Avocado the New Food Color?

Persea Naturals, a one-year-old food color additive company, is the result of a happy accident. Gregory Ziegler, food science professor at Penn State, was extracting starch from avocado pits when he stumbled upon a surprising color: a bright orange caused by an enzymatic reaction that occurred after the pits were pulverized. Ziegler extracted the starch, but the color was persistent and simply would not wash away.

There is growing interest in the natural products industry for natural sources of food coloring So for Ziegler, this was a business opportunity. A bonus is that the product is both a way to repurpose food waste—since avocado pits are the main input—and it doesn't divert otherwise marketable and edible produce away from the food supply. Ziegler and Persea Naturals, under CEO Bob Hicks, are now working to bring the concept to market under the brand name AvoColor.

They are early in the process of seeking FDA approval and are working with potential collaborators on ways to utilize and commercialize the product, but Ziegler has some ideas of what those collaborations could look like. "Avocolor is highly water-soluble, clear and vibrant, so we expect early applications in systems like beverages and confections," he said in an email.

Confections could include things like hard candies, gummies and icings, and it can work in almost any beverage—water, teas, dairy, soft drinks, even alcoholic beverages. Ziegler added they’re researching ways to disperse the pigment in fat-based foods, like fillings and frostings, although it may have an adverse effect on leavening, so it’s unlikely to be used in baked goods for now.

The team is in the process of figuring out the right approach for getting the product to market and what exactly their business model will look like. "The most reasonable approach may be a joint venture of some kind with a partner looking to expand its product line. We are in discussion with several possible collaborators but have yet to enter into a business partnership," said Ziegler. "Interest is coming from the many food companies that have committed to replacing certified food colors with natural alternatives. But the way the industry is structured, we are working most closely with so-called ‘color houses’—that is, companies that prepare colors for food manufacturers."

Source: https://goo.gl/kxT5gz 

Looking Younger and Feeling Better with Collagen

These days, we don’t just want to feel OK. We want to feel absolutely, positively amazing—and look the part, too.

Aging gracefully depends on how you nurture your body. Today, a trove of studies shows the importance of following a nutrient-dense diet, being active and taking dietary supplements to support a healthy aging process. One of the clear standouts to help along the way: collagen, an antiaging nutrient that rose to stardom in Japan decades ago and now is making its prowess known here in the United States, thanks to innovative, research-backed products and an understanding that what goes inside your body supports your skin, hair and nails.

“In Asia, collagen supplements have long been a craze, and even before [collagen supplements], the tradition of consuming certain foods to rejuvenate the complexion is an old one,” says Naomi Whittel, founder of Reserveage Nutrition. “Asian diets are rich in collagen from foods like homemade bone broth from skin-on, bone-in chicken.”

Found plentifully just about everywhere in our bodies—from our skin, hair and nails to our bones and joints—collagen is an important protein for staving off wrinkles and keeping our joints healthy. The problem? As we age, we start to lose it. A notable decline in your collagen production starts at age 25, which means relying on your body’s stores simply isn’t enough.

Are you getting enough?

When it comes to collagen, experts agree it’s nearly impossible to get enough from diet alone, so you have to look elsewhere. Luckily, with food products getting more functional and supplements using new delivery formats, it’s no challenge to find products that contain the powerful antiaging protein.

“My first goal is for my clients to get everything they need from their food,” says Brooke Alpert, RD, founder of the website and nutritional practice B Nutritious. That’s why she recommends that clients drink bone broth, as well as cook bone-in poultry to up their dietary intake of collagen.

“It’s still not enough to really reap the health and skin benefits; that’s why I always recommend a collagen supplement.”

Today, supplement companies offer many ways to get collagen. Whether you favor a pill, a powder or a chewable, collagen supplements are beneficial for a few reasons: As with other supplements, they can send a quick dose of the nutrient to your body. Unlike other supplements, a collagen supplement can also stimulate cells to produce even more collagen at a faster rate, spawning natural rebuilding of the body’s tissues.

