Shedding Light on Nightshades + What You Need to Know

Hola Chica!

As naturalista’s, we often already play the role of our own health detectives out of the love for truth.

Have you ever had a trigger response from a food you’ve eaten? I know that when I eat gluten, or too much of one food type over time - I feel it! It may be a pleasure reward in the moment, but boy do I pay for it later.

Sometimes we have no idea where a ‘reaction’ comes from, nor does it always show up in your gut. Other common reactions can be foggy brain, insomnia and commonly - our skin.

There are common foods that cause allergies such as egg and dairy, but one heavy hitter the health industry is starting to recognize more than others are NIGHTSHADES and the active agitator within it called “Lectin.”

Later, I’ll help us connect the dots to how nightshades potentially affect our skin, but today’s dialog is breaking down the basics of new nutritional science I deem highly valuable to know for yourself, or someone you know.

Nightshades are a family of plants known as Solanaceae. The family includes some pretty popular veggies like:

• Potatoes

• Tomatoes

• Eggplant

• Peppers (including bell, cayenne pepper, and paprika)

WHY NUTRITIONISTS SUGGEST AVOIDING NIGHTSHADES

Many health experts believe you should avoid the nightshade family altogether. Why? There are a couple of reasons.

I’ve already mentioned an alkaloid called solanine. But nightshades also contain the alkaloids capsaicin and nicotine (yes, nicotine — tobacco is part of the nightshade family, after all). And all of these alkaloids may have irritating effects on the body.

Solanine has been linked to aggravated joint pain and inflammation. Though no scientific studies currently support this finding, The Arthritis Foundation reports that many patients do find this to be the case.

Nicotine is found in tobacco plants (also a nightshade family member) as well as these common nightshade vegetables. Amounts of nicotine in the veggies can range from 2-7 microgram/kg (a cigarette averages about 12 milligrams) but decrease with the fading of “green” coloring. So when a tomato ripens it does decrease in nicotine.

The bottom line with alkaloids is: Though they may not affect everyone, some people are very sensitive to them because they can’t digest them properly.

According to Dr. Gundry, lectins are toxic proteins found in certain plants.

Lectins are part of a plant’s natural defense system. The problem with lectins is:

• They can bind to cells on your gut wall

• Damage the gut

• Preventing you from properly absorbing nutrients.

Lectins are found in their highest concentrations in legumes, grains, and — you guessed it — nightshades.

Research has begun to show that – though some people are more sensitive to lectins than others – lectins are:

• Toxic, inflammatory, or both

• Resistant to your digestive enzymes

• Able to cause major discomfort if consumed in high concentration
  

BEWARE! LECTIN CONTENT IS MOST POTENT IN THE PEELS AND SEEDS

If you suffer from a leaky gut, an irritable bowel, or any other gastrointestinal sensitivity you should definitely think about cutting lectin-rich nightshades from your diet to see if you notice any difference.

THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A NIGHTSHADE SENSITIVITY

Nightshade sensitivity can be very similar to a host of other conditions but generally appear as:

• Diarrhea

• Heartburn / Reflux

• Nausea

• Irritable Bowel

• Joint Pain and/or swelling

TUBERS

Funny word, I know. Tubers include sweet potatoes, yucca, and taro root. The sweet potato is particularly wonderful with health-promoting antioxidants like β‐carotene and anthocyanins — both of which have been shown to protect against certain health issues.

LEAFY GREENS

The following leafy greens are incredibly high in nutrients (like vitamins A, C, E, and K).

• Romaine

• Red & green leaf lettuce

• Kohlrabi

• Mesclun

• Spinach

• Endive

• Butter lettuce

• Parsley

• Fennel

• Seaweed/sea vegetables

CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES

Like leafy greens, cruciferous veggies like the ones below are also high in important carotenoid-antioxidants (like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) as well as vitamins C, E, and K; folate; and fiber.

