How to Successfully Lose Weight and Keep it Off

 How to make your New Year's resolution to lose weight work for you

As the year comes to its end, many people promise themselves to lose weight in the New Year, especially after they managed to gain some during the Holiday Season. This is a time of New Year Resolutions and we all are in a festive mood. The beginning of a New Year seems to be a perfect time to make a new start and introduce some important changes to one's life. Weight loss is an issue that is becoming acute for many people. According to the latest statistics

• 58 million people in the USA are overweight
• 40 million are obese
• 3 million morbidly obese
• 400,000 people (mostly males) weight more than 400 pounds
  
• the average weight of adult female in the USA is 163 pounds
• 80 per cent of people over 25 are overweight
• obesity among children and adolescents is on the rise
• there is 76 per cent increase in Type 2 diabetes in adults 30-40 years old

Obesity is a major risk factor for many diseases including cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.

As we age, our metabolism often slows dawn and it is more difficult to lose weight now than it was when we were in our twenties or thirties. It is important to understand these physiological changes and to adjust our nutrition accordingly. We need to supplement with digestive enzymes to help our system digest the foods we eat. We may have to add herbs and spices that will enhance our digestion and increase metabolism. We need to exercise more and eat less than we used to if we want to keep the weight off and stay fit. We may have to evaluate our emotional relationship with food and take an honest look at our own behavioral patterns. And we need to educate ourselves not only to understand our nutritional needs, but to understand what wrong foods can do to our bodies.

There are many reasons why people become overweight. Here are some:

• unhealthy diet
• overeating
• lack of exercise
• extreme stress
• emotional overeating
• genetic predisposition to obesity
• pre-diabetic state or Type 2 diabetes
• under active thyroid gland
• intestinal parasites
• candida infection
• food intolerance and allergies

Going on a radical diet may be necessary in some cases, however, I do not advocate any long term food deprivation or meal replacements. Initially you may be able to loose some weight with diet pills and drinks, but very often you will gain it back as soon as you revert to your regular daily food. Diet pills may be very appealing as they promise rapid weight loss with very little effort. They may, however, have serious side effects. One may become dependent on pills and lose the ability to properly absorb the nutrients.

If you want to lose weight permanently, you need to change your lifestyle, your relationship with food, and the way you perceive yourself. Changing behaviors that were formed over many years is not very easy and you may need support. Any drastic change is ineffective as it creates stress and resistance to change. Sooner or later you will sabotage your own resolution and return to your comfort zone where you can safely and comfortably indulge in foods that may be making you sick or overweight. The changes you need to implement must be gradual. And you will have to take them one step at the time. You should celebrate your progress and be careful not to add more stress to your life.

 Things to consider if you want to lose weight permanently

• Make a sincere decision to lose weight and commit yourself: explain why it is important for you to lose weight. Write down your reasons for weight loss and keep them in a visible place. This will help you to stay determined.
• Set a realistic goal: it is considered that a healthy way to lose weight is to lose about 2 pounds of fat a week. Taking this into consideration, calculate the weight you want to lose and the period of time you allot yourself to reach your goal. Be as precise as you can. It is not enough to tell yourself that you want to be slim by the time the winter is over. This is too vague. Instead, tell yourself that you want to lose 20 pounds by the 1st April. This is not only a realistic goal, but a way to devise a schedule. You can easily manage weight loss in small "chunks" and watch your progress.
• Create a journal: this is the best way to watch your progress and write down your emotions and observations. Make a food diary and write down what you eat and how you feel about it. As you try to stay on track, you may realize that it is not always easy to lose weight or to stick to the regimen that you designed for yourself. You may experience emotions that are difficult to handle and you may want to write about them. As your appearance changes, you may want to write about your experience.
• Make your decision public: tell your relatives and friends that you intend to lose weight and ask them for support. They will help you watch your progress. This in turn will help you stay committed and motivated on days when you feel like giving up.
• Join a support group: many people tried to lose weight more than once. Meeting and talking to people who have the same goal will help you stay resolved. People who try to lose extra pounds will understand your "struggle". Learning about their success stories will inspire you to succeed.
• Sign up for a gym or a yoga class. Commit yourself to some form of exercise: signing up for a gym or a yoga class will help you not only to lose some calories, but also to increase your overall fitness and cardiovascular health. If you did not exercise for a long time, you may want to start very slowly and you will need a coach who will see to it that you do not injure yourself.
• Learn about food: it is important to reduce your daily caloric intake. Learn what foods deliver empty calories and little nutrients. Learn what the body needs in order to function properly. Learn what are the best foods to deliver these nutrients. Understanding your nutritional needs will help you to chose foods that will support weight loss and a healthy weight in the future.
• Reward yourself: As you follow your regimen and lose weight gradually, you should celebrate your progress and reward yourself. Your rewards should not be related to food. You do not "deserve" a chocolate cake because you lost 5 pounds in two weeks. You must learn to break the pattern of emotional eating. Food is there to nourish your body and not to comfort you, even if some foods are perfect to make feel better in times of distress, for instance. Instead, give yourself an hour in a beauty salon, or an hour of a shiatsu massage. Celebrate with a weekend in a spa or give yourself a new gym outfit. Go for a walk or take another yoga class.

You are only one meal away from being a healthy eater

It takes some time to modify behavior. Your goal is to develop healthy eating habits and to move and exercise more. It is believed that it may take about 21-28 days to recondition and form a new habit. You have to reinforce your new behavior constantly and support it with a new set of beliefs about food and about yourself. Counting calories alone will not help you very much. Remember that you eat to nourish yourself. Choose your food accordingly. Your food must deliver energy, proteins, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, enzymes, and other nutrients that will help your body function properly and stay healthy. Add fruit and vegetable to your diet and eat them raw as often as you can. Choose fish and poultry over red meat and pork, olive oil over butter, whole grain over white bread, an apple over potato chips, frozen yogurt over ice cream. Reduce sugar and fat consumption. Learn about food to understand your dietary needs. Increase your physical activity. Chose to walk more often and spend some active time outdoors. Exercise does not only help you burn excess fat calories. It also works on cellular level. Increased physical activity improves insulin sensitivity. This in turn helps you lose weight gradually as the body is regaining its capability to utilize energy.

Healthy, balanced nutrition and sufficient physical activity are essential if you want to reduce your weight. However, if you objectively feel that even after implementing all these lifestyle changes you are not loosing any weight at all, you may be suffering from an under active thyroid or hormonal imbalance. Women with estrogen dominance have sluggish metabolism, suffer from bloating, and water retention. Another cause of weight gain are intestinal parasites, including candida. You may also have undetected intolerance to some foods that causes systemic inflammation in your body and consequently, weight gain. You may suffer from undetected Type 2 diabetes. Since you cannot determine the cause by yourself, you may have to consult your health care provider who will conduct some tests. It is very important to find out the reason for your weight gain and understand why it is difficult for you to lose weight. Unless you do, you will struggle unnecessarily from one diet to another without much success, but with a serious damage to your health.

