10 Cannabinoids You Need to Know About

THC and CBD… is that it? 

Acting as the two main “ingredients” in marijuana, they’re scientifically called cannabinoids.

But, little do most know, there are DOZENS, if not hundreds, of different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.

Here, we explore the most studied -   All 10 of them.

THC

Often known as marijuana’s “flagship” cannabinoid, THC is the poster boy of weed, and is scientifically named Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol.

As one of the “main” active ingredients in weed, this is what turns you from sober to stoned!.

Not only does it get you high, but it has medicinal values to it as well!s.

It can treat:

• Crohn’s disease

• Neuropathy

• PTSD

• Cancer

• Alzheimer’s

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinson’s

• Arthritis

• Asthma

• Glaucoma

• AIDS/HIV

THC is obviously quite diverse in its abilities to treat diseases, and is held in high esteem among cannabis lovers.

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BD

As you can expect, after THC, there is CBD.

Known as Cannabidiol, this is the cannabinoid most associated with medicinal properties.

With it’s great healing capabilities, here are some of the illnesses or issues that it can help alleviate:

• Pain relief and inflammation

• Epilepsy

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Anticancer

• Schizophrenia

• Anti-tumor

• Anti-anxiety

There are even more benefits to CBD than what’s listed.

This video below will tell you everything you need to know about CBD.

CBC

Unbeknownst to most, there are more than two ingredients inside of marijuana.

One of the more recent discoveries is a cannabinoid called Cannabichromene – CBC for short.

Although the average pot smoker is ignorant to the fact that this exists, CBC is the third most common cannabinoid in weed, and can even rival the amount of CBD content in certain strains! 

CBC does NOT get you “high”… The receptors that it binds to are linked to pain perception – the Vanilloid Receptor 1 (TRPV) and the Transient Receptor Ankyring 1 (TRPA1).

CBC has some of its own unique medical properties.

They include:

• Anti-fungal

• Anti-bacterial

• Antidepressant

• Encourages new brain cell growth (neurogenesis)

• Anti-inflammatory

There was a study done that says it even helps digestive issues associated with diarrhea and constipation. While these benefits can be found within the cannabinoid CBC, they work even better in tandem with THC.  This effect is known as the entourage effect. Essentially, isolating CBC and creating a product of just pure CBC would NOT be as effective without its other cannabinoid friends.

CBN

CBN, or Cannabinol, can be found as a metabolite of THC.

Due to the oxidation of the plant’s chemicals, this means that it’s a byproduct of THC through the aging process..

Among having similar benefits that the other cannabinoids have, its most notable characteristic is that it promotes bone growth.

In most cannabis plants, THC can go up to around 30%.

In comparison, CBN RARELY exceeds 1%!

As for a more mainstream application of this cannabinoid, it would be best suited for its sleep aid properties.

When you’re feeling tired from smoking cannabis, it’s likely due to cannabinol.

CBG

CBG, or Cannabigerol, is known to treat digestive issues, glaucoma, cancer, skin conditions, and acts as both an antiseptic and a neuroprotective.

As a precursor to THC, CBG converts into THC as marijuana matures over time.

Because of this, there is often a lower amount in most strains. CBG can usually be found in amounts up to 1% of the plant!

 But without CBG, we wouldn’t have the weed we know and love today. It is the “mother cannabinoid” and we have it to thank for producing our desired THC and CBD molecules.

However, CBG has properties that can be utilized for medical purposes so growers and researchers are working on finding ways to increase the amount found in plants.

Since it’s a precursor, some breeders are experimenting with selective genetics and extraction of CBG in the earlier stages of cannabis growth.

THCv

If you can pronounce this properly on your first try, you deserve an award.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a chemical structure that is very similar to that of THC, and will help potentiate the effects of it.

 Similar to THC, THCv has some great benefits attached to it.

 THCv is an anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, and more uniquely, it can even promote weight loss!

In this study, it shows that THCv has potential for reducing body fat and increasing energy levels.

Additionally, a study by GW pharmaceuticals showed promising evidence for THCv treating Type 2 diabetes.  

CBDv

CBDv, or Cannabidivarin, is to CBD what THCv is to THC.

Mostly found in indicas, this cannabinoid has powerful anti-convulsant properties and is shown to suppress the expression of genes associated with epilepsy!  GW pharmaceuticals actually began a Phase II for clinical studies of cannabidivarin in epilepsy in 2015.