Focus on quality 

With the rise of collagen supplements has come more scrutiny over the quality of ingredients. In order to find a top-notch product, ask your retailer or the manufacturer about the collagen in products—does clinical research support its joint or skin benefits? Also be sure to ask where and how the ingredient was sourced. “Collagen is produced all over the world, so it’s important to pay attention to the way the animals are raised,” says Corey Friese, Vital Proteins cofounder and vice president of product strategy. The three main types of collagen are bovine, chicken and fish, so responsible companies source only the highest quality ingredients that meet the same standards you’d look for if you were eating those foods—for example, grass-fed cattle or wild-caught fish.

Of course, if you’re vegetarian or vegan, collagen is off limits. That’s one reason that the next frontier for collagen may be plant-based collagen precursors, Whittel says. “Ingredients such as high-quality vitamin C, preferably organic plant based; specific amino acids such as glycine, proline and lysine; and silica-rich compounds such as bamboo extract all help our bodies synthesize and produce more collagen.” Some collagen companies are also adding these ingredients to collagen to help you get more value for your money.

Source: https://goo.gl/vSFrfB

Managing Migraines

If you are interested in learning more about essential oils and migraines, I just have to share with you about Dr. Mariza Snyder, DC whose practice specializes in migraines and hormonal imbalances.  She published the book Smart Mom's Guide to Essential Oils.  She said that in working with hundreds of patients who suffer from migraines, she has found some essential oil blends that truly work for her patients.  She said that you can apply these essential oils every 30 minutes if severe by putting several drops in a cupped hand and taking several deep breaths, by applying to the back of the neck or crown of the head, or by rubbing on the feet.  She suggests to use a roller bottle on the skin where the oils will get into the blood stream in less than 30-60 seconds.

To help prevent migraines when stress is the trigger she recommends the following:

8 drops Lavender
6 drops Frankincense
6 drops Wild Orange

Add to roller bottle and finish filling with fractionated coconut oil.  Roll on wrist, temple, behind ear, or just breathe it in for fast relief.  She says this formula decreases cortisol levels and adrenal load, and encourages hormonal balance.

For a blend to help prevent migraines she recommends the following:

6 drops Lavender
6 drops Frankincense
2 drops Basil
4 drops Peppermint
4 drops Marjoram

Put in roller bottle and fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil.  She said that you need a pure therapeutic grade essential oil because the purer it is, the more effective it is.  One drop of Peppermint essential oil is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea.  That is why you can overdose on essential oils when you use a lot of drops internally or can burn the esophagus if you do not put the drops into a vegetarian capsule.

Please keep any blend with peppermint oil away from the eyes when applying for muscle tension around the head.  Many oils can irritate the eyes when applied too closely to the eyes.  Some oils like wild orange, grapefruit, bergamot, and other citrus oils when applied to the skin may make you more sensitive to the sun, so avoid sun exposure for 24 hours after application.

There can be many other contributing factors for headaches such as hormonal imbalances.  According to Rosemary Gladstar in Herbal Healing For Women, vitex is great especially in perimenopause when many women are estrogen dominant.  "Studies verify that vitex increases the production of luteinizing hormones, enhancing the progesterone cycle."  "Vitex has a stimulating effect on the pituitary gland, which among other functions, regulates and normalizes hormone production."  Vitex comes in capsule, extract, and essential oil forms.  There are many other essential oils for hormonal balance such as clary sage, cedarwood, and ylang ylang.  Many of our customers find the ionic form of magnesium works well in relaxing muscles and for sleeping when taken in the evening.

Diet plays an important role in migraines as well.  Many people think that grains, especially gluten, milk, and sugar play a significant role.  Even occasional use of these foods can contribute to headaches.  Omit foods that contain tyramine including avocados, bananas, beer, cabbage, hard cheese, potatoes, raspberries, tomatoes, wine, and MSG to see if that may contribute to your headaches.

King Bio makes a wonderful homeopathic remedy for headaches and migraines.  Some of our customers find feverfew, butterbur, and B2 to be helpful as well.

Summer Necessities!

Welcome to summer...sunburns, bee stings, mosquitoes, poison ivy, etc.  Luckily, many homeopathic remedies, essential oils, and preparations can be carried with you so that you can have a fun day, even if you find yourself with a bite or sting.

