study found that eating honey at a high dose (one gram per kilogram of body weight of honey daily) can improve allergy symptoms over a period of eight weeks. Researchers absorbed that the honey consumption improved overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is an allergic response that causes itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and other similar symptoms.

Some people say that a daily tablespoon of honey can actually act like an allergy shot. The type of honey is key though since pasteurized honey does not contain any pollen. For possible seasonal allergy relief, you need to consume raw honey with pollen in it.

3. Natural Energy Source

Raw honey contains natural sugars (80 percent), water (18 percent), and minerals, vitamins, pollen and protein (2 percent). It’s not surprising that honey has been called “the perfect running fuel.” It provides an easily absorbed supply of energy in the form of liver glycogen, making it ideal for energetic morning starts and as a pre- and post-exercise energy source.

Studies at the University of Memphis Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory have shown honey to be one of the best choices of carbohydrate to consume right before exercising. Additionally, studies have revealed that as a sporting fuel, honey performs on a par with glucose, which is the sugar used in most commercial energy gels. 

When it comes to raw honey’s use in athletic endeavors, I highly recommend raw honey for both fueling and recovery. That’s why raw honey is included in some of the best pre-workout snacks and post-workout meals.

4. Antioxidant Powerhouse

Studies have shown that a daily dose of raw honey raises levels of health-promoting antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants help block free radicals in the body that cause disease. It also boosts the immune system, acting as a preventative against any number of diseases. Honey contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

One study fed 25 subjects about four tablespoons of honey per day for 29 days in addition to their regular diets. When blood samples were taken at the start and end of the study, researchers found a clear, direct link between honey consumption and an increased level of disease-fighting polyphenols in the blood. 

Studies have shown that honey contains the disease-fighting antioxidant flavonoids pinocembrin, pinostrobin and chrysin. Pinocembrin supports enzyme activity, and many studies have shown that pinocembrin induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) of many types of cancer cells. Laboratory research suggests that chrysin may increase the male hormone testosterone and improve bodybuilding results, but human research hasn’t found any effect on testosterone levels. 

5. Sleep Promoter

Raw honey promotes restorative sleep in two ways. By consuming honey before bedtime, it restocks the liver’s glycogen supply and prevents the brain from triggering a crisis search for fuel, which can wake you up. Secondly, eating raw honey fosters the release of melatonin in the brain by creating a small spike in insulin levels, which stimulates the release of tryptophan in the brain. Tryptophan converts to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin. 

Melatonin also boosts immunity and helps rebuild tissue during periods of rest. Poor sleep, by comparison, has been shown to be a risk factor for hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and arthritis. As honey is a proven natural sleep aid, it naturally lowers the risk of all these health problems.

6. Wound and Ulcer Healer

Honey-infused bandages are known to aid healing. Peter Charles Molan at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, has found in multiple studies that honey is a natural antibacterial with wound-healing effects. He also found that honey reacts with the body’s fluids to make hydrogen peroxide, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria. In addition, “Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide generated are very low in comparison to those typically applied to a wound, thus, cytotoxic damage by hydrogen peroxide is very low.”

For the treatment of burns and wounds, honey is typically applied directly to the problem area or in a dressing that’s changed every 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes the dressing is left in place for up to 25 days. A combination of honey and ghee has also been advocated and used as dressing for infected wounds since 1991 in four Mumbai hospitals.

Honey has been studied for its use in effectively treating various types of ulcers as well. Honey may reduce the size, pain and odor of problematic skin ulcers.

7. Diabetes Aid

Consumption of raw honey can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes. The combination of raw honey and cinnamon can be especially beneficial to healthy blood sugar management, as well as many other health concerns like gingivitis and acne.

According to a study out of Dubai, honey has been observed to cause a lower elevation of plasma glucose levels in diabetics compared to dextrose and sucrose. Some suggest that the insulin-boosting power of cinnamon can counteract this glucose elevation in honey, which would make your honey and cinnamon mixture a low glycemic index food combination.

Raw honey increases insulin and decreases hyperglycemia. Try consuming a little at a time and see how your blood sugar reacts to it, and add both raw honey and cinnamon to your diabetic diet plan.

8. Natural Cough Syrup

Raw honey has been shown to be as effective in treating coughs as over-the-counter commercial cough syrups. Increasing scientific evidence shows that a single dose of honey can reduce mucus secretion and coughs. In one study, honey was just as effective as diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan, common ingredients found in over-the counter cough medicines.

For a cough, a half teaspoon to two teaspoons of honey at bedtime is a studied and recommended dosage for anyone over the age of one.

How to Find and Use Raw Honey

Looking at honey consumption, 50 percent of the population directly purchases honey, 35 percent never eats honey, and the remaining 15 percent consumes honey in products made with honey, like honey-roasted peanuts. (18) Raw honey might be available at your nearest grocery store, but it should be available at your local health food store or, even better, your local beekeeper. It’s also available online.

Expect raw honey to be opaque rather than that sparkling, clear, golden color that’s achieved through heating.

Never cook with raw honey because that will destroy its good properties. Also, do not store it near a heat source. If you enjoy honey in your tea or coffee, wait until the drink is just tepid enough to sip comfortably, and then add honey to taste.

Drizzle it on breakfast cereals, over your sprouted grain toast or on yogurt. It’s also a great addition to smoothies and salad dressings, plus it pairs well with fruits like honeydew and apples. Raw honey can be a healthy alternative to highly processed sugar in recipes that doesn’t require heat. For every one tablespoon of sugar in a recipe (that doesn’t require heating), you can typically use two teaspoons of honey instead.

Raw honey cannot be heated above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the normal temperature of the bee hive. While it’s OK to strain raw honey, it’s never filtered or pasteurized. It also cannot have any other additives.

On the other hand, commercial honey is often heavily processed and may even have been chemically refined. Excessive heat destroys the natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals in honey, making honey processing a very bad thing. Filtering and processing eliminate many of the beneficial phytonutrients, including pollen and enzyme-rich propolis. The only way to achieve sparkling clear honey is by heat, so avoid the golden, syrup-like honey in favor of opaque, organic raw honey.

Non-raw honey or regular commercial honey can be sourced from bees that are treated with antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin in China’s honey). They also may likely be given winter nourishment in the form of sugar or a low-cost syrup. Hives are made of non-organic materials, which can have pests and be cleaned with non-organic substances. Honey that isn’t raw is pasteurized and filtered, and it can have additives.

Research by the Palynology Research Laboratory at Texas A&M University tested 60 honey products from supermarkets and grocery stores and found that 76 percent contained no trace of bee pollen, which is also loaded with health benefits. The Food and Drug Administration maintains that any honey products that have been ultra-filtered, as these have, are not actually honey and therefore the health benefits of honey cannot be assumed. Some “honey” may even contain high fructose corn syrup.

Raw Honey Nutrition Facts

Honey is one of nature’s purest foods and is far more than just a natural sweetener. It’s a “functional food,” which means it’s a natural food with health benefits. Raw honey nutrition is impressive. Raw honey contains 22 amino acids, 27 minerals and 5,000 enzymes. Minerals include iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and selenium. Vitamins found in honey include vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin. In addition, the nutraceuticals contained in honey help neutralize damaging free radical activity.

One tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories, yet it has a healthy glycemic load around 10 for one tablespoon, which is a little less than a banana. Raw honey does not cause a sugar spike and elevated insulin release like white sugar.

Although honey is an affordable food, bees spend thousands of hours collecting pollen from around 2 million flowers to make one pound of pure honey. Honey is typically about 18 percent water, but the lower the water content, the better the quality of honey. Best of all, honey does not need special storage or refrigeration — use it by the spoonful straight from the jar.

Raw Honey Possible Allergies and Potential Side Effects

If you’re allergic or sensitive to celery, pollen or have other bee-related allergies, you should not consume raw honey. Honey made from plants in the Rhododendron genus can also cause allergic reactions due to toxicity.

“Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!” Although honey is one of the healthiest sweeteners, it still should certainly be used in moderation. Mild honey intoxication side effects can include weakness, dizziness, vomiting, sweating and nausea. Other more serious side effects of honey consumption are unlikely unless you consume way too much.

In addition, when heated at high temperatures, honey has been shown to produce hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde (HMF). The study, conducted on rats, found that when heated to 60 degrees Celsius to 140 degrees C, there was a significant rise in HMF. Why is this important to note? HMF can cause deleterious effects and is considered carcinogenic.

Raw Honey Final Thoughts

Raw honey is the most crude and natural form of honey you can purchase. It’s unfiltered and unpasteurized, which means there is no processing or heating to decrease its natural vitamin and mineral content.

Raw honey contains disease-preventing and disease-fighting flavonoids.

Raw honey contains both propolis and bee pollen so you get the benefits of those two natural powerhouses as well.

It has been scientifically proven to help with allergies, diabetes, sleep problems, coughs and wound healing.

Raw honey is a smart part of a pre- and post-workout snack for better energy during a workout and better recovery afterward.

Look for a local beekeeper to source your raw honey. This will make it even more likely to help with seasonal allergies.

Glowing Skin Salad & Detox Dressing Recipe

This salad is loaded with vitamins that are important for beautiful skin.   Now it’s time to prepare and eat a delicious salad and lemony detox dressing. This salad is loaded up with vitamins A, C, B, K and E, but more than that, it’s absolutely delicious!

Arugula is rich in cancer-fighting phytochemicals, as well as being a great source of folic acid, vitamins A, C and K. It has a nice peppery flavor that goes really well here, but it could be substituted with spinach or raw, shredded kale for similar nutritional benefits.

Part of having beautiful skin means getting enough healthy fats into your diet, as well as staying hydrated. The vegetables in this salad have a high water content which makes it extra refreshing and provides hydration as well as good dietary fiber. Avocado, nuts and seeds add a lot of nutrition in the form of healthy fats and vitamin E. I know that if my skin looks a little tired, it’s time to amp up my intake of vitamin E.

The detox dressing also has avocado or olive oil which is another excellent source of fat and vitamins. The lemon gives the dressing a lot of bright, fresh flavor and doesn’t leave the dressing feeling too oily or heavy. It’s very refreshing with freshly chopped parsley added in.

Eating your way to beautiful skin never tasted so good!

Preparation

Prep Time: about 20 mins
Author: Lindsey Johnson

This refreshing salad will help you attain beautiful, glowing skin. It's loaded with raw veggies high in vitamins A, B, C, E and K.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 3 ounces organic baby arugula
• 1 large carrot, scrubbed well and shredded
• 1/2 medium beet, peeled and shredded
• 1/2 cucumber, cut into quarters lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 1 small bunch green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 firm ripe avocado, diced
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons raw sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons raw shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

For the detox dressing:

• Juice of 2 lemons, strained to remove seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon raw honey
• 1/2 cup avocado or olive oil pinch dry mustard powder sea salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  Instructions

  • Toss arugula with the shredded and sliced veggies. Sprinkle the nuts and seeds over the top.