You may also want to consult a certified health care provider before you set out on an exercise or a diet plan. Regular monitoring of your health may be necessary if you are very obese or have some health issues. A certified dietitian will help you to determine your metabolic type and your nutritional needs. He or she will devise a nutritional plan for you and help you with your shopping lists. This will take the uncertainty and the stress out of your daily routine. In short time you will be able to develop your own intuition and make your own judgments about the foods you should avoid. A gym or a yoga instructor will devise an exercise program and make sure that you do not injure yourself.

Nutritional supplements for effective weight loss

While you are gradually losing weight and your body is learning to utilize nutrients, you may want to support your weight loss program with natural supplements that will help you enhance your metabolism. Here some supplements you may want to consider:

• Digestive enzymes, especially Lipase, Amylase, and Protease to help digestion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) to help convert food into energy
  
• L-tyrosine to support the thyroid gland and enhance metabolism
• 5-HTP to restore serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin deficiency is associated with carbohydrate cravings.
• Chromium polynicotinate to improve the sugar and fat metabolism
  
• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) to help decrease body fat
• L-carnitine to assist in energy conversion and speed up metabolism
• CoQ 10 to assist in energy production
• 7-keto DHEA to increase metabolism
• Omega-3 hexane-free fish oil to maintain the production of hormones that are responsible for regulating major body functions, such as digestion, insulin production and the storage of fat in the body.
• Medium Chain Triglycerides (MTCS) to increase metabolism
• Thermogenic herbs such as Garcinia cambogia or green tea to boost metabolism
• Hoodia gordonii to suppress appetite
• Dietary fiber to help digestion and elimination
• L-glutamine to prevent muscle deterioration while on diet
• DMAE to enhance firmness of skin during weight loss

Two very important aspects of a successful weight loss are your determination and motivation to lose weight. If you think you will not be able to do it all by yourself or if you live in an unsupportive environment, you may have to look for a health coach, sign up for a supervised weight loss program, and join a support group. Having the certainty that there is someone who can help you in the moments of self-doubt will help you enormously to stay motivated. You may want to join an exercise group or a healthy-cooking class to get all the support you need. It may also be necessary to seek help from a certified psychotherapist who could help you understand your emotions and your relationship with food. You may even want to consider a hypnotherapy. But whatever you decide to do, promise yourself to make the next year the healthiest year of your life.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease. Remember to consult a certified health care practitioner before embarking on a weight loss program.


How to Successfully Lose Weight and Keep it Off by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a tropical perennial plant native to Southeast Asia that is also cultivated in West Africa and the Caribbean. The Latin name is derived from the Sanskrit word shringavera which means "horn shaped" and pertains to the horn-like protrusions on the rhizome.

 

History

For centuries rhizome of the ginger plant has been used as a spice in Asian cooking. Its healing properties did not go unnoticed in China and in India where ginger is used to this day to cure various ailments and health disorders. Ginger was described in the Classic of Herbs, a compilation by the Chinese around 3000 BC. Confucius (551 - 479 BC) praised its many benefits. The Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides (circa 40 - 90 AD) wrote about ginger's ability to soothe the stomach. Ginger was also valued by the Arabs and in the Ancient Roman Empire which imported it from Asia. The Romans introduced ginger to various parts of continental Europe and to Britain. The Vikings used it to prevent sea sickness.

Health benefits

Traditionally, ginger has been used to alleviate such health problems as nausea, infections of the upper respiratory tract, digestive disorders, and migraines and was even considered to be an effective aphrodisiac. Applied topically, ginger was used to cure rheumatism, arthritis, minor sprains, and burns.

Ginger contains powerful compounds such as shogaols, zingerone, and gingerols, that are potent antioxidants responsible for the remarkable healing properties of this spice. The rhizome is rich in protein, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin B6. The ginger rhizome has a firm, but striated texture and a characteristic pungent and hot taste. Its flesh is either white or yellow in color and is quite aromatic.

Modern scientific research confirmed the ancient knowledge making ginger one of the most versatile medicinal plants. Healing benefits include the ability to alleviate or cure following health issues:

• Gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach ache, indigestion, diarrhea, and dyspepsia - active compounds in ginger increase the production of bile, reduce inflammation, and help detoxify the digestive tract.
• Motion sickness and vertigo - various studies demonstrated that ginger is as effective as many over-the-counter drugs. The exact mechanism in not yet well understood, but it is believed that ginger increases stomach acidity balancing at the same time the pressure in the inner ear canal.
• Morning sickness during pregnancy - for thousands of years ginger has been safely used for morning sickness that accompanies pregnancy. Ginger has no side effects and does not cause any birth defects. Practitioners of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, however, advise to use ginger rather sparingly during pregnancy and only to treat the morning sickness.
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea - studies conducted on cancer patients demonstrated that those who drank high protein shakes infused with ginger reported fewer episodes of nausea after their chemotherapy treatments.
• Inflammation - the active compound in ginger called gingerol is characterized by a very strong anti-inflammatory activity. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies demonstrated that patients suffering from arthritis who took ginger over a longer period of time experienced less pain than those who did not. These patients also reported improved mobility.
• Cancer of the colon - in a study conducted at the University of Minnesota, gingerol exhibited a strong anti-tumor activity. It inhibits the action of a protein involved in the genesis of the cancer cells in the colon, thus preventing the growth of tumors.
• Ovarian cancer - gingerol has the remarkable ability to kill ovarian cancer cells. It induces apoptosis or a programmed cell death of these cells, as well as their self-digestion or autophagocythosis. The studies conducted at the University of Michigan also demonstrated that the ovarian cancer cells do not become resistant to ginger.
• Weak immune system - ginger stimulates thymus gland and increases body's own ability to fight infections. It also has anti-microbial, anti-candida, and anti-parasitic properties.
• Common cold and flu - ginger reduces inflammation, eases congestion, and induces sweating, which helps speed up recovery from infections.
• Pathological blood clotting - studies conducted in Denmark and at the Cornell University demonstrated that ginger is a very potent anticoagulant and is, therefore, valuable in preventing cardiovascular disease. The active compound gingerol has a chemical structure that resembles that of aspirin. 
• Elevated cholesterol - taken therapeutically over a longer periods of time, ginger has the capacity to lower the "bad" cholesterol and reverse the damage caused by diet high in fat, thus reducing the chance of stroke.

Dosage

There is no established daily dose of ginger. The suggested dose is 150 mg of full spectrum ginger extract taken three times a day.