Lets start with homeopathy.  I like Hyland's Apis for bee stings.  My husband used to have to go to the E.R. when stung because of having bad reactions to stings.  Please do go to the emergency room if you feel it is necessary, but my husband hasn't needed to when he takes the Apis.  I also like the remedy Sting Stop for use externally because it helps with the itching, pain, and redness.

Make sure to carry your homeopathic poison ivy tablets, poison oak itch relief spray, and a bar of Jewelweed Chickweed herbal soap with you when you are out and about. Jewelweed is natures remedy for poison ivy. Jewelweed often grows near poison ivy and is a folk remedy for poison ivy, irritants like mosquitoes, bug bites, razor burn, and heat rash. According to altnature.com/jewelweed.htm, "The results of a clinical study, in which a 1:4 Jewelweed preparation was compared for its effectiveness with other standard poison ivy dermatitis treatments was published in 1958, (Annals of Allergy 1958; 16:526-527).  Of 115 patients treated with jewelweed, 108 responded "most dramatically to the topical application of this medication and were entirely relieved of their symptoms within 2 or 3 days after the treatment."  The herb chickweed is used mainly for itch relief.

Poison ivy tablets by Hylands contain croton, rhus tox, and xerophyllum, which are good when the skin breaks out with red, swollen, intense itching,  burning, watery blisters, sometimes followed by oozing or crusting.

All Terrain's Herbal Armor and suntan lotion are both highly rated by the EWC for purity and effectiveness.  The herbal armor uses the essential oils of citronella, peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass, and geranium.  It has proven to be natural and safe.  All Terrain's Herbal Armor was awarded best gear for hikers or anything outdoors.  For pets (cats and dogs) and people, there is an organic tick repellent by Ticks N All.  For people, the essential oils used are cedarwood, lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, citronella, thyme, clove, and geranium oils.  For pets, the essential oils used are citronella, rosemary, cedarwood, lemongrass, cinnamon, peppermint, thyme, clove, and geranium.  

Of course, you can also make your own remedies.  doTERRA has an essential oil blend called TerraShield that combines Ylang Ylang Flower, Nootka Wood, Cedarwood Wood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea Fruit, Arborvitae Wood essential oils and Vanilla Bean Absolute in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil and Tamanu Seed Oil.  This is a wonderful product for a wonderful price (retails at $14).

Please make sure that you are not using any citrus essential oils like bergamot, grapefruit, wild orange, lemon, etc. externally then being exposed to the sun because they make your skin photosensitive.  Please use our Facebook page for a more complete listing, as we don't want you to burn! 

Choosing Safe Beauty Products

Big changes start with small actions, including what you put on your face and body. That’s the fundamental principle behind Protect Our Breasts (POB, protectourbreasts.org), a nonprofit educational initiative based at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. POB’s young women ambassadors, clad in the organization’s signature green scarves and led by Executive Director Cynthia Barstow, personify a singular mission: to reduce rates of breast cancer and other diseases linked to toxin exposure from everyday products and choices. Knowing that early-life habits lead to lasting patterns, POB spreads its message through college and community outreach events, arming others—especially young women and men—with the information they need to choose safe products for every aspect of their lives.

“It’s increasingly clear that ‘safety’ is a difficult word to define for cosmetics, so I look at it holistically,” says Gay Timmons, a POB advisory board member and founder of organic personal care company Oh, Oh Organic. This means assessing everything from ingredients to packaging to environmental impact.

Here, the POB team and Environmental Working Group offer tips to identify common beauty-product toxins so you can protect yourself daily and fearlessly.

Look for worthy labels

Third-party certifications are a good place to start, because they equate to more transparency in ingredients and sourcing. Whether you’re buying shampoo, shaving cream, or a great mascara, POB recommends prioritizing the USDA Organic label (which denotes the same standard that is applied to food) or the NSF/ANSI 305 “contains organic ingredients” label, developed specifically for personal care items. Both seals require a high percentage of organic content and prohibit caustic synthetics.