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Brussels sprouts

• Arugula

• Kale

• Cabbage

• Collard greens

• Bok choy

AVOCADO

Hello chipotle or avocado toast (minus the gluten for me). Avocado is actually a fruit, but because it’s a first-class choice when it comes to gut-friendly veggies.

Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber. As well as plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Research has even found the avocado may also lower “bad” LDL cholesterol which is a huge contributor to cardiovascular diseases.

How to Test for Nightshade Sensitivity

The best way to test for a nightshade sensitivity is to go through an elimination diet. You’ll want to remove all nightshades from your diet (including culinary spices such as red pepper flakes, chili powder, and curry powder) and see if your symptoms resolve. If you do not experience any GI issues, fatigue, or joint pain after successfully removing nightshades from your diet, then you probably have a nightshade sensitivity.

So does that mean you can never eat salsa again? Not at all! The next phase of the elimination diet is the reintroduction phase. One at a time, you will begin to reintroduce each food you removed to test how your body reacts to it.

I suggest waiting two weeks before re-adding. Some people have only a very minor intolerance to nightshades, which means you may be able to tolerate some foods in the nightshade family depending on the amount of glycoalkaloids they contain

That’s it! Whether you sense a sensitivity, brain fog, digestive issues - or not, removing nightshades may be an interesting exploration.

Next I’ll dial in on how nightshades may be causing skin issues of all kinds.

I have to acknowledge just how frustrating it is to figure out triggers that confuse our inner health and outer skin issues.

Though nightshades can be an issue for people with chronic inflammatory conditions, the reason it affects skin isn’t so clear cut.

I’ll cover that in my next dialog with you.

Thanks for informing yourself, beaute! Questions? Contact me at hello@evoqbeauty.com.

Love n’ Light,

Kassandra

Sugar... glycation and it's effect on your skin.

 The story of AGE and your skin.

As Halloween fast approaches, and then the holiday season to nip it in the butt, the sugary treats will be on the rise.  We're here to give you forewarning and bring our "Informed Beautes'" up to speed of how sugar effects the skin.

Conventionally, we know inflammation is bad for the body, and it's influence on our skin and hair. Most women/men are shocked to find out that excess refined sugar is a big contributor to skin aging.   The culprit to be blamed for this is a natural process called glycation, where blood sugar attaches itself to proteins and makes way for AGEs (Advanced Glyacting End products).  These AGE molecules  can cause premature aging, skin dullness and sagging skin and these molecules are directly linked with sugar.

Impacted by Sugar!

Recent research and studies indicate that sugars in the form of added carbohydrates or refined sugars can lead to premature aging, sagging skin and more wrinkles. When we consume simple sugars in the form of starches such as rice, bread, potatoes and sweets, there is a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This blood sugar then combines with the protein molecules and gives birth to the new AGE molecule. Apart from the usual sugar-related health impact, AGEs also affect the skin in the following ways:

• Damages elastin and skin protein collagen, which are responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
• Restricts the body’s ability to utilize and produce anti-oxidants, making the body more vulnerable to damage by free radicals.
• Makes your skin more vulnerable and prone to sun damage (which is one of the leading causes of skin aging) by deactivating the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes.

The more sugar you consume, the more vulnerable you are to the damaging effects of glycation and skin aging. The sugar impact is felt mostly after the age of 35, as tissue regeneration slows down and glycation increases.