Ginger can also be taken in the form of tea or added to freshly made fruit and vegetable juices and, of course, added to many Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes.

A powdered, dried ginger can be used to make a detoxifying, hot bath. Essential oil of ginger may be used topically as analgesic.

When buying ginger, fresh rhizome should be chosen over the dried one. Fresh ginger not only has a better aroma and taste, but it also contains higher levels of the active compound gingerol.

Caution

Like any other plant, ginger may cause allergic reactions. A caution is also advised for those who suffer from gall bladder disease as ginger increases the production of bile. As mentioned before, ginger has blood thinning properties. A caution is advised for those who take blood thinning medication.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

Health Benefits of Ginger by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://helpyourselftohealth.blogspot.com/.

What to Do If You Contract Influenza

Most articles about the flu tell us how to prevent or avoid an infection, but there is very little information on what to do when we actually get infected. Common sense tells us that we ought to see a doctor and most of us heard about Tamiflu®. This article describes the flu symptoms and suggests a few simple steps to ease the discomfort of infection.

Every year tens of thousands of people die from the influenza infection. Most victims are either very young, or very old. People with compromised immune system also succumb to the disease. Currently two strains of influenza are circulating in the United States - the seasonal flu and the H1N1 also called the swine flu. A third, highly lethal H5N1 influenza, also known as the bird flu, is being closely monitored in Asia.

Flu symptoms

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection affecting the respiratory tract - the nose, throat, and the bronchial tubes. The symptoms can range from mild to deadly and include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• nasal congestion or running nose
• headache
• overall body ache
• chills
• fatigue
• in some cases diarrhea and vomiting - symptoms that may be severe if it is a swine flu virus infection

These symptoms may also occur with the common cold which, although as uncomfortable as the flu, is much less threatening. A person infected with the flu virus may experience a combination of these symptoms. Not everyone who has the flu will develop fever. The flu symptoms may get worse at night and disrupt the normal sleep pattern. The symptoms usually persist for about two weeks and most people recover without complications.Some people, however, may develop very serious and life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia.

The incubation period takes two to five days. It spreads very fast in the body of an infected person until the person starts to experience the symptoms. An infected person can pass the flu to others as early as one day before he or she developed the symptoms and up to seven days after the outbreak of disease. Children and people with suppressed immune function remain contagious for a much longer period of time. Because influenza is highly contagious, an infected person has to take special measures to prevent infection of others.

When you start experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, stay home and do not get tempted to go to work. On the one hand, your coworkers will be very grateful for not infecting them as well, on the other, you will have time to rest and recuperate. Your immune system has been weakened by the infection and needs all your support right now. Rest as much as you possibly can and cut all the sugar from your diet.

  

Antivirals

• To eradicate the virus from your body you have to act immediately as soon as you experience your symptoms. This is the time when it is still possible to stop the virus from spreading in your body. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu® and Relenza® are usually very effective within 24-48 hours from contracting the infection and must be taken in high doses. Tamiflu® helps reduce the severity and the duration of your infection. The advised dose of Tamiflu® is 75 mg twice a day for five consecutive days. In cases of the swine flu infection, the dose should be doubled. In many cases these medications may remain ineffective. 

Natural remedies

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) a popular herb, sometimes underestimated, can bring a great relief to an infected person.The blossoms contain high amounts of healing essential oils and have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic properties. Chamomile can be drunk as an infusion or used for inhalations to ease respiratory problems during the infection. The chamomile infusion may also help with the gastrointestinal problems during the infection.
• Olive leaf extract (Olea europaea) or Oleuropein, contains a compound called calcium elenolate which is a natural antibiotic. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that this compound is lethal to all viruses, including the influenza virus, as well as other microbes it was tested against. Olive leaf extract inhibits the replication of viruses and helps to shorten the duration of flu. It also enhances the activity of the immune system. The suggested dose is 500 mg twice daily at the onset of flu symptoms.
• Andrographis (Andrographis pinaculata), a herb native to Asia, helps to reduce the severity of flu symptoms and the duration of illness. Studies have shown that this herb has antiviral, antipyretic, and analgesic properties. Moreover, it is a powerful immune system stimulator. The suggested dosage is 400-500 mg of dried extract containing 6-10 percent andrographolides, three times a day to be taken within 48 hours after the first sign of the flu symptoms. Andrographis can be taken alone or in combination with Eleuthero root (Siberian ginseng).
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a long tradition as a remedy for cough and the common cold. Recent research demonstrated that an active compound called Antivirin has the capacity to prevent the flu virus from invading the membranes of healthy cells. The elderberry extract was clinically proven to reduce the flu symptoms and to speed recovery. It also stimulates the immune system. Suggested dose is 500 mg a day. Elderberry can be also drunk as a syrup.
• Linden flower tea also known as Lime flower tea (Tilia americana) is an effective herbal remedy. The blossoms are used as infusion to reduce fever and induce sweating. Pour a cup of boiling water over a table spoon of dried blossoms. Cover your cup and steep it for 10 minutes. You may want to use raw manuka honey to sweeten your tea. Because the tea induces sweating, it is suggested to dress warmly and stay in bed.
• Oscillococcinum is a time-tested homeopathic remedy that helps reduce the severity of the flu symptoms and the duration of disease. It works very fast and does not cause any side effects. For best efficacy, Oscillococcinum should be taken as soon as symptoms of infection are experienced. It comes in prepared doses. The suggested dose is to take the entire dose every six hours between the meals.
• Zinc is a mineral that assists the body in the formation of a strong immune system. When taken right at the onset of symptoms it can shorten the duration of infection and minimize the severity of the symptoms. Zinc should be taken in a form of Zinc gluconate or glycinate together with its co-factors Vitamin C and amino acid Histidine. The suggested dose is 15 mg twice a day with up to 1000 mg Vitamin C and 500 mg Histidin.
• Acerola berry extract is a natural source of vitamin C that your body needs to fight off the infection. Acerola berry contains whole spectrum vitamin C with its co-factors the bioflavonoids.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms you will have to take a break from your daily routine. Get enough rest, drink plenty of water, and change your diet to a lighter, easily digestible fare. Nutritious chicken soup works miracles. It has been used as comfort food for colds and flu all over the world for centuries. 

As mentioned before, the flu symptoms may disturb your sleep pattern. Sleep is essential as during the night our immune system restores itself. A calming infusion made with chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root, drunk about 30 minutes before bed may help you unwind to a restful night sleep. Liquid, sublingual melatonin will help you sleep as well. Moreover, it also provides support for your immune system. 

Use nasal spray and sore throat lozenges made of Icelandic moss, propolis, or manuka honey, to ease your symptoms before you retire for the day. You may want to use a humidifier in your bedroom. 