Two more labels to keep on your radar: Ecocert—a sustainable-body-care certification used by European brands—and the Natural Products Association’s “natural” label. 

Say no to endocrine disruptors

Endocrine disruptors receive particular emphasis in POB education. These ubiquitous chemicals (triclosan is one common offender found in personal care products) behave differently than “typical toxins,” says R. Thomas Zoeller, PhD, a UMass Amherst researcher and POB advisory board member. Endocrine disruptors can have a range of negative effects on hormones, according to the EWG, including increasing or decreasing hormone production, imitating hormones, or turning one hormone into another. Low-level endocrine-disruptive exposure has been linked to serious health consequences, from thyroid and prostate cancers to autism and ADHD.

If you have questions about any body care ingredient, search The Endocrine Disruptor Exchange, a comprehensive, nonprofit site that disseminates scientific evidence about these toxins.

Pay attention to the package

Remember: Endocrine disruptors aren’t found merely in the actual lotion or gel. “We now know that packaging has a huge influence [on toxin levels],” says Barstow. At its “safer alternatives” events, POB only permits products in containers that don’t leach potential carcinogens such as BPA (a well-known endocrine disruptor). Also on the “bad” plastics list: PVC, PS, and polycarbonate. Look instead for bottles that use PET/PETE and HDPE, so-called “good plastics.”

Source: http://tinyurl.com/hscmn7u   

Migraine Help

Nearly everyone gets headaches, but migraines are a different beast. They generate intense, throbbing pain, usually behind one eye, and often cause light sensitivity, nausea, and blurred vision. Triggers include hormonal changes, stress, and certain foods, and an episode can span anywhere from four hours to three debilitating days. Prescription drugs, although effective, may induce dizziness and fatigue. Try these holistic tips to head on migraines naturally.

Holistic allergist, Marc Arnold, MA, Allergy Elimination Center, Boulder, Colorado

• Identify allergies. If you have frequent migraines, try an avoidance diet to pinpoint possible triggers, such as caffeine, chocolate, dairy, wheat, nightshades, alcohol, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). For example, for one to two weeks, don’t eat chocolate. If you continue to have migraines, chocolate is not your trigger. 

• Apply pressure. Similar to acupuncture, noninvasive acupressure focuses on invisible energy lines in the body called meridians. Many revere acupressure for migraine relief because it can unblock meridians and may release pain-relieving endorphins. When you have a migraine, try squeezing the soft, muscle “web” of your hand with your opposite thumb and forefinger for one minute, four times per day.
• Control stress. Chronic stress from grief, anger, or relationship trouble manifests physically and can trigger migraines. Tame stress by talking with friends or exercising. Also consider the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT; emofree.com), a type of acupressure that involves tapping your meridians to allow energy to freely flow.

Naturopathic doctor, Lindsey Duncan, ND, drlindsey.com, Austin, Texas

• Improve blood flow. One reason migraines occur is because blood vessels in the brain erratically dilate and constrict. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) regulates blood pressure and circulation throughout the entire body. Supplement with 450 mg cayenne with breakfast and dinner each day. Also, gently inverting your head can increase blood flow to the brain.
• Boost B vitamins. B vitamins feed the brain and nervous system because they convert food into fuel. They function synergistically as a group, so supplement with B vitamins derived from whole foods. For migraine prevention, take 2 ounces liquid B vitamins in the morning and 2 ounces at lunch.
• Detox your liver. If your liver can’t filter migraine triggers—like allergens and chemicals—migraines are more likely. Follow a cleansing plan: Avoid artificial sweeteners, and shun fatty, processed foods like fast food, beef, and dairy. Instead opt for raw or gently cooked foods such as bitter, steamed collard greens. Squeeze fresh organic lemon juice over salads—it’s a known liver purifier.

