Beautiful Skin - An Inside Job

Beautiful Skin- An Inside Job

Acne, an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the presence of blackheads, pimples, whiteheads and clogged pores, is the most common of all skin problems. It most often occurs during puberty when the body is flooded with androgens: hormones, which stimulate the production of the protein keratin, and an oily skin lubricant, called sebum. When sebum is produced more quickly than the pores can be cleared, a blemish develops. An over-abundance of this oil makes the pores sticky, creating an opportunity for bacteria to grow, and local infections can develop. Often, the skin is red and painful, but the pain is not just physical; embarrassment can lead to social isolation, lack of confidence, and low self-esteem.

According to Phyllis Balch, CNC, best-selling author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, and, Prescription for Herbal Healing, acne affects 80% of Americans between the ages of 12 and 44, to one degree or another. Balch says that the numbers of adults affected by acne is on the rise.

Acne is a sign that the body is out of balance, due either to diet, body chemistry, or skin care routine. Some contributing factors may be poor nutrition, heredity, monthly menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalance, and certain drugs, such as contraceptives, and anti-epileptic drugs.

The skin is a major organ of elimination, and when toxins are taken in to an excessive degree, such as through a diet high in hydrogenated fats, animal products, and saturated fats, the skin is not able to eliminate the toxins fast enough. If the body contains more toxins than the liver and kidneys can process, the job must be done by the skin; blemishes are a reflection of the body’s efforts to eliminate toxins from the body. As a result, acne can occur. Complicating the matter further may be food allergens, or food sensitivities, such as to wheat, or dairy. Avoid chocolate, fatty meats, sugar, and cheese, butter and ice cream during the outbreak.

A nutritious diet, rich in vegetables, and fruit, whole grains, and chicken or fish; and low in highly processed foods and saturated fats, such as are found in “fast foods”, or foods that are highly laden with chemical additives, will go a long way toward beginning the healing process. Easing the burden on the liver and kidneys, through a cleansing, clearing diet, can have a major effect on cleansing the liver, kidneys and blood, and as a result, the skin, as well.

Cleansing herbs such as burdock root, dandelion root, and others, have long been used to gently stimulate the elimination processes for the lymph glands, digestive system and urinary system, and clearing a sluggish liver of its burden improves elimination of toxins from the body, allowing for a clearer complexion.

Cleanliness of the skin is also important because the skin breathes, so, if dust and dirt, as well as grime, and oil, from pollution, clog the pores - actually protecting the bacteria from the healing effects of the sun – blemishes flourish. Cleanse the skin with a natural, gentle soap, free of heavy perfumes. Follow with a tea tree oil wash, either full strength gently dabbed on individual blemishes, or watered down and used as a wash.

For mild acne you can try a weekly herbal steam of chamomile, lavender and calendula blossoms; the essential oils released in the steam will provide a healing and soothing effect. Or, if you prefer, you can make a hot compress by dipping a clean cloth in the same herbal infusion, and hold the cloth to the affected area. Follow by rinsing your skin with cold water, then a diluted solution of witch hazel (1/4 cup witch hazel to ¾ cup water). Finally, dab each pimple with a blend of honey and French clay, and let it dry. It will draw the pimple to a head. Never pick or break pimples because it will spread infection and may cause scarring.

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Some of the vitamins and supplements considered by Balch to be very important for clear skin are: acidophilus, essential fatty acids (evening primrose oil or flax seed oil are excellent sources) Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and zinc. In addition, she recommends garlic capsules.

So, it appears that beautiful skin is an inside job! Taking the time to nurture yourself, inside, and out, will quite likely affect the change you have been longing for!