Contact your health care provider when:

• your fever lasts longer than three days
• your symptoms persist for more than ten days in spite of all the medication and rest your are taking
• when you develop new symptoms such as pain in your chest, disorientation, high fever, difficult breathing

Your physician will have to conduct tests to determine the virus that is causing the symptoms and make sure that you did not develop a pneumonia.

A strong immune system is the best way to avoid infections. There are some very effective immune system boosting strategies you may want to apply in the future. A healthy diet, moderate exercise, stress control, and adequate sleep are necessary if you want to stay infection free during the next flu season. Right now, I can only wish you a quick recovery.

By Dominique Allmon

This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.


What to Do if You Contract Influenza by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Lose Weight With Wild African Mango

Obesity is a major risk factor for many diseases including cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. For many people weight loss has become a necessity. Losing weight, however, proves very difficult at times.

As we age, our metabolism often slows down and it is more difficult to lose weight now than it was when we were in our twenties or thirties. It is important to understand these physiological changes and to adjust our nutrition accordingly. Some people, however, may became either glucose or leptin resistant and need more than a simple adjustment of their nutrition.

There are many products on the market making spectacular claims about weight loss. Some of them have excellent results, while others bring disappointment and may even cause damage to health. Information about weight loss products and dieting is confusing at times and may discourage those who want to lose weight from taking any action at all, especially if they have tried to lose weight before and did not succeed.

A serious research is being conducted all around the world since obesity is becoming an acute problem in many countries. Plants that have been used for weight loss in many traditional cultures are now investigated in controlled laboratory settings. The results are very promising and give hope to countless people struggling with health challenges related to the excess weight they are carrying around.

One such plant is the wild African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) also known as the bush mango or ogbono. Research shows that Irvingia extract  can help overweight individuals shed their unwanted pounds. In addition, this extract can help lower the levels of bad cholesterol.

The bush mango is native to West Africa and grows mostly in Southern Nigeria and Cameroon. The tree produces small fruits that look like mangoes, hence the name. The flesh of these fruits is sweet and juicy, but the natives also utilize their seeds. Just like other nuts and seeds, African mango seeds are high in fat. The oil can be extracted and is used for cooking and in soap making, but more often, the nuts are dried, crashed or ground to a fine flour that is used in local cuisine to thicken soups and stews or to bake a cake called "dika bread". The flour is high in carbohydrates, calcium, iron, proteins, and fiber.

Studies show that the wild mango extract can produce considerable weight loss by inhibiting calorie absorption and storage. The extract exerts potent anti-diabetic effect. It normalizes blood sugar and increases the activity of enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism. Further, the extract also lowers the levels of "bad" cholesterol, at the same time increasing the levels of beneficial cholesterol in the body. Wild mango extract is also capable of inhibiting the enzyme amylase which is responsible for breaking up the starches into sugar. In this way irvingia extract is useful for dieters who wish to restrict their total carbohydrate exposure. In addition to blocking amylase, the extract acts directly on fat cells in the body. it helps reduce the lipid formation and storage.

What is leptin?

Leptin is a fat-burning and appetite-suppressing hormone. It modulates appetite by sending signals to our brains when we have consumed enough calories. It also enhances the body's ability to utilize fat deposits as energy source.

As we age our cells may become leptin resistant and this hormone loses its ability to regulate body weight. The more overweight we are, the more leptin circulates in the body in attempt to inform the brain that there are enough fat cells in the body and that our food intake is adequate. But because these fat cells are constantly infused with leptin, they lose their sensitivity to this hormone. We develop leptin resistance, or the inability to respond to the satiety signals, and as a consequence are unable to lose belly fat or to maintain optimal weight. This condition is paired with insulin resistance and we develop so called metabolic syndrome.

Seed extract of the wild African mango shows a great promise in correcting leptin resistance. It enhances the breakdown of fat in fat cells and signals the brain to turn on the satiety message. The extract also shows the ability to increase insulin sensitivity and to inhibit amylase - a digestive enzyme responsible for carbohydrate digestion. People who participated in 10-week studies not only lost some weight, but also showed improved blood levels of total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and the C-reactive protein.

Dosage

The suggested daily dose of wild African mango seed extract is 150mg taken twice a day approximately 30 minutes before meals. It is best to take the extract before breakfast and before lunch.

The extract is fairly safe and it is often mixed with such nutrients zinc, chromium, caffeine, and green tea extract. The extract will not work for overweight people who consume more calories than they can actually utilize. One cannot irresponsibly overeat and expect to lose weight with pills and potions. No pill can substitute a healthy diet and exercise. And no pill can take away our responsibility for the choices we make.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

Lose Weigh With Wild African Mango by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

How to Prepare Your Immune System for the Winter

Foods and supplements to boost immune system

For those of us living in the northern latitudes winter may be a very challenging season. With lower outside temperatures we may experience colds and flu as well as other unpleasant illnesses and symptoms.

There is, however, a way to protect yourself from infections. You simply have to boost your immune system and implement a few simple strategies that will help you stay fit and healthy during the winter months.

By preparing your immune system for winter and strengthening your immune response, you will be able to pass through the cold season without an infection and if you catch a cold, your symptoms will be less severe and you will recover much faster.

Our immune system acts like a protective shield that thwarts harmful pathogens from attacking your organism. In contact with pathogens a series of reactions are taking place within your body. Cells, organs and tissues of your immune system are mobilized to disable the pathogens. The symptoms you may experience (fever, for instance), although very unpleasant, are the signs of a well functioning immune system. Using medication to suppress these symptoms will only weaken your immune system. Instead, you should support your immune system with herbs and natural remedies, get enough rest, and let your body recover from infection all by yourself. You may want to take natural supplements to ease your symptoms, but as the common wisdom goes, it takes a week to cure the cold with drugs, but only seven days to recover without them.

In order for your immune system to function properly, you need to support it with proper nutrition, nutritional supplements and herbs. It is important that you eat more fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic) that are rich in vitamins, esp. vitamin C, and minerals, esp. zinc. Zinc may be the most important micro nutrient for your immune system. It is needed for the stimulation of the white blood cells that are important elements of your defense system. People who are deficient in zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc works in synergy with vitamin C and in order to be effective in your body it must be taken with its co-factor amino acid Histidine. Taken alone, zinc may be ineffective as the foods you eat interfere with its absorption, especially when you are a vegetarian. The recommended dose is 15 mg per day with up to 1000 mg vitamin C and 100-500 mg Histidine. The other important vitamin for the immune system is the vitamin D3 which works in the body as a potent antibiotic. Vitamin D3 helps the body to increase the production of body's own antimicrobial peptides. The body uses these peptides to destroy pathogenic organisms, including the influenza virus. The suggested dose is 2,000 IU. Another very effective supplement is the polysaccharide beta glucan. The insoluble beta glucans 1,3 and 1,6 derived from medicinal mushrooms and from yeast are very effective immune system modulators and do not overstimulate the immune system. There is no established daily dose of beta glucan, but manufacturers suggest 500-1,000 mg as an effective dose for the enhancement of the immune system.