    To prepare dressing:

    • Place the lemon juice and honey in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid.
    • Shake to dissolve the honey.
    • Add the oil, mustard powder, salt and pepper.
    • Replace lid and shake vigorously until well-combined. Add the parsley and shake again.
    • Pour some of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat it lightly. (There will be leftover dressing.)
    • Serve and pass extra dressing alongside if needed.

LaSpa Mineral Sunscreen Benefits

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreens

Sunscreens use either a physical or chemical filter to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Zinc Oxide (as used by LASPA) and Titanium Dioxide are natural mineral sun blocks that sit on your skin and stop both UVA and UVB rays from penetrating your skin. Chemical sunscreens use synthetic chemicals to reflect the sun’s rays after they have penetrated the skin’s surface.

Using a zinc oxide based natural mineral sunscreen such as LASPA offers the following benefits:

• Zinc Oxide provides a broad spectrum protection against both UVA/UVB rays whereas chemical filters don’t necessarily provide this function
• Zinc Oxide is effective immediately upon application, whereas chemical filters need approximately 20 minutes to be absorbed
• Zinc Oxide reduces or eliminates the risk of allergies or skin irritation that can be caused by the chemicals used in chemical sun filters
• Zinc Oxide avoids the risk of health issues that have been documented concerning the cumulative effects of chemical sunscreen ingredients on reproductive health (see below for a further discussion on Sunscreen Ingredients).

BROAD SPECTRUM UVA/UVB PROTECTION

Using a sunscreen that is labeled Broad Spectrum is critical to protecting your skin from BOTH forms of UV light that can harm your skin, and that can lead to skin cancer. An SPF sunscreen that is NOT BROAD SPECTRUM only protects you from UVB rays, and leaves you exposed to the harmful effects of UVA Rays (such as premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots). A zinc based mineral sunscreen provides Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN INGREDIENTS OF CONCERN

Consumers should be aware of the dangers of chemical sunscreen ingredients. Common ingredients of concern include Oxybenzone, Homosalate, and Octinoxate. Oxybenzone has been associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies and immunotoxicity, all of which is of greater concern because it also enhances skin absorption. Homosalate is used as a sunscreen agent to absorb UV light. Research shows that as it absorbs UV rays, homosalate will break down into what the Environmental Working Group refers to as harmful byproducts. Octinoxate is considered by The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption to have hormone-mimicking effects.

Avoid other ingredients with known health risks such as Artificial Fragrances, preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone or hydroxycitronellal. Choose your sunscreen carefully to avoid nasty compounds. Select mineral sunscreens to protect yourself. Read more about the effects chemical sunscreen ingredients can have on your body – explore Skin Deep at www.ewg.org/skindeep.

B Vitamin Is Crucial To Good Skin, A Healthy Gut & Balanced Blood Sugar
By William Cole, D.C.

Your body is a well-oiled machine. Without proper maintenance and fuel, machines begin to slowly break down, and problems start to arise. An adequate well-rounded amount of nutrients are to your body like oil is to a machine. B vitamins in particular play a crucial role in helping your body function optimally.

Many delicate, intricate pathways like methylation—your body’s biochemical superhighway, a process that happens more than 1 billion times every single second—are fueled by B vitamins. It is responsible for helping you to detox, helping to decrease an inflammatory response, and in turn, avoiding a lot of autoimmune-inflammation, brain, and hormone problems. They also help to aid your body in breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy production.

What a lot of people don’t realize, however, is that unlike vitamin C or vitamin D, there are many types of B vitamins that each play their own important role in maintaining how your body functions. In particular, vitamin B7—commonly known as biotin—stands apart from the rest with its role in keeping skin, hair, and nails healthy and looking vibrant and youthful. In fact, biotin is often referred to by its nickname "vitamin H" from the German words Haar and Haut which mean, you guessed it—hair and skin. Other sources say that biotin was originally called vitamin H because when nutrients were first being discovered they were named in alphabetical order.

No matter where its name originated, biotin, like all the other B vitamins, is critical for our body to thrive. B7 is used for a myriad of pathways that determine the health of every single one of our trillions of cells. Without a doubt, biotin is essential for life.

Your body cannot synthesize biotin, so it must be obtained through diet, supplementation, and intestinal bacteria. Any protein-bound biotin from your food ends up being converted to free biotin, which is then absorbed within the small and large intestine. Once absorbed, it is then moved into the systemic circulation, picked up by the liver, to finally cross the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system.

Since biotin is found in many different kinds of food, severe deficiencies in this nutrient can be rare. However, in my functional medicine clinic, I often see lower, suboptimal levels actually becoming increasingly more common. Why is that? Well, due to the fact that a lot of this conversion happens within your gut, many patients who struggle with inflammatory bowel diseases or other microbiome dysfunctions can have trouble maintaining adequate amounts of biotin. Other factors like antibiotics, which wipe out the beneficial bacteria in your gut, contribute to low levels of biotin since they also end up killing biotin-producing bacteria.

You can also be at risk for biotin deficiency if you:

Drink excessive amounts of alcohol, which inhibits biotin absorption

Are pregnant

Smoke—speeds up biotin absorption and use Eat raw egg whites—the protein, avidin, inhibits biotin absorption

Symptoms of biotin deficiency.

If you suspect a deficiency, symptoms can include:

Fatigue

Brittle hair Hair loss

Digestive issues

Dry skin

Biotin is considered a coenzyme for carboxylases, which are enzymes that assist in metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for energy production and processes such as gluconeogenesis, insulin release, fatty acid synthesis, and the use of branched-chain amino acids to produce neurotransmitters.

Low levels of biotin can become a problem when your metabolism is concerned. Metabolism is your body’s internal process that turns whatever food you eat into usable energy and any food that is not used for energy is stored as fat. Because biotin is needed for the proper function of this process, you can end up with a whole slew of health problems including fatigue, weight gain, and weight loss resistance.

The benefits of biotin.

While a lot of the buzz around biotin focuses mainly on its ability to aid in enhancing appearance, there are many more aspects of your health in which biotin plays a significant role.

Biotin for immune health.

Biotin is essential for the development of white blood cells. These are the defense mechanisms of your immune system and work to protect your body against viruses and bacteria that make you sick. Your body actually contains two different types of white blood cells, called TH1 and TH2. Almost like a seesaw, TH1 and TH2 need to balance each other. When one becomes dominant, it can push you into the inflammatory autoimmune spectrum, putting you at risk for a number of health problems.

One reason this can happen is a lack of T-regulatory cells, which work to bring balance back to your immune system. And not surprisingly, biotin deficiency is associated with T-cell decay. This is bad news for anyone struggling through immune problems. And with close to 75 percent of your immune system being located inside your gut, it only makes sense that a deficiency in biotin is linked to poor immune function because of how much biotin is converted within the gut.

Biotin for brain health. 

Biotin, along with other B vitamins, plays a role in neurotransmitter activity and protect against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and aid in improving cognitive function. It also helps to regulate mood due to their role in synthesizing hormones responsible for a positive mood.

Deficiency in biotin can lead to neurological problems such as depression, loss of muscle coordination, seizures, and even biotin-responsive basal ganglia—a metabolic condition that causes lack of coordination and seizures—but all have been shown to improve with biotin supplementation.

Biotin for blood sugar.

Since biotin increases insulin production and stimulates glucokinase—an enzyme in the liver that promotes glycogen synthesis—it helps to lower blood sugar levels. In fact, biotin supplementation was shown to decrease fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes by 45 percent. Biotin has even been shown to improve diabetic neuropathy in diabetic patients.

Biotin for inflammation.

Studies have shown that biotin deficiency can increase pro-inflammatory cytokines and contribute to chronic inflammation. It works by activating the inflammatory nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB for short), which binds to your DNA and triggers a number of inflammatory cascades throughout the body. Research has shown that supplementing with biotin can decrease production of these pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here are more ideas for inflammation-calming tools, from an mbg article I wrote on the subject.

Biotin for heart disease.

Biotin is needed for fat metabolism, which is important for thriving heart health. It can also work in conjunction with chromium to reduce LDL levels and increase HDL since inverse levels of each are markers for increased risk of heart disease. Research has shown that a dose of 15,000 mcg a day of biotin can also lower blood triglyceride levels.

Biotin for beauty.

As I've said before, biotin stands above the rest of B vitamins when it comes to helping promote vibrant skin, hair, and nail health. Many beauty products add in biotin to capitalize on its benefits; however, there is very limited research to show how effective this vitamin is topically. Ingesting biotin is going to be your best bet if you want to restore your youthful glow.

Biotin for skin health.

Biotin is right there at the front line to fight the effects of aging with its role in fatty acid synthesis, which is crucial for healthy skin. The cells in your skin depend heavily on fat production for added protection against damage from constant exposure to wind, sun, and other harsh everyday environmental factors. Check out my skin health guide for more functional medicine tools.

Biotin for hair growth.

Thinning hair and hair loss is a very common symptom associated with thyroid problems, which can be remedied with the addition of biotin. Even if you don’t have thyroid problems, if you have low levels biotin, it can actually lead to hair loss but thankfully can be reversed through diet, supplementation, or addressing any underlying gut dysfunctions.

Biotin for nails.

Brittle, rigid nails are another symptom of thyroid problems. Biotin has been shown, even in those who aren’t dealing with thyroid issues, to increase thickness and firmness of nails.

Biotin for a healthy metabolism.

In every cell of your body, biotin is needed to break down the nutrients (protein amino acids, carbohydrates, and fatty acids) from your food for fuel. B7 is also über-important whenever we are doing different forms of fasting (such as intermittent fasting) or if you are in a ketogenic state (nutritional ketosis or fat burning). During these metabolic states, biotin is needed to produce new glucose for fuel through gluconeogenesis.

Are there any side effects of taking biotin?

Overall, biotin is a safe vitamin that has relatively few, if any, side effects. It is typically very difficult to even overdose due to the fact that it is water-soluble, and any excess amounts are released through your urine. But with any type of supplementation, I always recommend regular monitoring with diagnostic labs. For some people, extremely high doses of biotin can throw off thyroid test results and mimic Graves' disease in lab work. So it’s important to know where you stand in regards to your health so you and your doctor are aware of any potential implications. Knowledge is power. Especially when it comes to your health!

How to include biotin in your everyday life

Since more research needs to be done to better determine the bioavailability of supplementing, with biotin there is no recommended dietary allowance; however, the National Institutes of Health recommends an adequate intake (AI) for each age group of:

Birth to 6 months: 5 mcg

7 to 12 months: 6 mcg 1 to

3 years: 8 mcg

4 to 8 years: 12 mcg

9 to 13 years: 20 mcg

14 to 18 years: 25 mcg (30 to 35 mcg if pregnant and lactating)

19+ years: 30 mcg

Taking a biotin supplement isn't always necessary since it is readily found in a variety of foods. I am a fan of getting our vitamins from real food sources whenever possible:

Beef liver: 30 mg to 3 oz.

Eggs: 13 mg to 1 whole

Salmon: 5 mg to 3 oz.