Aviva Romm’s Cleansing Tea

¼ -cup burdock root

1/4-cup nettle leaves

1/8-cup licorice root

1/8- cup red clover blossoms

1/8-cup sarsaparilla

1/8 -cup dandelion root

Mix all herbs together in a bowl. Reserve ¼ cup of the blended herbs and place the remaining herbs in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; set aside. Place the reserved ¼ cup of herbs in a quart-sized jar and cover with boiling water. Close lid tightly. Let stand for four hours. Strain tea and refrigerate. Drink one cup, hot or cold, twice daily. Makes 16 cups of tea. Store remaining herbs in a dark cupboard

Skin Beauty Salad

2 handfuls of young arugala

2 handfuls of baby spinach

1 grated carrot

2 radishes, sliced thin

2 small cucumbers

1 small red onion

3 limes, juiced

 1 Haas avocado

1 tbs raw apple cider vinegar

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 tsp raw honey

1 handful fresh soft herbs (dill, coriander or basil)

¼ tsp sea salt

1. Soak onion in a bowl with limejuice for ten minutes (up to an hour creates an even softer, sweeter result.)

2. Scoop seeds out of cucumber. Put seeds in blender. Slice cucumber in half, lengthwise

3. In a large bowl arrange lettuce and greens, cucumber, carrot and radish. Take onion out of the limejuice and arrange on plate with vegetables.

4. Add to the blender leftover limejuice, avocado, vinegar, cayenne, honey, herbs, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding a small amount of water, if needed.

5. Dollop dressing generously on salad.

(From foodmatters.com)

Brain Health: The Connection Between Nutrition and a Vibrant Mind

Brain Health: The Connection Between Nutrition and a Vibrant Mind

It seems that almost everyday I speak to someone who is concerned about the health of their brain. Often, they will nervously joke about their declining memory, but it’s clear that their joke is an attempt to offset their genuine anxiety. It is understandable that we, as a society, are becoming more concerned about this issue. In the last ten years, deaths from Alzheimer’s Disease have increased about 66%, whereas deaths from other primary diseases have, in general, decreased.

Because this is a problem which is affecting such a wide portion of our population, there has been extensive research on the subject. Through this research, what has become very apparent is that the health of an individual’s brain is very much affected by the nutrition taken in by that individual. And while, to some, this may seem an obvious observation, many do not recognize the connection between good nutrition and good health. Scientists have found that there has been a dramatic increase, over the past one hundred years, of the consumption of saturated fats, lineoleic acid, and trans fatty acids, in the American diet; while at the same time, there has been a significant decline in the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, and there seems to be a correlation between these changes in the American diet, and these new concerning health problems facing the American population.

Relative to the rest of the body, the brain consumes an enormous amount of energy. In order for the brain to be properly fueled, each individual must consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates, which provide glucose - fuel for the brain; fats, which supply essential fatty acids; and proteins. Unfortunately, both fats and carbohydrates have gotten a reputation as “fattening”, or “bad” for ones health, and for over 60 years - when Americans first learned of the Framingham Heart Study  (which claimed a connection between the consumption of saturated fats and heart disease) they have eschewed these foods, or dramatically decreased the amount consumed.

It is a curious contradiction that though our society has the distinction of being one of the most obese cultures in the world, it is, simultaneously, obsessed with image, youth and thinness. As a result, our relationship to food has been significantly distorted and confused. It is perhaps, understandable that when one looks around, and sees that 1 out of every 3 Americans are obese, and that this obesity is connected to the three leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer and diabetes, that one might be fearful about their own diet and health. It does seem that this poor health is epidemic in our society, and understandably, if we don’t comprehend the reasons why this is true, we become frightened. It is out of this fear that we make some of our worst choices: fad diets (which are often, essentially, starvation diets) excessive exercise, and worst of all, the exclusion of healthy, and necessary nutrients from our diet, in a misguided attempt to avoid the tsunami-like wave of obesity and poor health.

But research has shown that there is, indeed, a profound connection between cognitive function and nutrition. Research subjects, whose diets were rich in healthy fats (those that supply essential fatty acids) proteins, carbohydrates, and micronutrients, demonstrated significant improvement in cognitive skills and memory. Conversely, diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sugar (such as those found in “junk” food, or “fast” food) significantly reduced participant’s cognitive acuity.