Prevention

To prevent the damage caused by sugar you need to cut down on the added sugars from your diet. Though it is not possible to completely eliminate sugars (such as sugars in the form of fructose and sucrose, which are unavoidable and produce end products such as glucose and galactose, which can be easily digested so eliminating these natural sugars is not required), here is what you need to do to avoid damage from high consumption of sugar:

• Avoid foods with added and high sugar content such as sweets, chocolates, carbonated beverages
• Limit the consumption of simple carbohydrates such as potato, pasta, white bread and white rice
• Increase protein intake to control carb cravings

To counteract the damage caused by sugar you need to:

• Replace processed sugars with natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables
• Limit refined sugar consumption to less than 10% of your total calorie intake
• Supplement your diet with essential vitamins such as a daily dose of 1mg of Vitamin B1 and B6
• Fight the detrimental effect of AGEs by reducing/avoiding sun exposure especially between 10 A.M and 4 P.M when UV rays are at their strongest by using a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen
• Increase the intake of vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids by eating brightly colored vegetables, fruits and cold water fish such as salmon and sardines. Add a handful of nuts to your diet and sip on antioxidant-rich green tea instead of coffee or regular black tea
• Enjoy the benefits of Kasia enMoist antioxidant rich anti-aging lotion and follow a  inside/out  skin care routine

Kasia quicknote:  Sugar is notorious for causing acne, yeast/candida, allergies, stress, weight gain, dandruff, inflammation, headaches and taking out the immune system.

Kassie offers nutritional supplements to help buffer your biochemistry helping to neutralize your PH levels, while reducing your sugar cravings.

Stop in or call about being muscle tested and learning more about busting the sugar crave today!   612 824 7611

Article reference: blog.myskin.com

Underlying cause of bags and dark circles and.. what causes wrinkles?

Mrs.  Golden Winter Sun and Mr. Pollute, what have you done for me lately.

Research suggests that the sun is what causes wrinkles and 80% of all of the signs of aging and the other 20% of the signs of aging are caused by toxins and environmental damage.

Free of artificial preservatives, parabens, or other harfmul ingredients, Kasia onCure takes the efficient, but safe approach to treating under-eye wrinkles and the other signs of aging.

The eye area is one of the first regions of the face to show the signs of ageing. The skin around the eyes is deprived of oil glands and is very delicate and that’s why the skin doesn’t have a protection against the environments influences and UV rays.

Other underlying cause of bags and dark circles is poorly circulating fluids due to weakening capillaries.  You can improve the strength of those capillaries, with the right nutrients internally, as well as applied directly in order to quickly get rid of wrinkles, bags and circles.

There is More!

To get rid of eye wrinkles, you also need to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.  Kasia onCure delivers amino acid protein peptides that have been proven scientifically to help you do just that.

Kasia OnCure Eye Cream

Benefits:

* Reduces dark circles, shadows and fine lines.

* Prevents puffiness and reduces eye bags.

* Reinforces firmness and tone.

Beneficial Ingredients

Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) Kernel Oil

Commonly referred to as Apricot Kernel Oil, this oil is pressed from the kernels of the Apricot fruit. It is rich in essential fatty acids, which are vital components of the human organism. As a result, this nourishing oil helps to replenish and rebuild the skin.

Borago Officinalis (borage) Seed Oil

Used to prevent aging and wrinkles by fighting dehydration and the loss of skin elasticity. Borage also stimulates skin cell regeneration and rejuvenation, and is rich in minerals and linoleic acid.

Butyrospermum Parkii (shea) Butter

Kasia chooses shea butter for it’s unique fatty acid profile, which gives the ability to moisturize and retain the elasticity of the skin.

Chrysin

Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavone, extracted from the blue passion flower.  It promotes the elimination of blood originating pigments from under the eyes. Chrysin eliminates the by-products of hemoglobin degradation, which aids in reducing the appearance of dark under eye circles.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3

Kasia trusts this protein will bring direct action to noticeably reduce under eye puffiness in four weeks. This product is clinically proven to help correct poor drainage by increasing the lymphatic exchange and achieving proper circulation of the extra cellular fluids. This powerful peptide counteracts skin slackening, perking up and increasing the firmness of the fragile skin area around the eye. It also decreases irritation that could lead to puffiness.

he skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive, and that’s why you should use special eye creams or gels that are specifically made for the delicate eye area. Most of them contain ingredients that relax the muscles, vitamins, retinol and collagen.