Avocado: 2-6 mg to 1 whole Cheese: 0.4-2 mg to 1 oz.

Brewer's or Nutritional Yeast: 1.4-14 mcg to 7 grams

If you are interested in taking a supplement, biotin is usually part of all B-complex vitamins that contain all types of B vitamins such as B12, B6, niacin, and riboflavin. Since B vitamins all work together to support methylation, brain function, and more, that would be the best way to take biotin for optimal benefit. Also, since high doses of biotin are eliminated from circulation through urine, it is best to maintain a lower supplemental dose.

Spirulina is also another rich food source of a variety of B vitamins that is also plant-based. Found in both fresh and saltwater lakes throughout the world, it has been used as a highly revered food and remedy in ancient civilizations such as Mexico and Africa. When it comes to vitamin B content, it is second to none. It also contains all nine essential amino acids—the ones your body can’t make and you have to get from food. This makes it a secret beauty weapon that everyone should have in their toolbox.

So whether you get your biotin from foods or supplements, it is a super nutrient that has many far-reaching benefits for our health.

6 Surprising Benefits of Massage
BY ALYSSA JUNG

Good news! Experts explain the reasons you can stop making excuses for why you deserve a rub down.

1. Massage can help cut down on migraines.

If you're frequently tortured by migraine pain, you might consider a massage. Researchers at the University of Auckland found that those who suffered from debilitating headaches reported fewer migraines and more restful sleep after receiving massage therapy for several weeks.

2. Massage can help reduce pain from exercise.

Research indicates that massage therapy can reduce inflammation of skeletal muscle damaged through exercise. A study by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University in Ontario, Canada found evidence that massage therapy may provide relief from inflammation (which is often the reason behind post-workout aches and pains), similar to how anti-inflammatory medication helps swelling go down.

3. Massage can make you look younger.

Massages stimulate blood flow, which is why regular gentle rubbing and kneading might keep your face looking healthy and radiant. Skin care expert Kimara Ahnert told Women's Health that massage plumps slack skin, encourages lymphatic drainage (moves toxins out of cells so nutrients can travel in), and adds vitality to a dull complexion.

4. Massage can help beat PMS.

A massage could banish mood swings, bloating, headaches, weight gain, and other PMS symptoms, according to a study by the Touch Research Institute and University of Miami Medical School. Researchers there found that regular massage sessions lessened symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women age 19 to 45.

5. Massage benefits chronic pain relief.

Sufferers of chronic soft tissue pain (arthritis, fibromyalgia, disc problems, degenerative joints) can find relief after only a few massage therapy sessions, says Nancy M. Porambo, licensed massage therapist with the American Massage Therapy Association. "My personal experience working with clients suffering from [this type of pain] has been extremely positive," she says. "People ... are surprised when they find relief through application of specific massage therapy techniques."

6. Massage can help treat side effects of cancer.

Researchers in Boston found that patients with metastic cancer reported better sleep, less pain, and overall better quality of life after receiving massage therapy. Similarly, a 2004 study at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City found that massage therapy (Swedish, light touch, and foot massage) reduced symptoms like pain, nausea, fatigue, depression, and stress in cancer patients.

5 TIPS FOR RADIANT LOOKING SKIN

From diet to skincare, some bright ideas that will get your glow back on. No one wants a dull, drab complexion, right? We all want skin that defies our age and looks dewy and radiant all day long. Believe it or not, this is absolutely doable. Follow these 5 tips and in no time you will have a youthful, healthy glow.

1. EXFOLIATE

Your complexion looks radiant when it's smooth enough to reflect light. But, if the surface of your skin is rough and uneven due to a build-up of dead skin cells, then light is diffused, and your skin appears dull and lacklustre. In our twenties, cell turnover rate is about every 28 days, but in our thirties and forties, the rate slows to about every 40 days, and in our fifties and beyond, it takes about 45-84 days. The slower the cell turnover, the greater the dead skin cell build-up.

This is where exfoliation comes in! Slough off the dead cells and you will have a smooth, even complexion that reflects the light beautifully.

WE RECOMMEND: Swiss Line Force Vitale Mild Exfoliating Refiner

2. MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

Exfoliating and moisturizing go hand-in-hand. Although you can`t moisturize away dead skin, once the cells have been removed, moisturizing is key. When the new, plump skin cells come to the surface, moisturizing helps to maintain smooth, soft skin. Moisturizers protect water content in your skin by either forming a barrier to prevent evaporative water loss and/or drawing moisture from the surrounding areas to the area in which the moisturizer is applied.

WE RECOMMEND: Swiss Line Cell Shock 360 Anti Wrinkle Serum Triple Collagen Complex

3. GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP

Although some may think it is an “old wives tale”, sleep directly impacts the health of your skin … and in particular, its radiance. Dehydrated skin and sallow or ashy complexions are indicative of a poor night's rest. Sleep enables the body to reverse everyday free radical damage through cellular renewal, which in turn leads to a brighter, more radiant complexion.

But, it is not just about the quantity of sleep, but also the quality. Although cells repair and rebuild at all stages of sleep, the majority of cell turnover and regeneration occurs during deep REM sleep.

WE RECOMMEND: Swiss Line Cell Shock Total-Lift Overnight Cream and Swiss Line Cell Shock Total-Lift Resurface Overnight Cream

4. DRINK IN MODERATION

Alcohol extracts the fluid from the skin, leaving it seriously dehydrated. As we age, the effect of alcohol on the skin increases, as it takes longer for the alcohol to leave our bodies. In our twenties, the alcohol is out of our system within 3 hours. In our forties, it takes 33 hours! But, if you can't stand giving up on your apéritif or nightly glass of wine, you can minimize the effects of alcohol on your skin by drinking the clearer drinks - white wine, gin, vodka, and tequila, for example. Additionally, alternating the alcoholic drinks with water is definitely the way to go.

5. FEED YOUR SKIN

There is truth in the old saying, “you are what you eat.” The quality of food you eat and the types of foods you consume do affect the health and look of your skin. Foods rich in antioxidants will make your skin glow. That means colorful fruits including peaches, oranges, apricots, plums, papayas, prunes, blackberries, and strawberries; veggies such as spinach, kale, broccoli, beans, artichokes, carrots and tomatoes, in addition nuts such as pecans and walnuts will all do wonders for your glow.

So, there you have it! 5 tips for radiant skin. Now, glow girl!

 Alexandria Sugaring...the NEW Smooth

Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

The classic combination of chocolate and peppermint make these Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies the perfect treat for the holidays!

• Course -  Dessert
• Type -  Cookie
• Prep Time - 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time -10 minutes
• Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings -36 cookies 128 kcal
• Author - Olivia from liveforcake.com

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa sifted
• 1/4 cup black cocoa powder sifted*
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light-brown sugar packed
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tsp peppermint extract optional
• 1 bag Bright White Candy Melts or white chocolate, melted**
• crushed candy canes

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powders, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars on med-high until light and fluffy (approx. 2-3mins). Reduce speed and add egg and peppermint extract. Beat until well combined. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
3. Chill dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
5. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion dough onto baking sheet (I did 9 cookies per sheet). Bake for approximately 10 mins, or until the middle is set. Cookies will deflate and crinkle a bit upon cooling.
6. Cool on pans for 5 mins then transfer to to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Dip in melted candy melts or white chocolate, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Allow to set.

NOTES

* If you don't have black cocoa, you can substitute Dutch-processed or regular cocoa. The cookies won't be as dark though.

** Read this post for details on how to best melt candy melts

Cosmetic Makeup Vs. Mineral Makeup:
The Benefits Of Mineral Makeup

>We Irish folk are incredibly fond of makeup, some may say too fond. We’ve a penchant for making ourselves darker, especially those of us who are genetically-predisposed to Casperness, and let’s be honest, we can go a bit over the top. If you told the continental-European women that we wear a smokey eye to work, they would be aghast! But that is us, it is who we are – we knew what Double Wear was long before we learned about mitosis, APR or, well, basic nutrition.

Herein lies the problem: a vast many of you out there were taught to conceal rather than to treat, and to conceal with products that are basically grease paint… remember Pan Stik? Those were the days! Because makeup was touted as the solution to all skin woes, it is hard for us to believe how damaging it can be to the skin. In this respect, I’m speaking of strictly cosmetic makeup, your typical Revlons, Estée Lauders, Macs and so on and so forth.

Cosmetic Makeup and the Skin

It is difficult to turn to people and tell them not to wear cosmetic makeup, as it is something they are so used to and often, something they rely on. However, it can be detrimental to skin health.

The Negative Effects of Cosmetic Makeup

Cosmetic makeup is often comedogenic, meaning that it can clog pores, causing open comedones (blackheads), closed comedones (whiteheads) and other forms of congestion. Considering this is the type of thing you’re trying to cover up, it is not ideal. You’re just feeding the Fraaanks. This is especially true of thicker formulations – even if they call themselves non-comedogenic. Be wary of sticks, creams and thick liquids and remember this does not just apply to base makeup like foundation and concealer, but to blushers, highlighters and contour products!

Many cosmetic makeups contain alcohol, under the pseudonyms SD alcohol and denatured alcohol/alcohol denat. If you’ve ever heard me speak about this type of alcohol, you know that it is rarely good news when it shows up in a product. Alcohol in makeup (and skincare) serves two main purposes: it immediately mops up oil slicks, mattifying the skin in the short term, and helps products to dry on quickly. Most avoid makeup that takes a while to dry in and consider it to be a big no-no. It may actually be a sign that it doesn’t contain as much alcohol as other products.

Seeing as many popular products are made to smell non-chemical-ly with fragrances, they can cause photosensitivity, leading to skin damage in the future. Nobody wants to put something on their face that smells like a toilet cleaner (although maybe it shouldn’t smell like that in the first place) but that doesn’t mean that your skin should be disrespected.

Cosmetic powders can contain a lot of talc. Talc is technically a mineral – however, it sucks up all moisture around it, which makes it so ideal for throwing it into sweaty runners but so drying on the skin. For those of us on the oilier side of things, this sounds perfect… so why isn’t it? When you dry out the skin, it causes the pores to over-produce oil to compensate for this, which can lead to more breakouts and more oiliness. So, talc can be a bit reductive as far as ingredients go.

All in all, fragrances, alcohol and other ingredients that dry out and sensitise the skin can speed up the skin’s ageing process, which actually begins around the hooman age of 25. The youths think that they can get away with everything; laissez-faire regimes, half-arsed cleansing with a wipe and caking on the cosmetic makeup… but perhaps their skin is not as youthful as they think!

In Ireland, most of us wear face makeup every single day, for about 10 hours a day. That is 10 hours of your skin being smothered by heavy, pore-clogging formulations, drying it out minute by minute.

Not only can cosmetic makeup exacerbate acne, but it can cause an acne subtype called acne cosmetica. Are you prone to tiny bumps across your forehead that won’t go away no matter what you do? You could be a sufferer of acne cosmetica.