But, there is cause for hope, for, in the last twenty years dramatic inroads have been made in the science of nutrition; more and more, we are beginning to understand the connection between good nutrition and good health. We are beginning to learn that we have the power to take our health back. And, if we want our brain to work well, it must be well-fueled. Here are some of the most nutritious foods our brains need to function efficiently:

Fats  - Fats supply essential fatty acids (called “essential” because our bodies cannot make these, and must rely on intake through diet.) Cold-water fish, rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna, are essential to healthy brain function. Also, avocados, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil are excellent sources of these healthy fats, as well. In addition, raw, or dry-roasted nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds, as well as the cold-pressed oils from these sources, are also excellent sources of healthy fat. Avacados are a monounsaturated fat, which contribute to a healthy blood flow, and good blood flow contributes to a healthy brain; it also lowers blood pressure and hypertension, which can contribute to the decline of cognitive abilities. Coconut oil is a saturated fat, but it is a medium chain fatty acid variety, which means that it is more easily digested, and therefore used by the body differently than other saturated fats; it is immediately converted to energy by the body.

Protein – In order for healthy neurotransmitter production in the brain, the brain must have the amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Some of the best sources of these are: animal foods (lean meats) and eggs and milk products; whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds.

Carbohydrates – These provide the brain with glucose, which is the fuel of the brain. Healthy sources are winter squash, carrots, beets, and whole grain. In order to avoid blood sugar level spiking, enjoy these foods with quality proteins.

Micronutrients -  Brightly colored vegetables and fruit are especially abundant in micronutrients, which supply a rich supply of anti-oxidants. Antioxidants are our prime defense against free radicals  (unpaired, reactive, molecules which do great harm to the cells of our bodies, and are directly associated with inflammation, which is, in turn, associated heart disease, cancer and diabetes) and should be eaten at least five servings per day –  some say, for cancer prevention, 10 x per day: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, prunes, raisins, and  cherries are all great sources of antioxidants, as are alfalfa sprouts, kale, spinach, broccoli, and other dark green leafy vegetables.

Supplements –

Folate – Either alone, or in conjunction with other B vitamins, has been shown to be effective in preventing cognitive decline, as well as dementia.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) -  This is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid found in the cells of the brain, and is considered to be extremely important in the development of the human brain; in fact, it is believed that  during hominid evolution, it was proximity to the ocean, and subsequent access to fish in their diet (rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA) that promoted the increase in human brain size. However, though the human brain can synthesize DHA, it is not efficient at doing so, and therefore, must rely on diet to maintain adequate amounts of this dietary nutrient. Fatty acids are found in fats and oils; foods rich in these are walnuts, flax seeds, sardines, wild salmon, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

Evening Primrose Oil – Two essential fatty acids are necessary for good brain function: Omega-3 fatty acid, and Omega-6 fatty acid; of these, omega-3 is more depleted because of a decline of fish in our diet, over-processed foods, and too much sugar in our diet. But Omega-6 is just as important for maintaining healthy brain function. Evening Primrose oil is rich in GLA, an Omega-6 fatty acid, and it can also be found in borage oil and black currant seeds.

Wild Blue-Green Algae – This is a phyto-plankton and it contains virtually every nutrient. It is 60% protein, and has a more complete amino acid profile than soy or beef. It is one of our best sources for beta-carotene (necessary for our bodies to synthesize vitamin A) B vitamins, and chlorophyll. It improves memory and brain function, and boosts the immune system while at it!

Ginko – (Ginko bilboa) is the leaf from what is believed to be the oldest tree on the planet. It has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic and antispasmodic (to name but a few of its many medicinal applications) but it is best known as a circulatory stimulant and tonic. Specifically, it improves cerebral circulation, aiding memory and concentration. It is believed to have potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and it is used preventively, as well.

Lion’s Mane – Lion’s Mane is a mushroom that has been the subject of a substantial amount of research. It has been found to have nerve-regenerating properties and has been shown to significantly increase cognitive scores and memory. It has also been shown to have neuroprotective effects, helping with Alzheimer’s, depression and mood.

References

Brain Foods: The Effects of Nutrients on Brain Function, Nature Reviews.Neuroscience. Fernando-Gomez Pinilla

The Human Brain Diet and Menu, Debra Burke

The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet, Nicholas Perricone, M.D.