The Nature supplied us with very effective herbs and power foods that have the ability to boost the immune system and help us stay healthy during winter. They have unique immune enhancing properties and can be used in many different situations to support our overall immune response. They are time tested in many cultures and can be purchased in form of capsules, teas or tinctures in any health food store or pharmacy. Some can simply be used as foods and may be used to enhance your winter cooking.

Here is a list of my favorite winter remedies. You may already know most of them. Or maybe you wish to try something new this winter:

• andrographis
• astragalus
• chamomile
• colostrum
• eleutherococus
• elderberry
• echinacea purpura
• garlic
• onions
• ginger
• hot peppers
• honey
• propolis
• royal jelly
• rose hips
• lime flowers
• medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, maitake and shiitake
• essential oils of cinnamon, thyme, mint and lavender

The list does not end here. These are, however, the best known and most widely used and time tested winter remedies. Some of them are to be taken as tinctures or infusions, as pills or capsules, others are simply added to your daily meals, or used in aromatherapy and for inhalations to clear the sinus congestion. They all have strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and are known to activate and support the immune system. Chose the ones you feel comfortable with and take them systematically to build up your immune system.

If you catch your first cold, remember to never ever take antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria not viruses, but common cold and flu are caused by viruses that are unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. There are about 200 different viruses that cause the flu symptoms!

Antibiotics will only weaken your immune system as they destroy the flora in the small intestine which is the seat of the immune system in the body. You will only end up in a vicious cycle. Instead, take a concentrated action to boost the activity of your immune system. Do not wait for the symptoms to fully develop to a flu. Take time to heal your infection, rest and relax as much as you can. Sleep is vital as our immune system recovers during the night.

In addition you may want to implement some lifestyle changes during the winter:

• Wash your hands as often as you can, especially when you come home from work.
• Avoid sick people.
• Dress up for winter - keep you body warm, especially your hands and feet.
• Keep your blood circulating! The idea of taking alternate warm and cold showers in the morning may sound outrageous, but you will soon notice that your body feels warm even in the coldest weather. Use ginger and hot peppers to spice your meals and drink spiced chai instead of ice tea.
• Reduce the consumption of mucus producing foods such as diary and white bread.
• Exercise moderately and spend some time outside.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Supplement with best possible immune supporting products.
• Take high quality multivitamin and bio-available minerals formula.
• Rest, relax and pamper yourself.
• Get enough sleep. Remember that your immune system recovers during the night.
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption, and if you smoke, stop smoking as this habit deprives your body of the vitamin C which is so important to your immune system.
• Take precautions not to pass your infection on to others.

Preparing your immune system for winter and implementing a few simple strategies will help you enjoy the beauty of this season and pass through it without infection.

Take time to relax and contemplate the changes in nature. And no matter how cold and dark it may be outside, always let the sun shine from the inside out.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

How to Prepare Your Immune System for the Winter by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Health Benefits of Beets

The beet (Beta vulgaris) is a herbaceous biennial plant in the Amarathaceae-Chenopodiaceae family that is best known in its numerous cultivated varieties, of which the beetroot, or the garden beet, is the most popular.

Medicinal use of beets dates back to Ancient Rome where the bulbous roots and the leaves were used to cure variety of ailments that included fever, constipation, blood conditions and law libido.

The roots come in a variety of colors that can range from deep purple to golden yellow and white. The roots are round or oblong and are attached to purple-green leaves that are rich in vitamins, minerals  and carotenoids and can also be eaten.

Health benefits of beets:

• anti-aging
• hormonal rejuvenation
• antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• detoxification and liver support
• digestion support
• cancer prevention
• great source of energy

Beets are a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains. Betanin (which is a betacyanin pigment) and vulgaxanthin (a betaxanthin) are two best-studied betalains from beets, and both have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also support the body's own detoxification processes. Although these betalain pigments are also present in such foods as the stems of chard or rhubarb, concentration of betalains in the peel and flesh of beets is the highest.

Beets are an excellent source of folic acid and a very good source of manganese, potassium, magnesium, copper and iron. They also contain high levels of boron which is responsible for optimal levels of sex hormones in the body.

Raw beets are rich in vitamin C, B1, B3, B5, and B6. They are a great source of dietary fiber. 

Betain present in beets helps lower homocysteine levels in the blood and reduce inflammation. High levels of homocystiene are responsible for the development of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular diseases.

The leaves are rich in carotenoids, flavonoids  and vitamins A and K, and can be eaten raw or cooked. 

Researchers found that the combination of phytonutrients in beets may help prevent a number of cancers including breast, prostate, and colon cancers. They also support healthy vision and overall health of the nerve cells. With an ORAC value of 800 they are fairly good antioxidants.

Although high in sugar, beets do not cause sugar spikes. They have a very low glycemic index which means that the sugar is released very slowly into the blood stream.

Beets are perfect for people who wish to lose weight. They are low in calories and almost fat free. High in fiber, vitamins and minerals, they provide optimal health support. They can be eaten raw, cooked, grilled or marinated.

By Dominique Allmon ©2012

A word of caution

Beets and, especially, the beet leaves, contain oxalic acid that has been implicated in the formation of kidney stones. Oxalates also interfere with the absorption of calcium within the body. 

Individuals with a kidney stones history should eat beets in moderation or avoid them completely.

*ORAC - Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity is a method of measuring antioxidant capacities in biological samples in vitro.

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

There's no proven prostate cancer prevention strategy. But you may reduce your risk of prostate cancer by making healthy choices, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet.

By Mayo Clinic

If you're concerned about your risk of prostate cancer, you may be interested in prostate cancer prevention. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men. You may have friends or family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and this may make you wonder about what you can do for prostate cancer prevention. 

There's no sure way to prevent prostate cancer. Study results often conflict with each other, and no clear ways to prevent prostate cancer have emerged. In general, doctors recommend that men with an average risk of prostate cancer make choices that benefit their overall health if they're interested in prostate cancer prevention. 