Why Mineral Makeup is Beneficial

Mineral makeup sits on the pore due to its molecular make up, rather than in the pore as cosmetic makeup does. Cosmetic makeup is like wall filler, being slopped into each pore to make them less visible, leading to the creation of congestion. Mineral makeup still reduces visibility of pores and blemishes without intruding on your skin and disrupting its natural mechanisms of protection.

Minerals (for example, zinc, mica, titanium) are not corrosive to the skin, even in their makeup-safe forms of zinc oxide, zinc mica and titanium dioxide. They respect the skin and do not dry it out.

Minerals bind to oils! It is no secret that powder foundation can be key for those of us trying to get rid of the midday makeup slip and slide. The oil-binding properties of mineral makeup means that the natural oils your skin produce become a base for your makeup, meaning that it will go on easier and have a glowy finish.

Both titanium oxide and zinc oxide, two ingredients commonly found in mineral makeup products, act as a physical block from sun damage. I’m not saying to skip applying SPF altogether, but it is nice to think of it as a safety net to doubly protect you against those rays.

Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties, and seeing as it is in a much higher dosage than it would be in a cosmetic makeup, it can soothe conditions such as rosacea, eczema and inflammatory acne.

Product Purity

Not all cosmetic makeup brands are the same, so I am not sure as to why people believe all mineral makeup to be on equal footing. It is becoming immensely popular for non-mineral brands to stick the word “mineral” somewhere into the name of their product and pass it off as a true mineral product. It is like sticking the word “educational” before any old television show and then telling people it will teach their kids long division.

When I talk about mineral makeup, I’m talking about the purest of the pure. For me, that is embodied by the brand that is Jane Iredale. Jane Iredale was a casting director and producer in the US who saw so many young actors having their faces smeared with thick, greasy, congestion-causing stage makeup day in and day out that she decided to provide an alternative. Jane Iredale use high-quality minerals and cutting-edge technology to create mineral makeup that gives great coverage whilst being skin respectful, and their makeup is 100% talc-free too.

Some brands bulk out their product with talc so that they can make the claim that the product is fully mineral, and some other brands that began as fully mineral have started to include non-mineral ingredients whilst carefully excising any mention of 100% mineralness from their marketing campaigns and packaging so be wary when it comes to this.

Liquid Vs. Powder Formulations

Any liquid cosmetic product will need a preservative and water in some form – pure and simple. This means that the benefits of the minerals are… watered down. Because of this, I always say that powder is better but if you are a first-timer who needs a transitional product, then a liquid formulation is better than nothing. I’d specifically recommend the Jane Iredale Glow Time BB cream. Don’t be fooled by the name BB cream.. this bad BB is full coverage. See for your own eyes below…

This is a swatch of Jane Iredale Glow Time BB6...
on someone who usually is BB3.  Look at the coverage.

The main worry surrounding powder formulations is lack of coverage and it is completely unfounded. Mineral powders are incredibly buildable and you can layer and layer it to bring it up to the concealment you want – it is important to colour match to the highest level so that you are not left with bright yellow or pink patches across the face as some mineral makeups are highly pigmented!

Making the Big Switch

Trying mineral makeup for the first time can be daunting, especially powder formulations as they need an entirely different mode of application. Get yourself a flat-headed stippling brush or a fluffy kabuki brush – a kabuki brush is better for if you want a light dusting and minimal coverage, but a stippling brush will help you pack on that pigment. If you need to spot conceal aswell, invest in a concealer brush also.

My personal favourite powder mineral foundations are Jane Iredale, Bellápierre and Blush, but remember, to be a true mineral convert, you need to swap out your blushers and highlighters as well! I will do an article about applying mineral makeup at some point, so watch this space..

Until then, go forth and paint the town mineral!!!

By Jennifer Rock

November 14, 2017 

A Soup For Radiant Skin You'll Want To Eat
All Winter Long

This Creamy Roasted Pumpkin and Apple Bisque is a great selection for this season for a number of reasons. It's easy to make and makes leftovers to quickly heat up throughout the week, it's warm, comforting, nutrient-dense, and delicious—and packs in a secret ingredient (cue the collagen powder) that keeps our digestion in check and our skin radiant.

We are assuming most of you are somewhat familiar with the collagen trend, but for those who aren't well-versed with the benefits yet, it's important to know collagen is the building block for your hair, skin, and nails. As we age, collagen depletes and breaks down easier and our bodies make less of it, resulting in wrinkles and aging skin.

By adding collagen into your diet, it naturally improves your skin's moisture, elasticity, tone, and vibrance, ultimately combating signs of aging.  The preference is the marine collagen, which is tasteless and adds a nice frothy texture to soups, smoothies, and even my morning coffee.

Tossing in this "secret ingredient" is such an easy way to get that daily nutrient boost your body needs, and when paired with antioxidant-rich pumpkin, inflammation-fighting healthy fats like ghee and coconut oil, and fiber-rich apples, you've got one serious super-food soup on your hands.

Pairing this soup with a simple spinach salad adds in some greens and topping with pomegranate, avocado, and pistachios for a boost of protein.

Enjoy!

Creamy Pumpkin + Apple Bisque

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons organic unrefined coconut oil
• 1 large pumpkin or kabocha squash
• 2 tablespoons organic ghee
• 1 sweet onion, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 teaspoons sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• pinch of ground cloves
• fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 2 sweet, tart apples (such as Pink Lady), cored and chopped
• 3 cups vegetable stock
• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon pure grade-B maple syrup
• 1 scoop marine collagen powder

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut pumpkin or kabocha squash into halves and scoop seeds out of the middle. Coat with 1 tablespoon of the coconut oil and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Roast 30 to 45 minutes, flipping over halfway through, until fully cooked.
2. While pumpkin or squash is roasting, heat the ghee and remaining tablespoon coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed stockpot, add the onions, and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add minced garlic to the top of the onions and cook an additional minute. Then add the spices (sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper) and stir to combine.
3. Add the chopped apples, vegetable stock, and coconut milk. Cover and simmer over medium low-heat while the squash finishes cooking (about 30 minutes or so). Once squash has been removed from the oven and slightly cooled, scoop out the roasted flesh and transfer into the simmering soup base. Let cook an additional 30 minutes.
4. Once the soup is done cooking remove from heat and add in the tablespoon of maple syrup and scoop of collagen powder. Then either transfer soup to a high-speed blender or use a handheld mixer to puree until creamy.

Morning Detox Teas for Healthier and
Better-Looking Skin 

We all want to have beautiful and healthy-looking skin all the time, but with the amount of stress that we feel every day, plus our unhealthy diet, our skin can become dull, dry, and prone to signs of aging. Fortunately, changes in our daily habit can help remedy this problem and one of the best ways to achieve clear and healthy-looking skin is to have some morning detox teas.

Here are some detox teas that can help make your skin glow in no time.

Cinnamon Detox Tea
Cinnamon is an excellent choice when it comes to detox tea as it is packed with antioxidants that can help you lose weight, make you more alert, and even reduce the amount of fat that you have in your body. To make this drink, you will need green tea, honey, a stick of cinnamon, and lemon juice. Boil some water and then pour it in a cup with your green tea in it. Allow the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes then add the lemon juice and honey to taste. Place your cinnamon stick then drink afterwards.

Ginger Detox Tea
Another detox tea that you can prepare for your morning is the ginger detox tea. You will need a cup of green tea, honey, lemon juice, and ginger. Lemon juice can help cleanse your system while ginger can reduce any inflammation in your body. What’s more, ginger can help keep your skin free from acne breakouts and can even decrease bloating and gas build up in your tummy. Just brew your green tea and slices of ginger for a few minutes then add honey and lemon juice afterwards. Stir the tea and drink afterwards.

Lemon Tea
If you want to purge your system of any impurities, drinking some lemon tea first thing in the morning is in order. Prepare a cup of hot water and then squeeze a lemon on it. Add a pinch of cayenne and then stir. Drink afterwards when the water has cooled down a bit.

These morning detox teas not only relieve your digestive system of any impurities but it can also make your skin look radiant and beautiful. Drinking tea first thing in the morning can provide you with numerous health benefits which makes it a good addition to your daily ritual.

The Benefits of Merben Dry Brushing

• Listen up ladies: Increasing the circulation to the skin could possibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is toxic material accumulated in your body’s fat cells. So, rather than take drastic measures like liposuction, how about utilizing the dry skin brushing techniques to help break down unwanted toxins?
• Dry body brushing helps shed dead skin cells (and encourages new cell renewal), which results in smoother and brighter skin. It can also help with any pesky ingrown hairs. 
• It assists in improving vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. By releasing toxins, it encourages the body’s discharge of metabolic wastes so the body is able to run more effectively.
• Dry skin brushing rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin (and it feels pretty great, too!).
• It helps with muscle tone and gives you a more even distribution of fat deposits.
• Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores.
• Then follow it up with a good quality moisturizer to nourish the skin such as our Magnolia House Body Lotion or Body Butter.

Give it a go for 30 consecutive days and your body will love you for it!

Stop and Smell the Lavender

Lavender’s unmistakable, relaxing aroma makes it one of the most familiar herbal fragrances of all! The aroma of lavender essential oils is sweet, fruity-floral giving way to a body note that is sweet, refreshing and pleasant with a balsamic-woody undertone.

The mind-spirit aromatherapy benefits of lavender are vast and varied. It balances stagnant and hyper energies and emotions. Lavender soothes and nourishes the spirit; enhances the intuitive process; gently clarifies the mind; and helps to combat the blues.

The physical benefits that lavender has are cools sunburn and soothes dry skin, while helping to quiet over-active sebaceous glands that produce oily skin. This amazing plant can also be used for athlete’s foot, comforting the stomach, as a disinfectant, for headache and migraine relief, healing insect bites, an insect repellent, scenting linens, stiff joints and sore muscles and more!

The #1 Secret to a Long, Happy Life + 3 Other Habits that Matter

We're at an exciting juncture for medical science.  Life spans have been expanding for 150 years.  We're living seven years longer than our parents' generation, and they lived seven years longer than their parents.  We're grateful for this - but we also want more.

In labs, scientists are significantly expanding animals' natural life spans with cutting-edge genetics.  We know how to modify the fertilized egg, snipping out genes that cause aging, providing extra copies of other genes.  These tricks are routinely played with mouse embryos but have not yet been applied to humans.

There are technologies just over the horizon that may offer comparable benefits to adults.  I've told my daughters to plan lives with the expectation that they might live 200 years.

In the meantime - especially for those of us of a certain age - it's crucially important to maintain tip-top health as long as we can.  It's not just the extra year or two of life that we might squeeze out in this way.  It's also the hope that we can be healthy and eligible for that next breakthrough when it leaves and enjoy lives that are not only longer but better.

So what is the single most important lifestyle factor that determines your prospect for a long, healthy life?

The joke says it's "choosing the right parents."  But studies with twins suggest that the genetic component of life expectancy makes up only 25 percent. That leaves three-quarters of the range of possibilities under your control.

The Longevity Factors You Can Control

Of course, not smoking (or driving a motorcycle or taking up rock climbing) can play a major role in living longer.  But they aren't the biggest factors.