Herbalist, Dean G. Morris, MH, Nebo Health, Springville, Utah

• Take butterbur. This herb reduces inflammation in brain blood vessels, relieving pressure on surrounding nerves. A standard dose is 50 mg butterbur root extract daily; make sure it’s guaranteed free of a toxic substance called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). If you sense a migraine about to occur, take 150 mg.
• Up your AKBA. If you’re prone to joint pain or stiffness, consider taking AKBA, boswellia’s main active ingredient. Joint pain indicates your body may be overproducing MMP3, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Collagen is also found in your brain, where it holds blood vessels in place. If collagen degrades, blood vessels can lose tone, causing migraines; AKBA helps maintain collagen. Take 50–100 mg boswellia extract per day. (Look for supplements containing 20 percent AKBA).
• Try turmeric. Inflammation in the brain is a known migraine trigger. Curcuminoids, the main compound in the spice turmeric, is lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties. Consider taking 500 mg turmeric per day. Look for supplements with Meriva Phytosome, a proprietary capsule coating that increases curcuminoid absorption by 29 times.

Source : http://goo.gl/pqLh26

Essential Oils

Do you have a smile on your face, energy in your step, and feel great?  If you are under a lot of stress and do not feel 100% balanced, then let's talk about some things that can help you.  Healthy diet and exercise is always a must.  Whichever diet you choose, two of the most important things you can do is cut out refined sugar and eat more fruits and vegetables.  I try for 75% of my plate to be vegetables. Remember to thoroughly chew your food.  The fiber and nutrients help to make you feel full.  To help with digestion, try to be in a parasympathetic state.  Ideas are: no interruptions during dining (such as no cell phones), deep breathing before eating, pleasant conversation at dinner time, etc.  Never talk about difficulties at work, trouble with the children, or how much you have to get done.  Other calming activities are yoga, meditation, tai-chi, and visualization.  Always take an appropriate digestive enzyme as directed.  doTERRA has an excellent essential oil blend, DigestZen, that can be rolled on anyone's stomach, even children, for relief after overeating, stomach bloating, or other digestive issues.

Have you ever tried diffusing oils before dinner for calming?  Some great essential oils for calming and balancing emotions are: Bergamot, Marjoram, Balance, Wild Orange, Patchouli, Lavender, Basil, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Grapefruit, and of course, Frankincense!  Therapeutic, food grade essential oils have many healing properties.  One oil that I am excited about is Bergamot, which comes in a liquid essential oil or in capsules.  One customer told me that her son was recommended to take it for genetically high cholesterol.  Another person told me that it helps her appetite.  Another person told me that she uses it to ease symptoms of menopause (also PMS).  I have also been told it is good for worry and anxiety.  Remember, always check with your pharmacist before taking anything new to make sure it is allowed with the medications you are on.  Pregnant women must also check to make sure the essential oil they wish to use is safe during pregnancy.  Have you thought about making up some of your own blends to help with mood, weight loss, or stress?  I have some good ideas for blends and can teach you how to make your own.  Call for a FREE consult on therapeutic essential oils and blends.  Let's make it a party with your friends or organization.  Please contact me at 419.529.5505.

Importance of Vitamin K2

What vitamin is lacking and is a contributing factor for why Calcium is not going into the bones as well as it should?  Most people think that Calcium and Vitamin D are the only nutrients that are important for bones.  Do you know the importance of K2?  The last blog talked about the importance of Magnesium and bone health.

Vitamin K2 plays a significant role in balancing the Calcium in the bone and arterial tissue.  There is a relationship between Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and osteoporosis.  The Rotterdam study studied 4,800 healthy elderly individuals.  Those with the highest one third of K2 intake had a 57% reduced risk of dying from CVD compared to those with the lowest intake.  They also had a 52% reduced risk of vascular calcification.  Vitamin K1 provided no cardiovascular protection.  The following websites provide additional research on K2: www.vitamink2.org and http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Vitamin-K2-shown-to-reduce-arterial-calcification-in-kidney-disease-model.