Choose a healthy diet  

There is some evidence that choosing a healthy diet that's low in fat and full of fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of prostate cancer, though study results haven't always agreed. If you want to reduce your risk of prostate cancer, consider trying to:

• Choose a low-fat diet. Foods that contain fats include meats, nuts, oils and dairy products, such as milk and cheese. In studies, men who ate the highest amount of fat each day had an increased risk of prostate cancer. While this association doesn't prove that excess fat causes prostate cancer, reducing the amount of fat you eat each day has other proven benefits, such as helping you control your weight and helping your heart. To reduce the amount of fat you eat each day, limit fatty foods or choose low-fat varieties. For instance, reduce the amount of fat you add to foods when cooking, select leaner cuts of meat and choose low-fat or reduced-fat dairy products.
• Eat more fat from plants than from animals. In studies that looked at fat and prostate cancer risk, fats from animals were most likely to be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Animal products that contain fats include meat, lard and butter. When possible, use plant-based fats in place of animal fats. For instance, cook with olive oil rather than butter. Sprinkle nuts or seeds on your salad rather than cheese.
• Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat each day. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and nutrients that are thought to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, though research hasn't proved that any particular nutrient is guaranteed to reduce your risk. Eating more fruits and vegetables also tends to make you have less room for other foods, such as high-fat foods. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat each day by adding an additional serving of a fruit or vegetable to each meal. Eat fruits and vegetables for snacks.
• Eat fish. Fatty fish - such as salmon, sardines, tuna and trout - contain a fatty acid called omega-3 that has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. If you don't currently eat fish, try adding it to your diet.
• Reduce the amount of dairy products you eat each day. In studies, men who ate the most dairy products - such as milk, cheese and yogurt - each day had the highest risk of prostate cancer. But study results have been mixed, and the risk associated with dairy products is thought to be small.
• Drink green tea. Studies of men who drink green tea or take green tea extract as a supplement have found a reduced risk of prostate cancer. If you like to drink tea, consider choosing green tea.
• Try adding soy to your diet. Diets that include tofu - a product made from soy beans - have been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. It's thought that the benefit of soy comes from a specific nutrient called isoflavones. Other sources of isoflavones include kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils and peanuts.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than a drink or two each day. There's no clear evidence that drinking alcohol can affect your risk of prostate cancer, but one study found men who drank several drinks each day over many years had an increased risk.

Maintain a healthy weight

Men with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. Being obese increases your risk of prostate cancer. If you are overweight or obese, work to lose weight. You can do this by reducing the number of calories you eat each day and increasing the amount of exercise you do. 

If you have a healthy weight, work to maintain it by exercising most days of the week and choosing a healthy diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 

Exercise most days of the week

Studies of exercise and prostate cancer risk have mostly shown that men who exercise may have a reduced risk of prostate cancer. But not all studies have agreed. Exercise has many other health benefits and may reduce your risk of heart disease and other cancers. Exercise can help you maintain your weight, or it can help you lose weight. 

If you don't already exercise, make an appointment with your doctor to ensure it's OK for you to get started. When you begin exercising, go slowly. Add physical activity to your day by parking your car farther away from where you're going, and try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. 

Talk to your doctor about your risk

Some men have an increased risk of prostate cancer. For those with a very high risk of prostate cancer, there may be other options for risk reduction, such as medications. If you think you have a high risk of prostate cancer, discuss it with your doctor.

Article source here

For more information please visit Prostate Cancer Foundation and the National Cancer Institute

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

It's Hot Out There! - Your Body Needs Water

We are in the middle of a wonderfully hot summer. When temperatures soar, you are more likely to experience thirst. The only beverage that your body needs is WATER.

The human body is composed of about 75 percent water. The remaining 25 percent are solid matter. Water regulates body temperature, lubricates the skin and the joints. It delivers nutrients and oxygen to your cells, removes and transports the waste products out of your body.

We lose water through urination, respiration and transpiration. Also the consumption of alcohol as well as drinks containing caffeine, like sodas, coffee and black tea for instance, causes the loss of water. If you do not replenish the lost water, you will start to experience the first signs of dehydration that go beyond thirst like headache, pain in muscles and joints, lower back pain, exhaustion, and body odor. Your urine will turn dark and have a strong odor. 

The lack of water leads to a chronic dehydration which is a root cause of many degenerative diseases. You can, however, prevent and reverse dehydration simply by increasing your daily intake of water. The amount of water you need to drink depends on your lifestyle and the work you are performing. If you are more physically active and sweat more, you will need more water to replenish what you have lost.

To calculate the amount of water your body needs, take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That should give you the number of ounces of water that you need to drink daily. For example, your weight is 150 pounds. Divide 150 by 2. You will get 75 or slightly more than a gallon, which is approximately the number of ounces of water your body needs. Increase this amount if you are working out, jogging, or performing other physically demanding task. Replenish your water if you regularly drink coffee and sodas. 

The quality of water you drink is very important as well. Filtered, ionized water is most beneficial. A low sodium bottled mineral water with high mineral content is a good alternative if you do not own a water filter or a water ionizer, or are on the go.

Approximately 20 percent of the water your body needs comes from many foods that you eat. Fruit and vegetable have a very high water content. Make sure that you include enough of them in your diet as they also deliver the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly.

Dehydration can have devastating effects on your body. However, the damage can be reversed. Simply by drinking more water you can eliminate pain, hypertension, digestive disorders. You can lose weight and rejuvenate your skin and joints.

Hydrate! Remember to drink before you feel thirsty.

Help yourself to a better health. Today!

By Dominique Allmon

It's Hot Out There - Your Body Needs Water by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

Dying To Look Good?

The Disturbing Truth About What's Really in Your Cosmetics, Toiletries and Personal Care Products

By Christine Farlow, D.C.

"When scientists sampled Andrea Martin's blood and urine to see what toxins she'd picked up from the world around her, she got a surprise. 'I had 95 chemical contaminants in my little body. And it was very mind blowing,' said Martin. The test results indicate that we all pick up tiny amounts of an astounding number of chemicals that are known to be dangerous in larger doses. Martin and eight others were tested by Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York and an advocacy organization called the Environmental Working Group. On average, the nine participants had traces of 53 chemicals known to cause cancer in human or animal tests. In addition, they had an average of 62 chemicals toxic to the brain or nervous system, plus 55 associated with birth defects."

There are toxic chemicals in almost every shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, styling gel, hair dye and perm. There are chemicals in our soaps, lotions, deodorants, perfumes, shaving creams and aftershaves. We use toothpaste and mouthwashes filled with chemicals and dyes. We take our clothes to the “dry” cleaners where they are immersed in a poisonous chlorine-based solvent called percholoroethylene or “perc”, which is carcinogenic and linked to chronic kidney, liver and gastrointestinal problems and reproductive disorders.