Diet

Keeping weight down can add several years to your life.  But that's relative to your body type.  People who are overweight experience a social stigma in our culture.  Sometimes they are overeaters, but it may be that they just have genes that make them stout.  Mother Nature doesn't have the same prejudices that people do.  If you are overweight because you overeat, it will cut years off your life.  But if you are dieting and exercising and doing your best with the genes you have, you may look like your're overweight, but you probably don't have the extra risks for heart attach or cancer.

Intermittent fasting also seems to be beneficial, even if you don't lose weight.  Avoid Sugar.  Vegetarians tend to live longer than meat eaters, and a high fiber diet nurtures the right kind of bacteria in our guts for optimal health and longevity.

Exercise

Yoga and meditation can help you become more intimate with your body.  In fact, all kinds of exercise are helpful, and the more the better. The most effective exercise of all is the most intense: interval training that leaves you panting after just one minute of all-out exertion, and strength training with the biggest weights your muscles can handle.  Together, diet and exercise account for about a seven-year range of life expectancy.

Supplements and Herbs

Supplements are much less important than diet and exercise, but they could help.  Vitamin D protects against colds and flu in the present and could guard against cancer and heart disease in the future.  The amount of vitamin D you need may be way more than the 400 to 600 IU recommended by the FDA. Get a blood test, and monitor your levels with your doctor.

Optimal magnesium is elusive in the Western diet.  Many biomolecules depend on magnesium, and our nervous systems depend on magnesium.  Just 1 mg of magnesium each night could make a difference.  You can get magnesium in a pill form, or you can eat more leafy greens.

The jury is still out on nicotinamide riboside (NR) and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC).  There are some herbs that might offer an edge, including curcumin a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and the active ingredient in the Indian root spice called tumeric; ashwagandha, an ancient Indian herb that is associated with brain health and longevity; rhodiola, a Chinese herb, an adaptogen that helps the body to respond more flexibly to the challenge of radiation or toxins; and bacopa, another Indian herb that may stimulate nerve growth and improve memory and brain function.

But the elephant in the room is a factor we seldom think about - because it's not something you can buy, and it's not something you can pursue with planning and willpower.  It's something our terribly individualistic American culture sweeps aside.  The single biggest factor that determines longevity in humans is social connection.

The Biggest Factor - Social Connection

People who are engaged in helping others have an enormous advantage in life expectancy.  If you are in a loving marriage or embedded in a supportive community, this alone is worth almost a decade.

Caring for others is the reason we're alive.  Living a passionate, engaged life is a choice you must make from day to day, from hour to hour. This is an attitude not exactly encouraged in our culture - infact, most of us were raised to do what's expected of us, to be polite and conventional, to keep our feelings to ourselves and not make waves.

The economics of modern life make social fulfillment elusive.  Choosing a different culture, a more empowering brand of politics - these are not individual but collective choices.  We have to be willing to organize, and we have to work with others.

But social connections are what make us feel alive, and maybe we shouldn't be surprised that they are also what can keep us alive.

5 Skin Care Tips that will Leave You Ready for the Fall Season

Fall is here and as the weather changes and starts getting colder, it is important to update your skin care routine.

1. Cleanser: As the weather becomes drier, so does your skin. Choose a cream or milk-based cleanser that cleanses without removing the skin’s natural oils. (Suggestion: Guinot Refreshing Cleansing Milk)
2. Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliant once to twice a week to aid in removing dead skin cells that sit on the surface of the skin. This helps promote cellular regeneration which will even-out your complexion making it appear more radiant and it will prepare the skin to absorb your moisturizing cream.  (Suggestion: Guinot Biological Peeling Gel)
3. Masque: Add a hydrating facial masque to your skin care routine once a week to provide extra moisture to the skin. This will help your skin adjust to the new drier and colder temperature, while providing extra hydration. (Suggestion: Guinot Moisture-Supplying Radiance Mask)
4. Sunscreen: Continue using sun protection all year round. The Sun’s powerful rays are still present, even on cloudy days. It is important to always wear a sunscreen, because the Sun is still damaging to your skin and it will cause premature aging. Always wear an SPF of 15 or over. (Suggestion: Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF30)
5. Moisturizer: This step is especially important. A heavier moisturizer should be used when transitioning from summer to fall. Your skin’s needs change with the weather and those needs include primarily more hydration and more protection. (Suggestion: Guinot Long-Lasting Moisturizing Cream)

5 Skin Care Tips that will Leave You Ready for the Fall Season

Fall is here and as the weather changes and starts getting colder, it is important to update your skin care routine.

1. Cleanser: As the weather becomes drier, so does your skin. Choose a cream or milk-based cleanser that cleanses without removing the skin’s natural oils. (Suggestion: Guinot Refreshing Cleansing Milk)
2. Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliant once to twice a week to aid in removing dead skin cells that sit on the surface of the skin. This helps promote cellular regeneration which will even-out your complexion making it appear more radiant and it will prepare the skin to absorb your moisturizing cream.  (Suggestion: Guinot Biological Peeling Gel)
3. Masque: Add a hydrating facial masque to your skin care routine once a week to provide extra moisture to the skin. This will help your skin adjust to the new drier and colder temperature, while providing extra hydration. (Suggestion: Guinot Moisture-Supplying Radiance Mask)
4. Sunscreen: Continue using sun protection all year round. The Sun’s powerful rays are still present, even on cloudy days. It is important to always wear a sunscreen, because the Sun is still damaging to your skin and it will cause premature aging. Always wear an SPF of 15 or over. (Suggestion: Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF30)
5. Moisturizer: This step is especially important. A heavier moisturizer should be used when transitioning from summer to fall. Your skin’s needs change with the weather and those needs include primarily more hydration and more protection. (Suggestion: Guinot Long-Lasting Moisturizing Cream)

Allow Us to Shed Some Light

What is an SPF rating? 

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indicates how long it will take for UVB rays to redden your skin when you use a sun protection product, compared to how long the skin would take to redden without the product. So, the SPF number gives you some idea of how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you normally burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen and you've applied a liberal dose of a sunscreen with an SPF number of 15, you should be protected from sunburn for 150 minutes. This does not mean that you are protected from other radiation damage. A broad spectrum sunscreen is required to give protection in the UVA range as well. An SPF rating does not measure Ultraviolet A (UVA) protection. 

Are jane iredale sunscreen products water resistant?

Yes, all jane iredale sunscreen products are water resistant to 40 Minutes. The new FDA final rule on the labeling and testing of sunscreen products, does not permit the labeling of sunscreen as “waterproof" or "sweatproof," and only allows “Water Resistance” claims if the sunscreen remains effective for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. The new testing techniques have resulted in a 40-minute designation for all of our sunscreen products.  

What's the difference between a sunscreen and a sunblock?

Under the new FDA final rule on the labeling and testing of sunscreen products the word "Sunblock" is no longer allowed. The FDA is trying to eliminate any confusion the public may have or sense of false security. However, the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in our bases literally block UV rays by acting like tiny mirrors on the skin reflecting, refracting and absorbing rays. Most chemical sunscreens have highly efficient absorption capabilities through the UVB, partly the UVA, and in some instances infrared wavelengths. Once the chemicals have absorbed their limit, the sunscreen ceases to be effective. (Absorption is the process in which light is "lost" when it falls on a material. The light is not actually lost, but is converted into some other energy, such as heat.)

Dr. Nicholas J. Lowe and Dr. Josia Friedlander, both from the Skin Research Foundation of California, said in their recent book Sunscreens: Development, Evaluation, and Regulatory Aspects: A new subclass of physical blockers, micronized reflecting powders, have more recently been made available from a variety of manufacturers. Unlike traditional physical blockers, micronized reflecting powders are less visible, yet provide broad-spectrum protection against UVR. These should prove useful in UVR-sensitive patients resistant to older physical blockers for cosmetic reasons. An additional benefit is that they do not cause photosensitization. Not all mineral powders have an SPF rating. If they do, the SPF rating must be specified on the label.

How much sunscreen must be applied to get the protection advertised? 

Much more than you think! At a recent conference of dermatologists, we learned that if you imagine your cupped hand mounded with shaving cream, that's the amount you must apply to achieve the SPF rating that the product claims. The FDA suggests: to get the maximum protection from your sunscreen, apply at least one large handful about 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or participating in any vigorous activity that causes heavy perspiration.

Which are the most damaging rays? 

UVB rays were once thought to be the culprits because they penetrate and affect the epidermis, but UVA rays are now known to be equally if not more damaging. According to Dr. Madhu A. Pathak at the Harvard Medical School; 'Many lines of evidence indicate that the primary biological actions of UVA radiation involve DNA damage'. UVB emissions from the sun undergo significant seasonal variations; the UVA emissions, however, do not appreciably change over the course of the year. The amount of solar UVA reaching the earth's surface is much greater than that of UVB. Also, UVA is transmitted by most window glass and many plastics that do not transmit UVB. Always check to make sure your sunscreen protects from UVB and UVA, but be aware that regardless of the advertising no sunscreen product screens out all UV rays. The best defense is to try to minimize your exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The effects of infrared rays (felt by the body as heat) are not fully known, but according to Drs. Lorraine and Albert Kligman from the University of Pennsylvania; 'They cannot be ignored in connection with photoaging'.

Is there such a thing as a safe tan?

No! A tan is a sign of injury. It is the body's attempt to increase sun protection after the skin is already permanently damaged by an overdose of ultraviolet radiation! 80% of the visible signs of aging are due to sun exposure. And that means all sun exposure, because radiation is cumulative. Walking to the mailbox, getting in your car, and sitting by the window all count! Unprotected exposure to the sun is like sitting in a time machine on fast-forward.

Didn't I hear that sunscreens aren't effective against melanoma?

No, Dr. Marianne Berwick only said that it is not safe to rely on sunscreens to prevent melanoma. This doesn't mean stop wearing them. Melanoma is now the 10th most common type of cancer in the U.S. The number of cases has risen dramatically, increasing to 42,000 a year. Most dermatologists feel that it takes over 20 years for melanoma to develop. Those with this cancer today had to have been exposed to the sun's damage two decades ago before effective sunscreens had been developed. Dr. Roger Ceilley, president of the American Academy of Dermatology states, 'The most effective, sun protection should begin in childhood and continue throughout life. Overwhelming evidence supports the beneficial effect of sunscreen usage, not only in preventing painful sunburn, but also in preventing photoaging and skin cancer, including melanoma. We believe it would be irresponsible to recommend that regular use of sunscreen be discontinued'.

Can sun damage be reversed? 

We are told that some of it can be if, and only if, the skin is always protected from the sun. The excellent skin care products on the market today can substantially aid the skin in reversing sun damage. But they do no good if they aren't combined with sun protection. Months of hard work can be undone in one morning working in the garden with no sunscreen, hat or gloves on.

What are some of the effects of sun exposure?