an

Other tips for treating wrinkles

* Always apply sunscreen, especially during the summer months

* Avoid using creamy eye shadows- they may seep into your fine lines and accentuate them even more

* Get plenty of sleep

* Drink lots of water, at least 1.5 liter

* Wear hats and black sunglasses especially during the summer

* Avoid smoking – it makes you squint and deprive your skin from “air”

* Take vitamins and eat lots of vegetables and fruits

Learn more about Anti-Aging, and the “Underlying causes of skin health” at  www.Kasiaorganicsalon.com

Infrared Sauna Guide and Benefits Explained

 

How Does It Work?

Kasia brings you the goodness of the healthy sun rays, while keeping away the harmful ones!

The sun is the primary source of radiant energy on earth, but not all of this energy is beneficial to us. Sunlight is a combination of visible light and invisible light. The seven colors of the rainbow are found in the visible light spectrum, and the invisible infrared rays and ultraviolet rays are found either side of the visible light spectrum. Ultraviolet rays are well-known for their ability to damage the skin, causing premature aging, sunburn and even cancer. In contrast, infrared rays are healthy, they penetrate into your skin deeply and dissolve harmful substances accumulated in your body. The infrared rays revitalize your cells and metabolism.

Key Benefits: 

› Increase the metabolism, burn calories, and help you to lose weight

› Relieve muscle and joint pain

› Remove toxins and improve the immune system

› Improve the appearance of cellulite

› Reduce stress and fatigue

› Improve the skin

› Improve a poor circulation

› Reduce depression and mood imbalances

Increase the metabolism, burn calories, and help you to lose weight

Far infrared saunas have been shown to assist in weight loss. Studies have shown that a 30-minute far infrared sauna session can burn 200-600 calories. This is in addition to the weight lost due to perspiration, which is mostly due to water loss and as such is quickly regained after the sauna session through drinking fluids.

The body has to work hard to cool itself back down after being in a far infrared sauna and this effort produces an increased heart rate and metabolism. It was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association in August 1981 that the blood flow could double in such circumstances.

“Saunas are an important aid to weight loss and thyroid repair because as you lose weight, fat tissue releases stored toxins such as PCBs and pesticides.” Dr. Mark Hyman, author of Ultrametabolism

Relieve muscle and joint pain

Far infrared saunas can provide relief to patients suffering from fibromyalgia, arthritis, and painful joints and muscles. Far infrared sauna therapy penetrates deeply into joints, muscles, and tissues, it increases the oxygen flow around the body and increases the circulation. Natural body healing with Sunlighten™ therapy can lead to a healthier lifestyle for you.

Remove toxins and improve the immune system

We believe in removing daily toxins from our lifestyles. Toxins and heavy metals are found in our soils, personal care products, water supplies, and the air. They have a destructive influence on our normal homeostasis (the healthy function of our body), causing enzyme dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and the weakening of our immune system. Many people do not realize that toxic overload of the body can produce these health problems.

The benefits of detoxification with Sunlighten's Solocarbon® heaters include decongested, brighter skin, an increased mental clarity, restored energy levels, fewer allergies, improved sleep, and a restored liver and immune function.

How does this work?

Essentially, far infrared rays cause water within the body to vibrate. Since the human body is approximately 70% water, this can have pronounced effect on our tissues:

1. The infrared heat energy penetrates deeply into the tissues, heating them and breaking down clusters of water molecules.
2. Toxins are then easily released.
3. The capillaries expand due to the extra heat, improving the circulation of the blood.
4. The body's metabolism is increased and the tissues are activated to produce needed enzymes.
5. Fat soluble chemicals are eliminated from the body through the sebaceous and sweat glands.

The average person sweats out 20% toxins and 80% water! In conventional saunas the average person sweats out just 3% toxins and 97% water.