When you have adequate Vitamin D and Calcium but are deficient in Vitamin K2, the result may be an increase in vascular calcification and a decrease in bone matrix.  Several studies in the elderly indicate the effects of K2 supplementation on both bone mass and bone strength is related to the body's ability to increase osteocalcin activation.  K2 has a short shelf life (1-2 hours) and should be taken in divided doses for the best effect.  MK4 (menaquinone-4) is found in butter, egg yolk, and animal. MK7 (menaquinone-7) is found in fermented foods.  MK7 is the best K2 to supplement with your Calcium, Magnesium, D3, and K.  Taking mega-doses of D3 without sufficient K2 can lead to Vitamin D toxicity.  According to Rheaum-Blauc (nat uropathic physician who wrote the book Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox! How a Little Known Vitamin Could Save Your Life) says that Vitamin K2 is thought to have no toxicity issues.  She says it is really important throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding for the development of strong teeth, bones, and proper facial form.   Please ask your doctor before taking any supplement.

K1 and K2 are two different forms of K.  K1 comes from the greens etc. that we eat and encourage blood clotting.  Vitamin K2 helps to incorporate the calcium and other minerals to go into the bone.  This helps to keep calcium from accumulating in other tissues where it doesn't belong.  If you are on a blood thinner - check with your doctor about taking any supplements.

I am not a doctor.  This explanation is for better understanding of what the literature is presently showing, thereby helping you to empower yourself for better health.

Magnesium and Why You Need It In Your Diet

What nutrient is 80% of the population greatly lacking?

Magnesium is a mineral necessary for a lot of conditions such as:

1) Osteoporosis
2) Muscle Spasms
3) Kidney Stones
4) High Blood Pressure
5) Stress
6) Insomnia
7) Cardiac Arrythmias
8) Depression/Anxiety
9) Constipation
10) Seizures
11) Twitching, Sore Muscles
12) Fibromyalgia

Magnesium helps to detoxify the body from environmental toxins such as lead and mercury. Magnesium helps regulate cortisol production and assists in the production of thyroid hormones. Hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone require magnesium for synthesis. Magnesium is necessary for Vitamin D to perform its functions.  It is essential for the production of serotonin which helps calm the body.

Diabetics usually need supplemental magnesium.  Deficiency in magnesium is common in diabetics and may prevent some of the complications such as retinopathy.  Diabetics should take Vitamin B6 each day because it appears to help magnesium get inside the cell.  Magnesium helps to reduce triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood sugar so that may be why the ketogenic diet works so well.
Why may you be low in magnesium?  Anyone who exercises a lot or has been under a lot of stress usually needs more magnesium.  Anyone who does not eat a good diet with a lot of vegetables (especially dark green veggies), raw nuts and seeds, wild caught fish, and whole grains usually needs more magnesium.  If you eat a lot of sugars or carbohydrates, you usually need more magnesium. Other things that decrease magnesium are excessive salt intake, excessive alcohol intake, drinking distilled water, overcooking vegetables, some prescription drugs, such as some diuretics, some blood pressure pills, and some antacids, and some anti-depressents, and fluoride in drinking water can bind with magnesium so that the body can not use it.

Before you start taking magnesium, you should:

1) Check your magnesium blood levels to see if you are one of the few who does not need it
2) Check with your doctor.  Supplementing with magnesium may lower dosages of some medications such as for blood pressure, thyroid, diabetes, etc. so if is important to check with your doctor before taking magnesium,

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR MAGNESIUM LEVELS CHECKED RECENTLY?

Supplements for Weight Loss

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a magic pill that would melt the fat away?  Well, I don't have that, but there are some wonderful supplements for assisting weight loss that my customers say really help.  Some of my top selling favorites that will support your effort to lose weight AND inches include the following:

1) Caralluma - suppresses the brain's appetite.  Caralluma is a cactus like plant which contains a phytochemical called pregnane glycosides, which blocks the enzyme citrate lyase, so fat cannot be stored.  It also increases energy levels.  In 2013 a study was published in which over a 12 week period, taking Caralluma showed a significant decrease in body weight, BMI, hip circumference, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, triglyceride levels, and total fat and saturated fat intake.  Caralluma is a mild stimulant.

2) Gymnema - is an Ayurvedic herb that decreases sugar cravings and helps balance blood sugar.  This herb is very helpful in staying on track with a Ketogenic diet, especially in the beginning stages of the diet.