Lines, wrinkles and sagging are the direct result of sun damage to the underlying collagen and elastin fibers. Hyperpigmentation can be caused or exacerbated by sun irritation to the melanocytes, which in turn causes over-production of melanin, which is in fact the body's attempt to protect itself. Add in hypopigmented macules, telangiectasias and raised, roughed precancerous actinic keratoses and the result of tanning is not pretty.

How Much Is Your Face Worth?

"Why is it we have expensive shoes in the closet, designer clothes and expensive handbags, costly cell phones and we spend next to nothing on our skin? We only have one skin and one face."

I sat shocked at a recent event in Toronto. Ontario when I heard those  words and it resonated so much with me. I don't think anyone has ever said those words quite so compellingly. Custodio d'Avo. Swiss Line's International Marketing Director and spokesperson for the brand was speaking at the recent launch of Swiss Line's 25th anniversary celebration. Wouldn't you  know a man would have to say that! While listening to the presentation and looking around the room filled with fellow professional women I realized I might not be the only one guilty of this crime.

Not paying enough attention to my one and only skin should be an  important priority in fact. We all lead busy lives and I can give 100 excuses why I haven't been putting the right ingredients on my face and skin. But it is just that, excuses! So after the presentation I enjoyed a wonderful facial and while lying on the aesthetics table I vowed 1 would take better care of  my number one item.... my skin.

So the secret is simply this; feed your skin well look after it and it will in turn look and feel fantastic. A lesson learned and adhered to from now on!

This article is from Spa Life Magazine Author Mary Hughes

Natural Body Rejuvenation Therapies

Why Natural Body Therapies?

The skin is the largest organ of the body and plays a crucial role in the elimination of toxins. However, because of its physiology, the skin of the body is much more difficult to treat than that of the face. The outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum, is much thicker on the body, making it difficult for active ingredients in products to penetrate and assist in rejuvenation. In addition, the concentration of oil glands on the skin of the body is much smaller than on the face, causing it to dry easier and recover more slowly. Add in the fact that there is an abundance of surface area to treat with the skin of the body, so the idea of using the same products and treatments used on the face is certainly not cost-effective.

Dry Brush Exfoliation

Many body therapies begin with a dry brush exfoliation, which provides a vast array of benefits that assist in the skin’s natural detoxification process. Dry brush exfoliation stimulates blood and lymph flow, while removing dead skin cells to help strengthen your immune system and enhance the skin’s ability to remove toxins. In addition, dry brush exfoliation can reduce cellulite by helping to break up the toxic deposits of stored fatty tissues, stimulate the oil glands producing necessary oils to keep the skin healthy and finally, stimulate the creation of new skin cells to assist in an overall tightening and regeneration.

Mud Treatments

Mud treatments are some of the most effective body treatments for preventive aging and antioxidant protection of the skin. French red clay is found in the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona, and is rich in kalinite, illite, montmorillonitea and calcite, which cleanse, detoxify and exfoliate the skin, leaving it refreshed, toned and rejuvenated.  The use of the mud from the Dead Sea dates back to ancient times. The ancient use of this mud and its healing power are certainly anything but a myth, considering its high concentrations of magnesium, sodium, phosphates, bromides and other minerals that not only diminish the signs of aging, but also help alleviate acne skin conditions, as well. In addition, certain studies have shown that Dead Sea minerals can improve the quality of skin health for psoriasis clients.  The muds of the Dead Sea can also hydrate the skin, while reducing roughness and inflammation. Body wraps made from Dead Sea mud are used to nourish and detoxify the skin, and there are even claims that they can decrease stretch marks and cellulite. These wraps are some of the most popular body rejuvenating services in Israel and beyond. 

During a mud wrap treatment, skin care professionals apply a mud mask to the skin, and then wrap the area in a warm, moist bandage or linen. The compression of the mud against the skin allows the body to perspire; as the body begins to sweat, the mud then absorbs, and removes the toxins from the skin and underlying tissues, while allowing essential minerals contained in the mud to penetrate into the skin, leaving it tight, firm and rejuvenated.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is the first response of the immune system to infection or irritation. We are all familiar with the classic signs of inflammation (swelling, redness and pain) that occur when we hurt ourselves or have some kind of infection. However recent research has shown that eating the wrong foods can cause inflammation within our bodies. In fact being overweight can itself be the cause of inflammation.

Body fat causes inflammation

The fatty tissues of the body secrete hormones that regulate the immune system and inflammation, but in the case of an overweight individual this can become out of control. Three of the hormones that play a role in metabolism are leptin, resistin and adiponectin.

• Leptin is involved in appetite control.
• Resistin is a hormone that increases insulin resistance.
• Adiponectin lowers the blood sugar by making your body more insulin sensitive.

 The fact that it is the fatty tissue that produces these hormones makes the fat self regulating, as the hormones should act to bring the increased fat under control. Bodies with more fat will produce more leptin bringing the appetite under control. However in cases where the body is inflamed there is often a problem with leptin resistance, and the self regulation of fat does not occur. Leptin resistance is where to body stops responding to the appetite controlling effects of the hormone.

In addition to these metabolism regulating hormones your fatty tissue also produces chemicals that cause inflammation and this can make the problem of leptin resistance worse. This is why obesity can cause an increase of these inflammatory chemicals which in turn inhibit the correct balancing function of the weight controlling hormones. This results in a vicious circle of weight gain causing inflammation which inhibits hormone function thereby causing further weight gain.

Food and inflammation

Another major cause of inflammation in our bodies is the food we eat. Inflammation can be aggravated by diets high in refined or hydrogenated vegetable oils such as those found in margarines, potato chips and baked goods and by diets high in sugars. But food can also be part of the solution to the problem of inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory foods, if eaten regularly, can reduce inflammation in the body and bring the problem under control. This page contains a list of anti-inflammatory foods that if incorporated into your regular diet will help bring a balance to inflammation in your body. Try and feature some kind of anti-inflammatory food into every meal that you eat, and eliminate pro-inflammatory foods from your diet all together. People who have done this often describe noticable relief from previous discomforts and a greater ability to control their weight.

Please also remember that exercise is one of the greatest ways to counter inflammation.

 Best Anti Inflammatory Foods

• Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots
• Kale, Pumpkin, Spinach
• Sweet Potato, Swiss chard, Watercress
• Cod liver oil, Canola oil, Flaxseed oil, Hazelnut oil, Herring oil, Olive oil, Safflower oil, Salmon oil, Sardine oil, Sunflower oil
• Almonds, Brazil nuts, Cashew, Flaxseed, Hazelnuts 
• Filberts, Macadamia, Pecans
• Anchovy, Caviar black and red, Halibut Atlantic and Pacific, Herring, Mackerel, Mollusks, Oysters, Salmon, canned sockeye, drained solids with bone, Sardines Atlantic, canned in oil, drained solids with bones, Shad, American, Trout Rainbow, wild Tuna White, canned in water
• Cayenne pepper, Chili peppers, hot, red, raw, Curry powder, Garlic, raw, Ginger, ground, Onion, powder, Paprika, Parsley, raw, Turmeric, ground

The Top 9 Causes of Oily Skin

 1. Genetics. When oily skin runs in the family, chances are that every member will have larger sebaceous glands that produce excess oil. Any skin that’s genetically oily is more likely to include clogged pores and breakouts.

2. Overuse use of skin care products. In the quest for younger-looking, smoother, clearer skin, clients may overcleanse, overexfoliate, scrub with too much pressure or apply too much product.

3. Seasonal changes. A rise in heat and humidity during spring and summer can cause skin’s oil production levels to increase. In contrast, when the air becomes dry in winter, skin can get dehydrated, and excess oil may occur when it overcompensates for what’s missing.

4. Medications. Hormonal birth control and hormone replacement medications can cause an increase of oil production. Likewise, virtually any medication can cause dehydration and lead to a production of excess oil when skin overcompensates for the lack of oil.

5. Use of incorrect products. For example, if a client uses a cleanser for oily skin when she has combination skin, her skin will become over-stripped of the oil it needs. It will then produce even more oil in response to compensate.

6. Hormonal changes. In women, fluctuations of hormone androgens throughout life (i.e., pregnancy, peri- and pre-menopause) can kick sebaceous   glands into high gear.

7. Stress. In response to stress, the body produces more androgen hormones, which leads to more oil production.

8. Use of unnecessary skin care tools. Scrubbing with a wash cloth, or using a rotating cleansing brush, hand mitts, buff puffs and strips can not only irritate skin, but can dry out skin, causing it to overproduce oil to compensate.

9. Sun tanning. Tanning is BAD for reducing oil. In fact, although it may temporarily dry out the skin, it actually triggers an injury response, which causes the sebaceous glands to surge production of oil in order to protect the skin’s surface.

The Origin and Benefits of Tea!

According to legend, Shennong, the celebrated emperor of China, was outside drinking boiling water some 5000 years ago when leaves from a nearby tree fell into it. He sipped the coloured liquid and was so impressed with its flavour and restorative properties that he encouraged all his people to enjoy the drink. Today, tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, after water. Tea is not only far safer than straight-up H2O because it’s brewed with boiling water, it’s also healthy! Green tea, Oolong tea and black tea – sold as dried leaves and in teabags – all come from Camellia sinensis, an evergreen indigenous to Southeast Asia. The more oxidation the tea undergoes during processing, the darker, the more aromatic and the more caffeine-rich the tea becomes. The caffeine in tea, about 20 to 40 mg per serving, is much less than the 100 to 120 mg found in a cup of coffee. That small jolt may be enough to boost your exercise endurance and help you to lose weight. Moreover, green tea hydrates the body and provides catechins that may protect against infections, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Finnish and Japanese scientists have also discovered that tea drinkers are less likely to be depressed than non-tea drinkers.

Flowering tea is a collection of tea leaves and blossoms that are sewn together and shaped into a ball. When placed in boiling water, the contents open up, much like a blooming flower. Each flower has unique healing powers: jasmine refreshes the senses, lavender reduces tension and depression, and chrysanthemum lowers blood pressure, detoxifies the blood, clears congestion and cools the body. Herbal teas, or tisanes, are made by diffusing fresh or dried plants – other than Camellia sinensis – in boiling water to release their medicinal properties. St. John’s wort is widely made into an herbal tea to treat mild depression. Allspice, chamomile, peppermint and kava kava herbalteas are also mood-enhancing. A number of plants reputedly ease nausea, vomiting, indigestion, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation. These include dried peppermint, parsley and catnip. You can make your own infusions to treat gastrointestinal upset with ingredients found in your pantry: seeds – caraway, cardamom, dill, flax; spices – allspice and turmeric.