Improve the appearance of cellulite

Cellulite gives skin a distinctive appearance, similar to an orange peel. It is made up of fat, water, and whatever waste products are trapped below the skin because of poor circulation. Infrared saunas can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite by heating the tissues under the skin and increasing the blood circulation, clearing the body of unwanted waste products and toxins.

Reduce stress and fatigue

Far infrared saunas can assist in stress reduction and provide relief from chronic fatigue syndrome. Relaxation is more important to your health than most people realize. According to many health professionals – the more stressed you are, the more cortisol your body will produce. Cortisol is the “fight or flight” hormone made in the adrenal glands. It raises the heart rate, blood pressure, and encourages the deposit of any excess calories into the midsection of the torso.

The infrared sauna gives you the ultimate relaxation experience. The therapeutic far infrared heat triggers an invigorating deep tissue sweat, leaving you feeling completely mesmerized after every session. Additionally, scientific evidence shows that far infrared therapy can help the body to maintain healthy levels of cortisol. While cortisol levels may stay the same or rise slightly during a sauna session, they drop afterwards.

Improve the skin

Infrared therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cell health. This means that wounds can heal quicker with reduced scarring and the effects of acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns and any skin lesions or cuts may be lessened. Far infrared therapy may help to reduce wrinkles and make the skin look radiant and firmer with improved skin tone and elasticity. It may also help to reduce cellulite trapped beneath the skin.

Natural infrared therapy can have amazing results in eczema and psoriasis treatment. Regular use of an infrared sauna not only helps to clean toxins from inside your body and lowers your stress levels (a proven trigger for both eczema and psoriasis), but also to control the skin inflammation. Infrared helps to eliminate the itching associated with eczema and psoriasis and then stimulates the healing processes of the skin. So you may be able to rid yourself of the risks associated with emollient creams, lubricating ointments and steroid creams that often cause thinning of the skin, acne-like breakouts, broken blood vessels, and stretch marks.

Improve a poor circulation

Improve your circulation in conjunction with our recommended Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils and Jojoba blends to help flush out cellulite!

The problems of high blood pressure, heart disease and a poor circulation may be decreased through infrared sauna therapy. During a 15-30 minute sauna session, the heart rate increases by 50-75%, providing a similar metabolic result to that gained through physical exercise. Your blood vessels become more flexible and there is increased circulation to your extremities, the capillaries expand allowing your blood to circulate at an increased rate. Effective blood circulation is vital for thehuman body to operate correctly, bringing nutrients (from your food) and oxygen to all parts of the body, and taking away carbon dioxide and other waste products to be eliminated from the body.

Reduce depression and mood imbalances

Far infrared heat therapy has been documented to boost the body’s natural endorphins just as if it were exercising. These feelgood hormones and the release of stored up tension and stress by the body's muscles and tissues elevate your mood, leaving you uplifted and relaxed, both physically and mentally. This can be an effective aid in the treatment of depression and other mood imbalance conditions.

Psychological Benefits

* reduced stress and anxiety

* increased creativity and intelligence

* reduced depression

* increased learning ability, moral reasoning and memory

* reduced irritability and moodiness

* feelings of vitality and rejuvenation

* increased emotional control

* increased self-esteem

* increased alertness

* improved relationships

* improved concentration

Physiological Benefits

* may help lower blood pressure

* prevented, slowed or controlled pain of chronic diseases

* boosted immune system

* lowered cholesterol levels

* improved airflow, especially in those with asthma

* younger biological age ________________

What do I do during an infrared sauna session?

Be prepared to sweat. You will disrobe in our private room and lie comfortably within the far-infrared sauna dome. The temperature and timer are set and you can relax to peaceful music for 15-30 minutes. When the timer turns off the sauna, you can remove the dome and simply get up on your own.

Is Infrared Heat harmful?