Toxic chemicals in personal-care products don’t just stay on our skin and in our hair. They literally get stuck in our bodies- in our tissues, our fat cells, our organs and in our brains. Have you noticed the latest craze in pharmaceuticals? The patch. There’s an epidermal patch for everything, from quitting smoking to birth control. Patches work as a delivery system because 60 % to 80% of what comes in contact with your skin enters your bloodstream and will circulate throughout your body within one minute. The more dilute the chemical the more available it is. Three researchers with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering in Boston concluded that greater amounts of chemical toxins could be delivered through bathing, due to skin absorption, than if they had actually been taken by mouth. Many people don’t think about their skin being absorbent - if we did, we would never put anything on our skin that we didn’t consider safe enough to eat! The reality is, we are "ingesting" our shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes, mouthwashes, deodorants and body lotions. If everything we put on our skin, on our hair and in our mouths is going into our bloodstream, wouldn’t it be a good idea to use products that aren't laden with toxic chemicals?

Believe it or not, finding personal care products that aren't toxic is even harder than finding uncontaminated food. "Over 800 neurotoxic chemical compounds are used in the cosmetic and perfume industries." ("Rub A Dub Dub ...Is Cancer in Your Tub?" 1999) The FDA doesn’t regulate cosmetics nearly as stringently as it regulates drugs. The agency spends only 1 percent of its overall budget on investigating cosmetics. Many shampoos, toothpastes and cosmetics with labels that read "herbal" and "natural" are also loaded with toxic chemicals.

What you need to know about "natural" personal care products 

"There is no legal definition for 'natural', and a chemist's definition of organic simply requires that the molecule contain carbon. This means in simple terms that there are no legal guidelines and boundaries for manufacturers, controlling the substance of their 'all-natural' claims. Thus, it is all in the wordplay and so-called 'natural' cosmetics can still contain potentially harmful or irritant chemicals preservatives, cheap, chemically derived aesthetic and texture enhancing additives, chemically derived sudsing agents, artificial colorants and fragrances. The proof is in the labeling. Most people tend to think that a shampoo bottle, whether sold in a health food store or not, which costs four times as much as a regular shampoo, with pictures of flowers and the labels "all-natural" and "herbal extracts" in an attractive, earth-tonish, environmentally friendly bottle, is a safe and healthy choice for washing hair. Well, one need only read the ingredients of the "natural" shampoo and compare it to any conventional brand sold in every drugstore." (www.uncleharry's.com/infobase)

The Most UN Wanted List

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Mineral oil
• Polyethylene glycol
• Propylene glycol
• Sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate
• Chlorine
• DEA -diethanolamine
• MEA - monoethanolamine } a class of chemicals known as alkanolamines
• TEA - triethanolamine
• FD&C dyes
• Artificial fragrances
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• DMDM Hydantoin
• Parabens -butyl, ethyl, methyl and propyl
• Aluminum
• Fluoride
• Talc
• Dioxins 

Alcohol

Mouthwashes with an alcohol content of 25% or higher have been implicated in mouth, tongue and throat cancers. Alcohol acts as a solvent in the mouth, making tissues more vulnerable to carcinogens. Men had a 60% higher risk and women a 90% higher risk of these cancers, compared to those not using the mouthwash. (National Cancer Institute 4/22/91) Cool Mint Listerine has an alcohol content of 21.6% and has a Warning Label.

Mineral Oil

Petroleum derivative; eye and skin irritant; may cause acne, birth defects; potential carcinogen Polyethylene Glycol Can break down into formaldehyde

Propylene Glycol

A colorless liquid used in anti-freeze solutions, paint, floor wax, and brake fluid as well as cosmetics, toothpaste, shampoos, deodorants and baby wipes. Propylene glycol is a humectant - it keeps things from drying out. “Propylene Glycol: Implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities; can inhibit skin cell growth in human tests and can damage cell membranes, causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.” Material Safety Data Sheets

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) 

This stuff is in 90% of all shampoos, soap, bubble bath and toothpastes on the mass-market and even in "natural" products, like Tom's of Maine.

Gary Young, founder of Young Living, calls sodium lauryl sulfate, “One of the most toxic ingredients you can put on your body”. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a petrochemical. It was originally used as a degreasing agent for cleaning car engines and garage floors. It is also an ingredient in agent orange. Manufacturers of shampoos and toothpastes love it because it is a cheap detergent that produces a lot of foam and bubbles which we all equate with cleansing. Sodium lauryl sulfate is the #1 cause of loss of eyesight in children and allergies in adults. It interferes with the oxygen uptake of the pineal and pituitary glands. It is a major contributor to asthma, emphysema, TB, candida and fungi overgrowth in the intestines. It inhibits enzyme secretion in the body. Put sodium lauryl sulfate on your skin and scalp and its residue ends up in your heart, liver, lung and brain. Sodium lauryl sulfate damages your immune system. Sodium lauryl sulfate is rapidly taken up and accumulated by eye tissues and Put sodium lauryl sulfate on your skin and scalp and its residue ends up in your heart, liver, lung and brain. Sodium lauryl sulfate damages your immune system. Sodium lauryl sulfate is rapidly taken up and accumulated by eye tissues. It may cause cataracts. Gary Young - “It is a deadly, deadly poison.”

Ironically, sodium lauryl sulfate is used in clinical studies to irritate skin tissue and it also corrodes hair follicles and impairs our ability to grow hair! How many years have you been rubbing shampoo with sodium lauryl sulfate onto your scalp? "Americans love foamy products, and sodium lauryl sulfate is what makes all that foam in most shampoos and toothpastes. But SLS causes drying of the skin, and it dries and abnormally degreases skin's protective lipid barrier. When you dry up that barrier you expose the skin and gum tissue to bacteria." ("What's the Brush?" Alternative Medicine, August 2002) One of the best ways to absorb supplements or medications is to put them under the tongue. If your mouth is the premier absorption site in your body, what do you think happens when you put toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate in your mouth?

Chlorine

“Chlorine is one of the most toxic and reactive elements known to man. During World War I, the Germans used chlorine gas as a chemical weapon of warfare. There are many studies showing that chlorine causes cancer, birth defects and miscarriages in pregnant women.” ( “Tap Water Poisons - Proving Toxicity After the Fact” 27 June, 2001. www.alternativemedicine.com/digest) A bath and shower filter is more important than a drinking water filter!

A person can absorb 600% more contaminants in a ten-minute shower than drinking chlorinated water all day.

The EPA now reports that people who drink and bathe in chlorinated water are 50% more likely of developing cancer. A professor of water chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh claims that exposure to vaporized chemicals in water supplied through showering, bathing and inhalation is 100 times greater than through drinking water. (The Nader Report - Troubled Waters on Tap. Center for Study of Responsive Law.) In a lifetime, 50 lbs. of toxic waste and pollutants may enter a body from drinking water and at least 450 lbs. may enter the body through skin absorption.