3) Garcinia Cambogia - 750 mg, 60% hydroxycitric acid seems to work best by Natural Factors.  Customers say it decreases their hunger by providing a feeling of fullness.  It also is thought to increase serotonin that helps appetite regulation, helps curb food cravings, and increases fat burning.

4) Essential Oils for Weight Loss
     a) The best essential oils to decrease appetite are : peppermint, cinnamon, grapefruit, rosemary, lemon, marjoram, thyme, orange, and ginger for internal use ONLY if the oil is labeled that the oil is able to be ingested and never more than 1 drop is used at a time. These oils can also be mixed with a carrier oil to be applied on the feet or to be diffused/inhaled.
    b)  Slim and Sassy by doTERRA - this is a blend of grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon essential oils.  It promotes healthy metabolism, helps manage hunger cravings, and helps to calm your stomach and uplift your mood.  It is a great oil to start your day with!

Thanks for reading and check back soon for more helpful tips to living a healthy life! 

Ketogenic Diet and Weight Loss

When I broke my femur, I knew the inflammation and pain was the worst I ever experienced.  The doctor did not prescribe a CRP blood test which was a significant test for inflammation.  Inflammation is a contributing factor for me in weight gain and can be a contributing factor for autoimmune disease, cancer, bone loss, etc.  I found in my research that a Ketogenic diet is the best diet to fight inflammation.  Research shows that on average three times more weight is lost on a Ketogenic diet than low fat diet.  It has lowered triclycerides and blood sugar better and has better compliance than a low fat diet.  In addition, it is about equal in decreasing bad cholesterol and fat loss.  In a 20 year study of 82, 800 women which compared lower carbohydrate diets and heart disease, it was found that lower carbohydrate diets that were high in vegetable sources of fat or protein had a 30% lower risk of heart disease, and approximately 20% lower risk of Type 2 diabetes compared to women who ate high carbohydrate, low fat diets.  But women who ate low carbohydrate diets that were high in animal fats or proteins did not see any such benefits.

A low carbohydrate diet can be described as 50-100 grams of carbohydrates a day.  This amount of carbohydrates did not work for me. I had to stay under 30 grams in order to lose weight, keep my blood pressure and blood sugar normal and lose inches.  I only lost 20 pounds but went down 6 dress sizes.  My diet usually consists of 3/4 low carbohydrate vegetables and 1/4 protein source. If I do not use enough good fats (coconut oil, ghee, avocados) in my diet, I do not lose weight either.  Since my blood sugar spiked after surgery, I was told that I was diabetic and I had to use a glucometer to check my blood sugar.  I found that even low carbohydrate fruit (berries) increased my blood sugar by 30 points.  I am severely carbohydrate sensitive like many of my customers who can't lose weight.  I also drink enough pure water, never diet pop, to keep urine light yellow.  I have not had to use any pain medication except curcumin and boswellia (Europharma works best for me) since I started this diet.  My customers have asked "Can my knee pain be better in 2 weeks?" Amazing.

If I eat too many carbohydrates, I am really hungry for the next 2 days. Make sure to let your doctor know that you are on a Ketogenic diet because your diabetic or blood pressure medication may need to be lowered.Thanks for reading our blog, and if you like what you hear, make sure you LIKE us on Facebook and check out our website www.comfreycornernaturalfoods.com.


*Please note that although we are highly trained in natural medicine, we are not doctors and are not able to diagnose or prescribe.*


Sources:https://wwhsph.harvard.edu/nutritionalsources/carbohydrate/lowcarbohydrate-diets/

-A new major study-a low carb diet yet again best for both weight and health markers-Diet Doctor

-A low carbohydrate, Ketogenic diet versus a low fat diet to treat obesity and hyperlipidemia - a randomized controlled trial - PubMed - NCBI

-A randomized trial comparing low fat and low carbohydrate diets matched for energy and protein - PubMed - NCBI

-New Major Study funded by the American tax payers through the National Institute for Health oover a 1 year period.

Essential Oil Roller Bottle Blends

Essential Oil Blends

Are you looking for a great way to maximize the benefits of essential oils?  Roller Bottles made with essential oils are an easy and cost effective way to use your favorite oils!  Here are some of our favorite roller blends!