Not in the least bit. Infrared light and infrared heat have been used by doctors and scientists for decades. There have been thousands of documented studies and there has been no recorded evidence that there are any ill effects of infrared rays. Unlike ultraviolet rays, which can be very damaging to the skin and ultimately cause cancer, infrared rays are completely safe and have numerous beneficial health effects on the human body.

What to expect?

The Kasia Infrared Sauna is experienced while lying comfortably on your back. Your head stays outside the sauna for the duration of the 30-minute treatment. You will find the Kasia Infrared Sauna to be much more comfortable than a conventional sauna as you are not breathing in hot air.

After approximately twenty minutes, the infrared heat will have penetrated deep into your tissues, your pores will have opened up, and your body will be producing large amounts of perspiration. This release of sweat also includes toxins so the process doesn't just remove water.

The treatment will leave you feeling profoundly relaxed and stress-free.......

Essential Oil Treatment for Hair Loss and Stimulation

The Study!

Patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. One group received the following recipe: Lavender (3 drops, 108 mg), Rosemary (3 drops, 114 mg), and Cederwood (2 drops, 94 mg).

These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 ml, and grapeseed, 20 ml, oils ... The oils were massaged into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes. Patients were taught to massage the oil into the bare areas of their scalp for two minutes each evening and then wrap a warm towel around their head to enhance absorption. The placebo group used just the carrier oils. The results were impressive. Of those who applied aromatherapeutic oils, 44 percent had improvement after seven months, compared to 15 percent in the control group. At the beginning of the study, and again after three and seven months, professional photographs were taken of each patient’s scalp. Changes as seen in the photographs served as the primary outcome measure. Mapping and measuring of the bald patches was also done to determine results.

An impressive 44 percent of the group using the essential oils significantly improved. The average area of hair regrowth with the essential oils was 104 square centimeters, compared with nearly zero for those using the placebo. According to one intriguing photograph provided by the researchers, considerable hair regrowth occurred with one male patient who had both alopecia areata and severe male pattern hair loss.

These results show aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata. The researchers were proud to have successfully applied an evidence-based method to an alternative therapy. Evidently, one or more of the essential oils is able to promote hair regrowth. And unlike standard medical therapies, the essential oils have a very low risk of side effects and are not nearly as costly.

How To Use Essential Oils for Hair Loss:

Add 2 drops of the essential oil either to the rinse water or to a good (Kasia Favorite) Jojoba  oil. Massage it well into the scalp. Wrap the hair in plastic wrap; place a warm towel around it. Leave it for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. Shampoo the hair as usual, using a mild shampoo (avoid medicated shampoo), so that you do not damage the sebum balance.

Essential Oils for Stimulating Circulation and Improving the Hair Health

A blend of bay and lavender essential oils stimulates the scalp and helps hair health. Add six drops of each oil to four ounces of a warm carrier oil such as almond, soybean or sesame oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp and allow it to absorb for 20 minutes. Add three drops of bay essential oil to the shampoo you regularly uses and wash the hair with this shampoo.

Essential Oil Blend for Hair Growth - As described above.

1 Atlas cedarwood essential oil - 2 drops

2 Lavender essential oil -3 drops

3 Rosemary essential oil -3 drops

4 Jojoba oil - 4 teaspoons

Directions:  Add the first four ingredients into a small glass jar. Mix well. Now add the remaining two ingredients. Mix thoroughly.

Massage this mixture into your scalp for at least two minutes every night or 3 times per week.   Wrap your head in a warm towel after treatment.   Sleep with this overnight, and/or sit with a half-one hour on the scalp.  Follow with  Shampoo / Conditioner.

Stop in at Kasia Organic Salon to purchase these therapeutic oils today!  Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils!

A Poor Diet is Bad for Your Skin

Beauty and vibrant, clear, healthy skin comes from the inside out, not from the outside in.

Do you suffer from acne?

Have you noticed if your skin looks better or worse when you eat certain foods?

What steps have you taken to keep your skin healthy?

The only  exceptions to this are wrinkles and skin cancers, which come from sun damage. But even these, too, are worsened by internal inflammation and oxidative stress caused by things like smoking and poor diet.

Now let's look a little at the problem of acne

Facts co-stated with Mark Hyman and the reviewed book: The Clear Skin Diet:

A Poor Diet is Bad for Your Skin

• Skin health, and acne in particular, are tied strongly to diet.

• Acne is caused by inflammation and oxidative stress

• Traditional indigenous cultures have little acne, but as soon as they adopt a Western diet or SAD (standard American diet), they see increasing levels of acne.

• Sugar raises insulin levels, which promotes the production of testosterone in women, and inflammation in general, causing acne.

• Saturated and processed fats increase arachidonic acid levels and compete with omega-3 fats in the body, leading to more inflammation and acne.

• Milk and dairy consumption is closely linked with acne (and many other skin and health problems) in part because of the hormones (including growth hormone) in dairy and because of the saturated fats.

• High-sugar milk chocolate can increase acne by increasing inflammation, but dark chocolate does the opposite.

Nutritional Deficiencies Promote Acne

• Widespread nutritional deficiencies of zinc, omega-3 fats, and some anti-inflammatory omega-6 fats like evening-primrose oil promote acne, while supplementing with them can help boost immunity and reduce inflammation and acne.

• A topical form of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) can reduce inflammation and help acne.

• Antioxidant levels are low in acne patients -- especially vitamins A and E, which are critical for skin health.

• People who eat more fruits and vegetables (containing more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds) have less acne.

• Certain foods have been linked to improvements in many of the underlying causes of acne and can help correct it, including fish oil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, nuts, dark purple and red foods such as berries, green foods like dark green leafy vegetables, and eggs.

Hormonal Imbalances Cause Skin Problems

• Hormonal imbalances trigger acne -- and diet influences hormones like testosterone, IGF-1 (insulin-like growth hormone), and insulin, which promote acne.

• The biggest factor affecting your hormones is the glycemic load of your diet (how quickly the food increases your blood sugar and insulin levels).

• Eating omega-3 fats and fiber (to reduce testosterone in women), cutting out sugar (to reduce insulin), and using soy foods (to reduce toxic testosterone levels) help balance hormones. Exercise also helps improve insulin function.

Leaky Gut and Food Allergies Cause Acne

• Delayed food allergies are among the most common causes of acne. Foods like gluten, dairy, yeast, and eggs can be problems if you have a leaky gut.

• Taking probiotics (such as lactobacillus) can improve acne.

• Good bacteria from probiotics also take up residence on the skin, helping with acne.

• Serious cystic acne resulting from gut imbalances and parasites that resolve when the gut is fixed.

Your Brain Can Cause Acne

• Stress causes acne flare-ups.

• Stress does this by causing increased inflammation and oxidative stress, raising cortisol, and depleting zinc, magnesium, and selenium, which help control acne.

• Stress causes poor dietary choices.

• You can manage stress through meditation, yoga, saunas, massage, biofeedback, aromatherapy, and more.

So getting healthy skin and clearing up acne truly depend on the optimal function of many of the core systems of the body -- your nutritional status, your immune system, your gut, your hormones and your mind-body health.

Resource: Mark Hyman, M.D.

ORAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR PSORIASIS

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS!

What are they?

Omega-3 fatty acids are in the category of “essential fatty acids” (EFAs), along with omega-6 fatty acids. EFAs are termed as such because they cannot be synthesized by the human body and thus must be derived from exogenous sources, namely, food. The nomenclature refers to the location of the double bond within the carbon backbone of the molecule. They are also characterized as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which refers to the presence of two or more double bonds in their molecular structure.1 Linoleic acid (LA) and a-linolenic acid (ALA) are essential PUFA of the omega-6 and omega-3 families, respectively. LA must first be converted to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and then to arachidonic acid (AA), the biologically active compound. The downstream products of ALA are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two long-chain omega-3 PUFAs.2

Where are they found? Omega-3 fatty acids are composed of EPA and DHA. Because humans cannot make these, we must get them from our food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in cold-water oily fish, such as salmon, black cod, herring, mackerel, tuna and halibut, other marine life such as algae and krill, certain plants (purslane), and nuts/seeds (walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds).2,3,4

What do they do? Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal brain growth and development in utero and in childhood. In addition to this well-known role, there are numerous conditions that benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. It is clearly established that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation prevents heart disease, coronary artery restenosis after angioplasty, and in particular, sudden cardiac death. Omega-3 fatty acids also lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and decrease vascular inflammation and blood clotting.5 Rheumatoid arthritis is another condition that benefits from supplementation, with improvement in symptoms and diminished use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder have shown positive results when supplementation has been used as an adjunct to standard pharmacotherapy.

Learn about CORE, essential fatty acids, HERE!

Read more from Skin ad Anti-Aging Study Here!

4 Elements of Beautiful Health

We want to inspire you with the truth that Beautiful Health is so much about how we nourish our body. Here's some basic dietary guidance to help you lay your own foundations for lasting Beautiful Health.

Fight Inflammation

Beware of Silent Inflammation. Not all inflammation results in obvious or painful symptoms. Many of us are living daily with low — but still dangerous — levels of inflammation. When this consistent inflammation goes on unknown and untreated for too long it eventually erupts into chronic disease. Our food choices are critical in causing and controlling inflammation.

While some foods such as high-glycemic carbohydrates, red meats and dairy produce, are known pro-inflammatories, there are additional causes to be aware of as well. Ultra-violet light exposure, environmental stresses, hormonal changes and weakened immune system all contribute to inflammation. Studies have shown that when foods like fruit and vegetables and fish are digested they produce anti-inflammatory metabolites.

Digest This

You are what you eat. You've heard it before, and while it's true, it doesn't quite tell us the whole story. Fact is, you are what what you're able to digest and absorb. The health of our digestive tract is highly integrated with our overall health. Classic signs that your digestive system is under-performing include low energy, poor skin health, headaches, foggy thinking and food allergies. Chronic digestive ill-health can ultimately manifest in a myriad of symptoms from depression and weight gain to arthritis.

The basic principles of good gut health are essentially those of good general health. Eat natural foods, include lots of fibre and keep yourself hydrated. And choose low glycemic carbohydrates — avoid sugar, white flour and processed foods.

The Good Oil

Fats and oils have become much maligned in modern times, and while there's certainly some fats we should absolutely avoid, essentially fatty acids derived from cold-pressed seed oils are just so important for healthy skin. In fact, the most dramatic and positive changes to skin health (not too mention heart and mind health) come under the influence of Omega 3 and 6 EFA intake. Dry and sensitive skin affects one in two women. Inadequate essential fatty acid intake induces water loss across the epidermis.

We suggest supplementation with revolutionary Immuno-Viva Core, which offers cold-pressed essential fatty acids and anti-oxidant protection in one oil.

Subtract those Additives

Eating foods grown with pesticides and prepared with synthetic preservatives and additives have been shown to create accumulative toxic reactions, resulting in acne, rashes and other unpleasant skin conditions. Over time, toxins in the digestive system result in clog pores and blockages in the skins internal channels which carry moisture and nutrients to the deeper layers of the skin. The results of this can be seen in aging skin, skin spots, wrinkles and a dull complexion.

Healthy skin depends on reducing the level of toxins in your body, and this begins with reducing the toxins in your diet. Eat fresh, organic fruits and vegetables where possible. And check those labels on your packaged food. You might be surprised just how prevalent preservatives and additives are in your regular diet. Omega 3 EFA's and plenty of anti-oxidant rich foods are also great for reducing inflammation and combating the effects of built up toxins.