"Many people are unaware that a large number of our prescription anti-depressant drugs are laced with chlorine. Examples of chlorinated and fluorinated drugs include Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. Hydrochloride is another orally administered antidepressant." (Young Living article "Chlorine - The Deadly 'Protectant'") DEA Diethanolamine is found in over 600 home and personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, bubble baths, lotions, cosmetics, soaps, laundry and dishwashing detergents. Proven to cause cancer when applied to the skin of rats. Dr. Samuel Epstein, author of The Safe Shopper’s Bible, and the world’s leading authority on toxicology, has issued a stern warning regarding the use of cocamide DEA or lauramide DEA. DEA has been linked with kidney, liver and other organ damage, according to several government -funded research studies.. This is because it cannot be easily excreted from the body, but instead builds up in the fatty tissues of the liver, brain, kidney and spleen with repeated oral and dermal exposure.

“The FDA accepts that the presence of DEA and TEA in cosmetics can pose a significant consumer health threat. In the 1970s it published a notice in the Federal Register in which it urged the industry to remove these products from cosmetics.” (Steinman and Epstein, 1995, Young Living Newsletter)

FD&C Dyes Many commercial products use FD&C dyes. Many of these are coal tar dyes, which may be carcinogenic. Some artificial colors have been linked to digestive and immune system problems. Artificial colors are thought to increase allergies and hypersensitivity in children.

Artificial "fragrance"

Eighty to ninety percent of materials used in fragrance are synthesized, mostly from petroleum products. Materials used in fragrance (such as some phthalates) are suspected hormone disruptors.

Imidazolidinyl urea Strong irritant; causes contact dermatitis, may contain formaldehyde

Parabens

Most of us know the synthetic preservatives - the Parabens and their children - Butyl, Ethyl, Methyl and Propyl. We use them every day! Parabens are hormone disruptors.

Aluminum 

 Many deodorants and anti-perspirants contain aluminum compounds. Aluminum acts as a toxin in your body. “Dr. Daniel Perl, Director of Neuropathology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, suggests, ‘…avoid aerosol antiperspirants. Aluminum in aerosol form may be more readily absorbed into the brain through nasal passages.’” (The University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 1993 v.9n7 p.1) “Studies link aluminum to Alzheimer’s disease…The evidence is strong enough that the prudent person will eliminate all food and cosmetic sources of aluminum and will use aluminum cooking utensils only if they’re coated,” suggests Gary Price Todd, M.D., author Nutrition, Health and Disease.

Fluoride 

Fluoride levels as low as one part per million - the amount added to city water supplies - cause a breakdown of collagen, which makes up about thirty percent of the body. This amount of fluoride, coupled with a poor diet, not only contributes to wrinkling, but to speeding up the entire aging process: weakening of bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons.

Fluoride is a toxic waste product. After years of propaganda and lobbying by the smelting industries, the Public Health Service officially endorsed fluoridation of our nation's water supply in 1950. Since then, two-thirds of the nation's reservoirs have been fluoridated. "In 1977, congressional hearings revealed that the government had never cancer-tested fluoride. An investigation by the NCI was ordered and twelve years later, in 1989, upon completion of the study, it was determined that there was 'equivocal evidence' that fluoride caused bone cancer in male rats." "Zia's Essential Connection", Vol. 3, Issue 7, July 2003

"Studies have found an association between elevated fluoride and decreased IQs in children. Fluoride facilitates the uptake of aluminum into the brain producing amyloid deposits that are associated with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Just over two grams of fluoride (roughly a teaspoon) is enough to kill a 160-pound adult, while just 300 mg. is enough to kill a 20-pound child. For decades, we have been told a lie, a lie that has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans and the weakening of the immune systems of tens of millions more. This lie is called fluoridation. A process we were led to believe was a safe and effective method of protecting teeth from decay is in fact a fraud. In recent years it's been shown that fluoridation is neither essential for good health nor protective of teeth. What it does is poison the body. We should all at this point be asking how and why public health policy and the American media continue to live with and perpetuate this scientific sham." Gary Null, Ph.D. ("Fluoridation: Cavity Preventer or Toxic Waste?" Young Living Newsletter)

 

As of April 7, 1997 the FDA required warning labels on all fluoride dental care products (toothpaste).

Talcum powder

Talc is chemically similar to asbestos, a known cancer causing substance. Talc is found in body and baby powders, cosmetics, even condoms.

“A possible tie between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, long suspected because of talc’s chemical similarity to asbestos, was strongly supported last week when a study found a higher risk of cancer among women who dusted themselves with talc or used feminine deodorant sprays. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that women who used talcum powder in the genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and women who used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increased risk.” (U.S. News and World Report, March 17, 1997 v.122n10p.77)

 

Dioxin

The paper industry uses chlorine to bleach paper and paper products. Dioxin is a chemical byproduct of the manufacturing of chlorine-bleached paper. Dioxin is believed to be the single most carcinogenic chemical known to science. The EPA has found dioxin to be 300,000 times more potent a carcinogen than DDT. Dioxins are “potent endocrine disruptors” and have been linked to a host of women’s health problems. Dioxin is in bleached coffee filters, disposable diapers, paper towels, sanitary napkins, tampons and bathroom tissue…I can’t imagine how much dioxin is absorbed by babies who are wrapped in disposable diapers 24 hours a day for 2 years...

Studies show that 40-70 percent of the dioxin in bleached coffee filters can leach into your coffee. Dioxin found in paper milk cartons also leaches into the milk you drink. Thanks to chlorine pollution, Americans ingest a daily amount of dioxin that is already 300 to 600 times greater than the EPA’s so-called “safe” dose.

Dr. Edward Fujimoto warned against freezing drinking water in plastic water bottles, as this releases dioxin from the plastic into the water. Hot coffee in styrofoam cups also causes the toxins in the styrofoam to leach into your coffee. Dr. Fujimoto also warned against putting food containing fats into a plastic container and then heating them in a microwave, as this will release dioxins into the food. Also, use paper towels instead of saran wrap to cover food when you are nuking it, as heating the saran wrap (a plastic) causes it to drip poisonous toxins into your food. An even better health tip - throw your microwave out.

Phthalates

"Scientists have found chemicals called phthalates, which are know to cause birth defects in animals, in many personal care items like makeup, hairspray, soap and also plastic food wrap." Phthalates are hormone disruptors.

About one billion pounds of 25 different phthalate compounds are produced each year, and they tend to accumulate in fat tissue and are easily absorbed through the skin. Major sources: plastic wrap, soft plastics, including soft plastic toys, plastic medical equipment and some personal care products.

P.S.

Have you heard the expression "If you cannot eat it, don't put it on your skin?" Most of the cosmetic companies use questionable ingredients in products that promise to keep us young and beautiful. If you are using such products because you cannot afford organic, cruelty free skincare, please reconsider your choice. Use organic coconut oil or raw cacao butter instead. - Dominique

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.