Simply mix one to two teaspoons of crushed seeds or powdered spices in boiling water and add a little honey, if desired. Do note that pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid herbal treatments. Some remedies, such as St. John’s wort, also interfere with prescription drugs, including anti-depressants and oral contraceptives. For millennia, the Chinese have used ginseng to rejuvenate and treat a wide range of ailments. Ginseng tea is made from the root of a plant with the botanical name panax, Greek for “cure all”, and is the origin of our word “panacea.” It is believed to help build up an appetite, aid digestion, reduce bad cholesterol and the effects of Crohn’s disease, and to cure diarrhea and stomach ulcers. South African rooibos tea, pronounced roy boss, comes from an Afrikaans word meaning “red bush.” This red herb is mixed with Indian chai spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, bay leaves, ginger, vanilla and cloves and is recommended for people suffering from insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Unlike other teas, rooibos tea contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and fluoride. It has no caffeine, making it calming to the nervous system. Low in tannins, rooibos tea does not interfere with the body’s absorption of iron and proteins. Applied topically, it soothes itchy skin. After introducing the Chinese to tea, Shennong became the father of Chinese medicine. He experimented with a number of herbs, found some to be poisonous, and used tea as an antidote. Scientists are now beginning to understand more about the healing powers of tea and herbal teas. Answers to some of our everyday health concerns are in the bag – a tea bag, that is!

Benefits of Massage Therapy

For many of us, it’s reserved as an occasional treat or a way to heal an injury. Now there’s evidence that massage therapy can help ease sore muscles and improve blood flow for people who are active as well as for those who do not exercise.

Researchers found those effects can last for more than 72 hours, and people with poor circulation or limited ability to move are among those who could benefit most. For the study they divided volunteers in three groups – two groups exercised – one didn’t. One of the exercising groups received massage and so did the group that did not exercise.

The people who got the massage after exercise had no soreness 90 minutes later. Those in the group that didn’t were sore 24 hours after they exercised.

But researchers say the big surprise was that people in the massage-only group, showed the same improvement in circulation as the exercise and massage group. And the participants’ blood flow was changed far away from the sore muscles suggesting that massage benefits are systemic and not confined to one specific area of the body.

The study is published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

What is Indian Head Massage?

Massage is the oldest form of medicine known to humans and has been practiced for thousands of years.  The art of Indian Head Massage originated from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine.  This Sanskrit word can be translated as the "science of life" or "knowledge of life".  The Ayurvedic approach to health is the balance of body, mind and spirit and the promotion of long life.

Indian Head Massage, also known as Champissage, is a form of relaxation massage that focuses on the face, head, neck, shoulders, upper back and upper arms which are important energy centers within the body.   It is very relaxing and has a balancing effect on the recipient as it helps them to release stress and tension creating a sense of peace and well being.  Because this form of massage is done over the clothing in a seated position it can be done anywhere and at any time, making easily available just about anywhere.

What are some of the benefits of Indian Head Massage?

• General Relaxation
• Improved blood circulation increasing oxygen supply to the brain
• Calms, revitalizes and uplifts the spirit
• Can create a more balanced state of being, and balancing of the Chakras
• Relaxes taut and uncomfortable muscles, eases stiffness, breaks down knots and nodules in muscle tissues
• Stimulates blood circulation and drains away accumulated toxins
• Increased joint mobility
• Improved lymphatic drainage which helps in the removal of waste products and toxins helping the immune system
• Can give your hair a healthy lustrous shine and improve skin condition
• Encourages deeper breathing and deep relaxation; very enjoyable and triggers the release of "feel good" chemicals called endorphins creating an almost euphoric sensation of contentment and happiness
• Promotion of hair growth
• Helps to dissipate mental tiredness, stress, depression resulting in greater mental alertness and concentration and clearer thinking

Skin Care: Then and Now—Exfoliation

As the leaves begin changing color and the weather starts to shift into the fall season, it is the perfect time for renewal ... and what better way to help treat your skin by giving it a fresh start.

Exfoliation is an essential part of maintaining healthy, beautiful skin for your clients. This is not a new concept: In fact, the ancient Egyptians used abrasive tapes made with alabaster, honey and sour milk to exfoliate, and then abraded the skin with finely ground sand to keep it silky smooth. Luckily for today’s professional skin care clients, the beauty industry has advanced by leaps and bounds when it comes to exfoliation.

The early days of exfoliation

There have been phenomenal advancements in exfoliation techniques even since the early days of professional skin care. When thinking back on the methods used in the 1970s to force the creation of new, healthy skin cells for clients, it becomes apparent that it has truly been a journey.

One of the main forms of exfoliation during that time was a method called gommage, which comes from the French word meaning “to erase.” This process involved applying an enzyme-based cream that would sit on the face for a few minutes until it dried and then the hardened cream would be rubbed away, just like an eraser. Although this was effective, much easier and less messy forms of exfoliation have come into play today.

With all the advancements that have been made to exfoliation methods, consumers can tend to be a little heavy-handed with at-home products. When it comes to exfoliation, think of your skin like an apple. An apple with skin looks plump and hydrated; however, when you peel it, it becomes brown and shriveled. This is why, when exfoliating, it is important not to overdo it—the skin is a protective barrier.

Peels

Glycolic peels, which come from fruit acid that occurs naturally in sugar cane, is a good recommended peel. This peel is known to penetrate the surface layers of the skin to loosen the dry, thick skin that makes the complexion look aged and dull. Skin will look absolutely beautiful with a very low risk of irritation. Another element that makes the newer and more advanced peels so great is how quickly they work. If your in a time crunch but still want a fantastic exfoliation, you can receive a chemical peel in about 30 minutes. With how fast-paced society has become, these treatments can be scheduled into any guests’ hectic schedule, and can be completed while they are on their lunch break.

A fantastic future

Although exfoliation treatments have greatly progressed, it is still always important to protect and hydrate the skin after the procedure. A wonderful, hydrating seaweed facial mask is a great treatment to perform after a peel, followed by an application of a daytime protection cream. An SPF is also very important to prevent further damage. And, of course, always remember that more advanced treatments do not mean the chance of over-exfoliation has disappeared, so peeling, redness, irritation and blistering—among other side effects—are still possible if performed too often.

By Skin Inc.

The Other Cause of Wrinkles: Sugar

Every year, the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology's World Congress plays host to some of the top skin experts in the world, with research presentations and exhibits highlighting some of the most cutting-edge dermatology research in the industry.

Most people think the main reason we get wrinkles is because of too much sun. That's why we stay out of it when we can ... wear sunblock when we go outside and never, ever go within fifteen feet of a tanning bed. So why are we still getting wrinkles?

Sugar. That's right … sugar causes wrinkles. And not just the kind of sugar you get from candy bars and soda. We're talking about a glass of wine, a bowl of pasta, a slice of bread … even excess protein, fruit and veggies eventually turn into sugar (glucose) in the body.

Research reveals that sugar ages your skin through a process called glycation.

The science behind glycation is a little complex, but Elle magazine explained it in a recent article titled Sugar and Aging: How to Fight Glycation as follows: "When you have sugar molecules in your system, they bombard the body's cells like a meteor shower—glomming onto fats and proteins in a process known as glycation. This forms advanced glycation end products (commonly shortened, appropriately, to AGEs), which cause protein fibers to become stiff and malformed … The proteins in skin most prone to glycation are the same ones that make a youthful complexion so plump and springy—collagen and elastin. When those proteins hook up with renegade sugars, they become discolored, weak and less supple; this shows up on the skin's surface as wrinkles, sagginess and a loss of radiance"

If that wasn't bad enough, grilling, frying, toasting and roasting foods all produce high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). So things like crusted breads, grilled chicken, coffee (the beans are roasted!), and even granola—a health-nut staple—is an AGE double whammy, since it has lots of sugar and it's toasted. "When you're younger," explains SanMedica International's Amy Heaton, MD, PhD, "your body is producing more collagen and can ward off much of the damage. However, by the time you reach your mid-30s a build-up of sun damage, environmental oxidative stress, hormonal changes, and the accumulation of AGEs begins to take its toll at the same time your ability to repair the damage declines … making your skin look… well, old."

While glycation can't be completely stopped (after all, we can't stop eating), there are a number of pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies that have been working on "glycation busters" that have the ability to break the glycation-related cross-linking that's already formed. One such "glycation buster" is a revolutionary new, topically applied compound called Theraglycan-3, from SanMedica International.

Three separate clinical trials were conducted to establish the efficacy of Theraglycan-3. In the studies, women used a Theraglycan-3 cream twice a day (a 2% day cream in the morning and a 4% concentrated night cream before bed). They applied the Theraglycan-3 cream to half their skin and a placebo cream to the other half for two months. The autofluorescence technology proved Theraglycan-3 significantly reduced AGEs in the skin equal to an 8–10 year age differential compared to the placebo side. But what's more, because of the way AGEs occur, Theraglycan-3 can actually reduce their occurrence by blocking surface glycotoxin formation, helping to shield the skin from future glyco-damage, as well.

Why is this important? This is the first time an anti-glycation compound has been tested to reduce actual AGE content in human skin and make it appear measurably younger... 8–10 years younger, to be exact. This new glycation-busting formula is in the top-secret product SanMedica revealed at its Scientific Summit this past weekend, and will be sold under the trade name GlyTerra-gL. GlyTerra-gL and its unique Theraglycan-3 compound have been proven to decrease the age-related effects of sugar damage, reduce the look of fine lines, deep wrinkles and crow's feet, improve the appearance of age spots, loose, droopy, flaccid skin.

Sunscreen - Then and Now

How much SPF is enough? Is a higher SPF better? What about UVA and UVB protection? These are only some of the questions consumers are asking. It is now known that UVB rays cause sunburns, but UVA rays are responsible for skin cancer and premature aging. So, it is important that you become aware of which products provide this broad-spectrum protection.

The SPF on a bottle of sunscreen is commonly referred to when shopping for sun protection, few people actually know what the number system means. The SPF of a sunscreen tells you two things: how long you can stay in the sun and how well the formula filters the sun’s rays. First, if you take the amount of minutes you can stay in the sun before turning pink and then multiply that number by the SPF rating, you get the amount of time you can spend in the sun using that sunscreen. For example, if you are normally able to stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning and the SPF of your sunscreen formula is 20, and it is applied correctly, your sunscreen will protect you for 200 minutes before your skin starts to burn. How well the formula filters the suns rays goes as follows.

• SPF 2 blocks about 50% of UVB rays.
• SPF 10 blocks about 85% of UVB rays.
• SPF 15 blocks about 95% of UVB rays.
• SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.

Above SPF 30, the increased percentage protection is minimal. Instead, there is a longer period of time before sunburn takes place. Regardless, experts do recommend you re-apply at least every two hours.

Waterproof terminology. The term “waterproof” will be a thing of the past. New terms to be used are “water-resistant” and “very water-resistant,” determined after testing. “Waterproof,” “sweatproof” and “sunblock” are history.

Sun safety claims. Sunscreens can no longer state that they are immediately effective or provide more than two hours of protection unless approved as such by the FDA.

Type. Wipes, towelettes, powders, body washes and shampoo containing sunscreen will not be eligible for the new labeling without individual product approval.

A remarkable transformation

From thick, red cream to transparent, all-natural mineral protection, sunscreen has been through a remarkable transformation in the past century. Better UV protection and healthier ingredients make the sunscreens of today not only more effective, but safer to use.