They’re planning for CBDv to become “the next generation of standard epilepsy medication”.

Although it is a very confident statement, the future is looking bright for cannabinoids becoming legitimate medicines for a huge list of diseases and disorders.

Delta(8) – THC

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol is what we refer to as THC normally but, did you know there is a Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol as well?!

Although it is quite similar to Delta-9-THC, its potency is nowhere near as strong.

They do, however, have similar effects which include:

• Antiemetic,

• Appetite-stimulating

• Anti-nausea

• Anticancer

• Antitumoral

The U.S. National Cancer Institute conducted research to confirm the benefits Delta-8-THC.

Even though these were studies conducted by the NCI, which is funded by the government, we’ve still seen these chemicals demonized by the same government and not approved by the FDA…

THCa

The last two cannabinoids (that you didn’t know about) are to be found in the plant substance before they’re decarboxylated.

This means that you don’t receive their unique benefits if you heat them up.

But what exactly are these benefits?

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antioxidant

• Improves gastrointestinal functions

• Neuroprotective

• Antiemetic

• Insecticide

The insecticide capabilities in THCa may prove to be useful by adding raw cannabis oil to lotions and creams for topical use.

 These benefits present a good reason as to why individuals may consider consuming raw cannabis!

Some might even say… superfood!

CBDa

As with THCa, CBDa’s benefits can only be redeemed if you eat them raw.

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antioxidant

• Painkiller

• Anti-proliferative

Anti-proliferatives help slow the spread of malignant cells in the body.

So combined with the other anti-cancer properties of the other cannabinoids we’ve mentioned, the cannabis plant in raw form could be a powerful cancer-fighting substance.

Conclusion about Cannabinoids:

Marijuana plays hosts to plenty of “ingredients” that can help with several different medical issues.

Researchers and growers are working desperately to extract certain cannabinoids to help with specific problems, which will eventually become a huge help in the medical field.

For now in MN, we rely on the benefits of CBD rich extracts.  Shop www.evoqbeauty.com

This Blog was grasciously provided by http://grass.fm/blog/10-cannabinoids-you-didnt-know-about/

The RIGHT Way to Detox. Counting Calories or Counting Chemicals?

Spring is a time where we become more aware of the importance of detoxification due to the changing of the season and the need of the body to shift into new energies and lifestyles. 

From beauty magazines to wellness bloggers, we see many talking about their favorite detoxes. Detoxes for skin, rapid detoxes, juice detoxes, colon cleanses – you name it! It seems everyone has their own take on how to detox your body.

BUT .... is it appropriate, safe, or right for you?

Let’s chat about what it means to truly detox your body. No lemon drinks or apple cider vinegar fasts – this article shares how to truly detox your beautiful bod - through your detox pathways and a look at the different ways you can support them for truly safe and effective detoxification.

First things first. 

Your body has four major detoxification organs, and they are:

• Your liver
• Your kidneys
• Your digestive system
• Your skin
  
  Other detoxification pathways include your lungs and lymphatic system but these are the four major organs that can easily be supported for effective and improved detoxification.

We are exposed to tens of thousands of chemicals every day. While everyone should be working to reduce their daily toxin exposure, the truth of the matter is unless you live in a bubble – you can’t possible eliminate all toxin exposure. That being said, no one should rely on detoxification alone – read about how to Reduce Your Daily Toxin Exposure, in my free guide.

When it comes to being healthy, implementing detoxification techniques should be right up there with diet and exercise. This advice goes for everyone, but is especially important for anyone dealing with chronic health issues. Let’s look at the four detoxification organs more closely and learn how you can support each for optimal detoxification that goes beyond a trendy one time spring cleaning. 

1. Detox Through Your Liver

When it comes to your body’s detoxification pathways your liver is the workhorse of organs. The largest solid organ in your body, your liver takes quite the beating as it filters through toxins, proteins, fats, and more.  

Your liver is about the size of a football and is divided into two lobes, which has eight segments. Compared to the rest of your body, your liver requires a lot of blood and contains between 10 to 13 percent of your entire blood supply in it at one time.

Though your liver has a ton of work to do when it comes to detoxifying your body, it’s up for the challenge – provided you give it the support it needs. Detoxification in the liver happens in two-parts – phase 1 and phase 2. Each phase has different requirements, which you can support through diet and supplementation.

You can support Phase 1 liver detox with:

• B vitamin supplements
• Folate
• Glutathione
• Polyphenols
• Quercetin
• Lycopene

You can support Phase 2 liver detox with:

• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Folate
• Glutathione
• Magnesium
• Essential amino acids

Studies have also found that intermittent fasting supports Phase 2 detoxification.

Foods known to positively impact liver detoxification include:

• Cruciferous vegetables
• Grapefruit
• Resveratrol
• Fish oils
• Green and black tea

2. Detox Through Your Kidneys

You have two kidneys located on either side of your spine just below the ribs. Your kidneys filter between 120 to 150 quarts of blood each day, which produces one to two quarts of urine. Your urine contains excess fluid and waste as a method of detoxification.

Blood is filtered through a million nephrons, where each contains a glomerulus and tubule. These prevent large molecules from passing through while filtering out waste products. Additionally, nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor known to protect the kidneys from oxidative stress. To improve your body’s detoxification processes, you’ll need to be sure to support these important processes.

You can support kidney detoxification with:

• Vitamin B12
• Resveratrol
• Isoflavonoids
• Astaxanthin

Foods known to boost kidney detoxification include:

• Coffee
• Garlic
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Blueberry
• Broccoli
• Seaweed
• Beets
• Cranberries

 

3. Detox Through Your Digestive System

Going to the bathroom is another major detoxification pathway. If you aren’t going regularly or are constipated, this is more than a discomfort – you’re actually not getting necessary waste out.

Also, if you have any digestive issues – like leaky gut for example – your gut detoxification pathway isn’t functioning at its prime and that’s also an issue.

You can support digestive detoxification with:

• Making sure you address any underlying gut issues. This means healing leaky gut, eliminating gluten and food sensitivities, and anything else that might be preventing your digestive system from functioning optimally.
   
• Use detox binders – Detox binders, like activated charcoal and certain clays, can help collect toxins along the digestive tract and help your body eliminate them through your waste.

Foods that can support gut detoxification include anything that supports a healthy microbiome:

• Probiotic foods including sauerkraut and kimchi
• Prebiotic foods like Jerusalem artichoke and garlic
   

4. Detox Through Your Skin

Your skin plays an important role in biotransformation and detoxification through eliminating toxic substances. Your skin also helps reduce oxidative stress through sweating, it’s metabolizing enzymes, and redox regulation. The best ways to support your skin’s natural detox pathways is by eating nutrient dense foods and sweating more.

You can support detoxification through your skin with:

• Exercise – One of the best things about exercise is it gets you sweating. Sweating is an important detoxification pathway in your body that only works when it’s turned on. Meaning, if you’re not sweating on a regular basis you aren’t getting the benefits of this detoxification pathway. When you exercise, make sure you sweat so you get the most out of your work out.
   
• Infrared saunas – Infrared saunas heat your core temperature and make you really sweat. This has been shown to help your body excrete heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. Plus, infrared saunas are incredibly enjoyable. I recommend you look for an infrared sauna near you and incorporate it into your weekly routine today.
   
• Dry brushing – Dry brushing actually works through stimulating the lymphatic system but it also can help remove toxins on the surface and exfoliate dead skin too.

If you’re going to jump on the detox bandwagon this spring, I recommend you use methods that actually work. Instead of choosing something trendy, why don’t you incorporate some of these detox techniques into your everyday life so you can reap the benefits of detoxification on a daily level.

Too many people are counting calories and not enough people are counting chemicals and it’s time we paid attention with better detoxification practices.

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Thank you Dr Jill Carnahan for sharing this great information. Find the full article here.

Resources:

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/liver_biliary_and_pancreatic_disorders/liver_anatomy_and_functions_85,P00676
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3591652/
• https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidneys-how-they-work
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3415238/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312275/

I lost my brother to this. [protect yourself, please]

Love and Protect Your Skin

May has already come and almost gone.   With the sun shining more often (thank goodness), it seems appropriate that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.  About two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, making it the most common type of cancer in the United States.

Losing a brother at the age of 24 of skin cancer, this topic is near and dear. 

However, it is also often a preventable type of cancer since the main cause is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. If it’s caught and treated early, skin cancer is very curable. But, all of us, regardless of skin color, should make protecting our skin and staying safe from the sun’s rays a priority and a daily habit.

Just how invasive has skin cancer become in the U.S.?

Check out these statistics from the Skin Cancer Foundation:

- Each year, over 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are treated.

- Melanoma rates are rising at an alarming rate among 18 to 39-year-olds.

- Over the past 40 years, skin cancer rates have grown by 800% among young women and 400% among young men.

So, what can you do to protect yourself?

Let’s start with the most obvious solutions: sunscreen.

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How effective is sunscreen?

Yes, sunscreen will protect you from sunburn, but can it prevent skin cancer? According to a study from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia, when SPF 30-plus is properly applied, you’ll be protected 100% from all three types of skin cancer (melanoma, squamous cell, and basal cell). You have a cancer-fighting gene called P53 that protects us from all varieties of cancer, and sunscreen protects that gene, as well.

Preventing skin cancer helps prevent all cancer

The P53 gene works to heal our skin when it’s been sun damaged. If your skin gets burned regularly, the gene mutates and doesn’t do its job, which makes all kinds of cancer more likely to occur.

People who have had skin cancer are 15 to 26% more likely to develop other types of cancer in the future, so skin protection and regular skin checks are vital to your health. For us women, that means a higher risk of breast and lung cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

How deep does the damage go?

Obviously, when you’re skin gets burned, you can that damage has been done. What you might not know is that  UV radiation damages our skin cells all the way down to the DNA, and it affects the protective functions of our skin. The way your skin cells make chemicals is changed by UVA and UVB rays. That’s why you get tan — your skin reacts to the sun’s rays by over producing melanin to protect itself. However, over-exposure to the sun results in melanin-producing skin cells to mutate and divide, and you end up with an uneven skin tone rather than a glowing tan.

Photoaging is the clinical term for the damage the sun does to your skin. Repeated exposure without protection causes your skin to become unable to repair itself. The damage doesn’t start in adolescence or young adulthood, either; it starts from infancy.

Sun and aging skin

Your skin needs collagen and elastin to be firm, smooth, and healthy. UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin and makes them harder to synthesis. Without these supportive tissues, you’ll start to see wrinkles, sagging, and overall aging much faster than normal.

Your skin starts experiencing changes from the sun the moment it’s exposed to it, and over time those changes add up to a different look and feel. While you might think the changes are part of the normal aging process, they’re actually due to photoaging and are completely preventable.

Some of the skin issues you experience that are caused by photoaging are:

- Leathery texture

- Wrinkles

- Dryness

- Sagging

- Freckles, sunspots, appearance of blood vessels, and overall unevenness

- Skin growths

- Rough patches

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How to get the glow without the damage

We all want to look like the healthiest and most attractive versions of ourselves, and a sun-kissed glow can give us that look. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a solution that gives your skin and health protection from UV rays and also the color you desire? With the increase in skin cancer rates, we were inspired to create a solution to this problem, especially for us upper-midwest women.

Thanks to new technology and high-quality ingredients, our Evoq custom-formulated sunless tanner has become a top-seller nationwide through cult-favorite beauty blogs and local ladies alike. Our Evoq age-defying lotion is a natural, long-lasting, even-fading, quick-drying formula full of skin-enriching, organic, and nourishing ingredients.

Igniting the glow naturally

As a consumer, we know you’re a savvy shopper and look for multiple benefits from a single product. You now know the concerns of UV exposure in regards to accelerated aging and skin cancer, but you still want that healthy and radiant glow the sun is so good at giving.

Evoq’s sunless tanner formula contains a key ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which reacts with dead skin cells on your body’s surface and darkens them naturally. Not only does it give you a safe and healthy glow, but the formula is boosted with anti-aging benefits that decrease fine lines and wrinkles, smooth your skin, and fight free radical damage.

The formula hydrates and nourishes your skin with antioxidants, plant extracts, and humectants. These ultra-hydrating extracts and anti-aging ingredients combined with the DHA’s tanning effects delivers a unique skin treatment. It’s a game-changer for sunless tanning as women become more aware of the dangers of the sun’s UV rays and embrace sunless tanning products.

No longer compromise on skincare to achieve a safe and natural-looking tan. You’ll get the radiant glow easily using healthy and natural ingredients in our sunless tan solution, plus you’ll enjoy soft, smooth, and nourished skin.

Show off your beautiful, bare legs with Evoq’s Sunless Tanner and protect your skin with our Tinted UV Primer. All of our products are created with organic, wild-craft, and food-grade ingredients.

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Hydrate: Sunless Tanner

Avoid harmful UV rays from the sun and tanning beds and still get beautifully bronzed skin. Natural sugars from beets and sugarcane (DHA) react with your skin’s surface to give you a safe and authentic-looking tan. Licorice and Aloe soothe, repair, and hydrate your skin to make it youthful and glowing. Super-fruit alpha and beta hydroxy acids exfoliate, eliminate blackheads, and fade existing sunspots.

Some of the other super-powered ingredients include:

- Sweet almond oil: fights wrinkles and diminishes scars and dark spots

- Gotu Kola: prevents premature aging and diminishes varicose veins and scars

- Papaya leaf: contains vitamins A and C for skin health and brightening qualities.

It’s super easy to apply by using gentle and even strokes. Depending on your glow, you can reapply every two to three days, or mix with your favorite moisturizer for a more subtle glow.

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Hydrate: Tinted UV Primer 35 SPF

Get broad-spectrum protection from UV rays with a non-greasy, ultra-light sunblock. At the same time, your skin is primed for makeup and moisturizing. The 3-in-1 tinted primer also provides a shot of vitamin D for some healthy sunshine in a bottle. Vitamin D promotes a youthful complexion, builds your skin’s immunity, and provides a brightening glow to all skin types.

Use it daily under your makeup for a smooth finish and protected skin. Mix it with your liquid concealer or moisturizing, and it’s even safe to use for children as young as six months.

Enjoy the benefits of these active ingredients:

- Zinc Oxide 35 SPF: The best and safest UV protection for the whole family. Reduces aging and visibility of skin damage.

- Vitamin D3: Traditional sunscreens block your intake of this crucial vitamin, so we’ve infused it into our primer, so you still get it’s skin and internal health benefits while avoiding harmful UV rays.

- Organic sunflower seed: Rich in vitamin E to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lighten scars and under-eye circles.

- Shea butter: Healing, anti-inflammatory hydrator that fights blemishes.

The tricky signs of hidden histamines & how to reverse them. (life changing)

Welcome back to class as we continue to connect the dots on Histamines! 

Meet Flora.

florae \ˈflȯr-ˌē, -ˌī\
:bacteria and microorganisms in the body of humans intestinal flora.

While I would love to share how we infuse 'sea flora' in to our beautiful food-grade skincare line - today we're talking about the GUT (and much more). 

Think of your gut FLORA as an inner garden; just with any garden,– when you let the weeds take over, it get's a little ugly.

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Beauty & Wellbeing  -  Begins in the Belly.

Hista What?

If you missed our first look at histamines, you can review it here.
For the cliff note version, continue to read below.

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GUT HEALTH
+
LOW HISTAMINE FOODS 101 

It's no wonder!  

Our gut is where 70% of the immune system lies, where we metabolize hormones, where we make enzymes, and where we make nutrients.  This is why what goes in our digestive system can impact our mood, health, brain and skin so profoundly. 

Proper nutrition and a gut clean up is the true root of healing for glowing healthy skin and a resurrection of healthy hair growth.  

FIRST, we take a FIELD TRIP back to understanding  the origin of Histamines and the role they play.

Histamines are essential.

Our body naturally makes histamine, but are also introduced through our diet.  Histamine can trigger common allergies, as well as play a essential role in helping us regulate sleep and digestion.

  The Two Enzymes that Impact a Histamine Imbalance

These two enzymes, especially DAO, bind & break down histamine, preventing excess histamine.

The Reaction:  When you are unable to metabolize histamine or eat foods high in histamines - allergy like symptoms can occur.  (ie: redness of the skin, hives, congestion or a runny nose, swelling, fatigue, diarrhea, and other symptoms)  can occur.

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Getting to the ROOT

with

Diet and Lifestyle Choices

The Microbiome Connection
Your micro-biome and gastro health is critical.   This is where your natural enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) production occurs.   * This enzyme is what breaks down histamines. * 

Leaky Gut
Histamine intolerance can occur without a leaky gut, but there is a common link to the release of particles in the body and blood - increasing leaky gut exacerbates and the symptoms of histamine intolerance.

DNA & Genetics
Histamine intolerance is partially genetic and people with certain genes seem to be more predisposed.

Predispo... - WHAT?
A genetic predisposition of poor methylation or unable to obtain the key vitamins (B6, B12, iron, copper and vitamin C) - causes symptoms flare up.

Gas, bloating and constipation?  Hypothyroidism + Hashimoto's + SIBO

What do these three things have in common?
They may be caused by SIBO which is correlated with the Histimine im-balance and thyroid production.   SIBO is an inflammatory condition in the GI tract and is caused by an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria.  50% of those with hypothyroidism have SIBO.

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Here are a few hints of histamine high foods to avoid.   
Download this 'done for you' food guide checklist to create ease and clarity on your next field-trip to the store.  

• Fermented foods  
• Cow's milk and most cultured dairy (such as cheeses & yoghurt)
•  Vinegar products (vinegar, pickles, ketchup, mustard)
• Artificial colors + Artificial preservatives
• Long cooked bone broth

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Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips

• Avoid eating canned foods and ready meals
• Avoid eating ripened and fermented foods (older cheeses, alcoholic drinks, products containing yeast)
• Avoid leftover meat products

Supplements

*Cleanse + Favor Vitamin C
There's a good reason we use THE BIG C in our Evoq skin line.
It's a powerful antioxidant!  We’ve already schooled you on cleansing for spring (you can find it here).  

*How Vita C works? Rather than blocking histamine from binding to receptor sites ( what pharmaceuticals do), Vitamin C prevents histamine from forming in the first place. 

*Honey
FIND A LOCAL HIVE.  Allergies are noticeably decreased by incorporating raw and local honey into the diet.  You can also get this through bee pollen. I love Premiere Research Labs Bee Pollen

*Quercetin
This antioxidant can be found naturally in apples, onions and other produce. Research proves its an effective natural allergy remedy because it is able to lessen the respiratory side effects caused by inflammation in the airways. 

*Stinging Nettle
This plant is a common herb and shows its power in clinical studies revealing that 58% of people rated nettle as more effective than other allergy medications they’ve tried.

*Bromelain
It's best when treating the respiratory distress and other symptoms often associated with allergies, primarily by blocking the action of agents causing inflammation and swelling. 

*Probiotics  
The following probiotics either contain histamine reducing or histamine neutral strains. Best strain? Probiotic that contains Bifidobacterium infantis and B. longum. 
 
*Liver Support
Supporting the liver with herbs like milk thistle, artichoke leaf, wasabi, and sarsaparilla.

*DAO Supplementation
DAO supplements supply the enzyme that breaks down histamine. 

*Luteolin
This flavone is helpful in lowering inflammation, which is often at the core of histamine intolerance. According to a 2000 study in the journal of Pharmacology, luteolin has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also inhibits the activity of mast cells, which release histamine.

*Ginger
In studies, ginger has shown to inhibit histamine release and protect from peptic ulcers. As a culinary herb, you can easily add it to your diet and reap its benefits.

Adaptogens
They have the unique ability to bring stress hormones up when they’re too low, and bring them down when they’re too high. So essentially, they always know what to do to keep your body in the proper balance. This dual action is what make adaptogens a fabulous option among histamine supplements.

**EVOQ CBD Oil

Our *NEW* EVOQ CBD Curing Concentrate is built with 300mg of ACTIVE medicinal cannabinoids and Full Spectrum Terpene natural boosters to instantly calm and balance your immune system.

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Hope you enjoyed and made it to the end!  

Consider specialized testing — such as organic acid, stool, gluten sensitivity and food allergy testing if the above strategies don’t help you get to the bottom of flora gut dysfunction. You might have to work with a Functional Medicine practitioner to effectively test and treat imbalances in your gut. 

NEXT we review how histamines effect women's everyday aging and the secret tools to fight back. 

xo Love + Health + Beauty      -  Kassandra

Stop overreacting! Are your allergies a misdiagnosis?

For some, the warmer weather is bliss.

For others, it means itchy eyes, fatigue, dry skin and endless "hachooo's."  

Yup...  allergy season.    BUT WAIT  ...

Your puffy, dark under eye circles and may not be from Pollen at all.

• What is a histamine and histamine intolerance?
• A Functional Medicine approach - getting to the root and how to reverse the reactions..
• The hidden foods in your diet revealed.
• The common "drug muggers" stealing your histamine + immune health.
• Done for You - Guide to the top foods to avoid and add to your grocery list.
• How everyday anxiety, fatigue and eczema could be linked to a lack of enzyme reaction.
• Life changing 'ah-ha' tips and actionable blueprints for a better quality of life 

PSEUDO ALLERGIES 101

This topic is associated with many health and skin issues, so read on - it could be life-changing information for you. 

• Pseudo allergies (fake mimickers) and how your seasonal allergy symptoms may be a misdiagnosis and really be a histamine reaction.
   
• HIT ( not your 'high-intensity training' workout )- the real cause of Histamine Intolerance
   
• Everyday lifestyle beauty blueprint guide to start the journey of identifying the culprits and easy everyday choices - even if you don't suffer from allergies. 

Let's hit the books and dive in!

  MISDIAGNOSED SEASONAL ALLERGY?   ITS TRICKY.   
Symptoms mimic the same as allergic reactions because of the involvement of the release of histamine in the body. It can lead to chronic inflammatory conditions. It's hidden in skin disorders such as eczema, unexplained skin rashes, and itchiness.

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A ALLERGIES & HISTAMINE INTOLERANCE?

• Allergies are an IgE mediated, histamine response to an allergen, i.e., pollen or cat dander.
   
• Histamine Intolerance (HIT) is a toxic response by the body due to the excessive accumulation of endogenous or exogenous histamine from an inability of the body to efficiently breakdown histamine and hypersensitivity of cell antigen receptors.

WHEN HISTAMINES BREAK DOWN IN THE BODY.
Your immune system creates antibodies to fight these elements, prompting the release of HISTAMINES into the bloodstream. 

INTOLERANCE TO WHAT? 
Histamine intolerance (HIT) comes from either...

• making too much histamine or
• the 'lack of' the body being able to properly break down histamines.

THE GANGSTA AND A BAD RAP
 Histamine tends to be the 'gansta' with a bad rap because it releases typical allergy symptoms. In reality, though, histamine plays a crucial role in many bodily processes.

SURVIVAL MODE
We couldn't survive without histamine production, but like the perfect man - it can be too much of a good thing.

THE GUT + BRAIN CONNECTION
Your brain functions on histamine as a neurotransmitter, it releases gastric acid as it is the first stage of breaking down protein in the stomach.

BUT I EAT HEALTHY FOOD? 
Many healthy foods can cause issue over time.  For example, fermented foods can causs a genetic SNP in your enzyme gene pathway that hinders the process and causes histamine to build up in your bloodstream!

Did you know....when eating leftovers, you can produce too much histamines? The histamine is produced because bacteria act on your leftovers and produce histamine, then you eat it.

In my next email I will cover this in depth with an actionable guide around the most common "health foods" high histamines with a 'done for you' shopping guide.

ENZYME DEFICIENCY
Growing numbers are starting to take issue with producing the enzyme needed to degrade histamine- Diamine Oxidase (DAO).  

DAO - IT'S IN YOUR DNA
 You may have a genetic predisposition of poor methylation or the inability to obtain the key nutrient vitamins (B6, B12, iron, copper and vitamin C) to process histamines.

THE DRUG MUGGERS
Common medications like antidepressants, birth control,  anti-inflammatories, laxatives (and more) are known as “drug muggers” which steal the nutrients needed to make the enzymes - which breakdown the histamines. 

 Addressing the REAL root cause of histamine balance, diet, improving gut microbiome, and assisting seasonal allergy environmental attacks will naturally help get the body back on track.

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ALLERGY + HISTAMINE LIFESTYLE TIPS

*A Happy Home. Create a allergy-safe and immune home and beauty space
 Give your makeup bag and brushes a soak regularly, check windows for mold and clean out that A.C. filters. 

*Lock in moisture + Avoid chemicals in your beauty products.  
Histamines take a toll on your skin from the inside out.  **Stay tuned on my next insightful email on histamines and aging.  

*Stay hydrated
Drink up (sans lakeside wine) with H20 and a little lemon to alkalanize.    

*Thyroid and Hormone Havoc
The thyroid and histamine balance is commonly interrelated.  You may be one of the 50% of women that experience underlying thyroid disfunction causing depression, weight gain, fatigue and hair loss.   Hyper or Hypo? I shared a great short read on HOW TO TEST the THYROID.    

*Rest & