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.