GENERAL REFERENCES
yourtrainer.com/fitness-guides/danger-chemical-based-sunscreens
www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-history-of-sunscreen.htm
heartspring.net/skin_care_skin_cancer_sunscreen.html
www.sunscreen.info/history
www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm258468.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunscreen

The Healthy Skin Diet

There's a biological connection between our bodies and the food we eat. So then, if we really are what we eat ... what should we be eating for healthy skin?

Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) work together to ensure a properly functioning epidermal barrier against environmental assaults, according to Claudia Aguirre, PhD, from the The International Dermal Institute. The skin’s typical ailments range from dehydration, dryness, photodamage, inflammation and aging. Many scientific studies support the role nutrition plays in these key areas.

Here are some tips on how to improve your skin: 

Dryness

A lack of either lipid content or water content means rough, flaky and vulnerable skin. A diet rich in essential fatty acids can help skin retain its organized brick-and-mortar model. Dietary fats are processed by the liver for delivery to skin and other tissues. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for skin function and can even modulate the skin’s inflammatory response.

Chronically dry skin, as in eczema, will benefit from a diet rich in EFAs from oils and whole foods. In particular, Omega-3 fatty acids can help protect skin from photodamage and photoaging, while Omega-6 can alleviate symptoms associated with skin sensitivity and inflammatory skin disorders.

Stock your grocery basket with:

• Wild-caught salmon

• Walnuts

• Evening Primrose Oil

• Borage Oil

Photodamage

As we know, the sun is a powerful star. Ultraviolet rays penetrate through clouds, windows and our own skin layers. UV rays deplete antioxidant levels in the skin, including ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). A diet rich in these antioxidant vitamins can be part of a well-rounded approach to limiting photodamage. An added bonus to vitamin C? It is also a necessary component of building collagen in the skin, which decreases with age and even more so with sun damage. Like many nutrients, some are even better when combined. Supplementing the diet with Vitamin C and E combined can increase the photoprotective effect of our skin better than with either of these alone.

Stock your grocery basket with:

• Bell peppers

• Broccoli

• Strawberries

• Wheat germ

• Avocados

Survey Shows Rosacea Inflicts Both Physical Discomfort and Visible Effects

The Definition of Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that is characterized by microcirculation problems that primarily affect the face, comprised of several symptoms that are related, such as couperose (dilation of facial blood vessels) and erythema (redness), to name a few. Extra-facial lesions on the neck and upper chest are not uncommon. The word "rosacea" comes from the Latin   rosacea, derived from rosaceus meaning “pinklike.”

Although symptoms may occur during the teenage years, most clients experience the onset of rosacea in their 30s, 40s or 50s, occurring more predominately in fair-skinned women. The very precise cause of rosacea is still a discussion, but research has shown that many concomitant factors are involved such as genetic predisposition; heredity (especially European/Celtic descent); vascular anatomical disorders and dysfunctions; vitamin deficiency; liver disease; stress-related causes; and more.

Discerning the Enigma

Rosacea clients are generally prone to “flushing and blushing,” mainly on the T-zone and cheeks. Flushing and blushing can occur either spontaneously or can be precipitated by certain   triggers that play a particular role in the development of this skin disorder. These triggers include:

• Emotional stress;
• Heat and/or abrupt temperature changes;
• Caffeine;
• Sunlight and repeated sunburning;
• Alcoholic beverages;
• Spicy foods and foods that contain histamine or cause the body to release histamine, such as tomatoes and pineapple; and
• Medications, such as steroids, are known to augment these symptoms.

Treating Rosacea

At the moment, there is no complete cure for rosacea, but it can be greatly improved with treatment and preventive measures to reduce symptoms. Early stages of the disease are characterized by minor cosmetic disabilities. Without proper attention, they can lead to severe disfigurement. The good news is that not everyone affected will develop every stage of the disease. It is imperative that control and action are taken to avoid further deterioration of the condition.

Aside from avoiding its triggers, rosacea demands skin care. Proper treatment of the skin is vital to improve the symptoms and enhance quality of life. There are many courses to   addressing rosacea from a medical standpoint, as well as from the esthetic/cosmetic approach.

For the skin care professional in the field of esthetics, there are ready-to-use alternatives to help combat the disease and satisfy clients’ demands. However, if medical attention is needed, the skin care specialist should work with the physician to provide a complete wellness solution that will achieve maximum results for the concerned individual.

In addition, another viable topical option to address skin redness is camouflage makeup (preferably the mineral type). Makeup should be hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, easy to apply, sweat-proof, and offer SPF protection. But even if makeup is not applied, conscious sun avoidance and a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen are highly recommended to preserve the skin’s well-being when staying outdoors for more than 15 minutes under   broad sunlight.

Survey Results

While the conspicuous red face and blemishes of rosacea can be embarrassing enough, they tell only part of the story as a new survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) shows that significant physical discomfort often accompanies the visible signs of this widespread disorder now estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans.

In the NRS survey of 1,709 rosacea patients, nearly 93% said they had experienced physical discomfort as a result of the disorder. A burning sensation was the most commonly cited, named by 76% of the respondents. Itching was reported by two-thirds of the patients, followed closely by stinging, mentioned by 61%.

“The physical pain of rosacea is often overshadowed by the changes in appearance and the emotional impact of the condition, but all aspects deserve to be addressed,” said Dr. Julie Harper, clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama. “Ideally, medical therapy combined with avoidance of individual triggers can help to bring about a remission of symptoms, which will reduce both the emotional and physical toll of the disorder.”

The cheeks were the most common site for rosacea-related discomfort, named by 85% of the respondents, followed by the nose, cited by 58%.  The eyes were another commonly affected site, mentioned by 45%, while the chin and forehead were reported by 42% each.  Other affected areas included the scalp, named by 21%; the neck, 18%; the ears, 15%; and behind the ears, 11%.

per Skinsource Inc.

HEALTH BENEFITS of MASSAGE - Studies Show

Research published in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (IJTMB ) found that older adults who receive massage therapy for up to six weeks could benefit from decreased blood pressure and improved stability. "This study suggests that regular massage therapy can produce several advantages for the older generation, including a relaxation affect for the entire body, lowering blood pressure, decreasing stress and improving balance, among other things," adds Cynthia Ribeiro.

Massage Therapy for Decreasing Stress in Cancer Patients

BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care has published research that indicates massage therapy can have a positive influence on the quality of life of people suffering serious illnesses such as brain cancer. The American Massage Therapy Association acknowledges these study results, which suggest that massage therapy can improve physical as well as emotional well-being in patients with late stage disease and when used in combination with standard care, massage can help reduce stress, anxiety, pain and fatigue.

BRINGING OUT THE BEST WITH BODY WRAPS

Body wraps have gained popularity in recent years as a way to quickly lose inches in all the right places however little attention has been paid to the use of body wraps as skin care treatments.

Exfoliation and Massage

Most body wrap services begin with exfoliation in order to make the skin ready for the next steps. Exfoliation is the process of mechanically or chemically removing dead skin cells that allows younger, fresher cells to come to the surface. These younger cells are better able to accept the nutrients delivered to them through cosmetics. Both mechanical and chemical exfoliation can also impart nutrients to the skin. Mechanical exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells with the aid of physical abrasives or scrubs that can include oils and ingredients that scrub while acting as conditioning agents. Chemical exfoliation uses alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids to loosen the bonds of older skin cells, which are then rinsed away.

Anti-aging Oils for Scrubs

Because of the effects of mechanical and chemical exfoliation, they make a great start to an anti-aging body wrap treatment. The effectiveness of anti-aging body scrubs can be ramped up by incorporating carrier oils with anti-aging properties. 

The body needs minerals for the proper structure and function of cells, and they are lost from the skin daily as a normal process and as a result of excessive sweating. Various cosmetic ingredients can supplement some mineral loss. Sea salt, for example, contains a significant amount of minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron.

Per Skin Source.com

Hand Skin Care Tips for Women's Hands

When it comes to running errands and shuttling kids to and from school and  various practices, moms often bear the brunt of carpooling—literally.

Dermatologists caution that in the process, moms may be getting unintentional  sun exposure that can lead to early signs of aging of the hands, such as dark brown age spots and loss of volume that results in thin, sunken skin.

“Women tend to forget about the hands when caring for their skin, but hands often can reveal a  person’s true age,” says Dee Anna Glaser, MD, FAAD.

While aging of the hands usually begins in the 40s or 50s with discoloration and  age spots, hands can begin to show signs of aging earlier if they are repeatedly  exposed to the sun without proper protection. By the 50s and 60s, people may  begin to lose volume in their hands making prominent veins and tendons more noticeable.  Moms with carpooling duty need to know that ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation can pass through window glass and penetrate the deepest layer of the skin. This  could lead to the types of sun damage that prematurely age the hands.

However, Glaser says women can preserve the appearance of their hands with proper sun protection, and dermatologists can treat aging hands with the latest aesthetic technologies. Here are some tips to keep in mind:  

Protect from Sun Exposure 

• Remember to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on the hands and reapply throughout the day, especially after frequent hand washing.
• Keep a tube of sunscreen in the car and apply before driving.
• Use a hand cream with added sunscreen to provide a base layer of protection to the  hands.
• Wear gloves when doing yard work or playing outdoor sports. Golfers should consider wearing a glove on each hand to cover the back of the hands.

SKIN ANALYSIS CONSULTATION

How Does Your Skin Look?

With the flick of a switch – you can see your skin’s true condition…

During your skin analysis consultation we will scan your facial skin, using our state-of-the-art Facial Skin Scanner with UV lite – and we will be able to see the true condition of your skin. The photo-negative like picture will resemble various conditions illuminated in various colors. If you are dealing with congested skin, dehydration, degeneration, oily patches, sun damage, blemishes etc., we will be able to see this and create a program tailored specifically to your needs and goals.

You Will Benefit From Your Visual Review Skin Analysis by:

• Experiencing a safe, thorough visual exam of your facial/neck skin
• Being able to personally see the results immediately
• Discussing the results with us as your see the visual review
• Eliminating the guess work as to your skin’s real condition
• Evaluating your needs – and participating in customizing a program to address your needs and goals…

Seeing is Believing…and You Will See…

How Does Visual Review Work?
Similar to an optical exam – facing the scanner, your head and neck will be draped to block out light. The scanner then utilizes UV light to illuminate your face and neck. The UV-A light passes through the first layer of skin and activates underlying areas in a process known as fluorescence. The fluorescent light from the underlying skin is emitted in the visible range and can be instantly viewed in the Skin Scanner’s magnified viewing port. Conditions such as dry skin, oily skin, acne, inflammation, sun damage, bacterial infections, and even good healthy skin are immediately identified.

We will be seeing your results simultaneously with you. After your visual review is completed, we can then go over your options with you and recommend the most effective treatment and products to correct skin damage or enhance your healthy skin’s condition.

In keeping with our mission and promise to make available the safest, most advanced options available today – we encourage and invite you to take advantage of our Skin Analysis Complimentary Consultation – you too will see the visual results – immediately!

 Per cpsmedspa.com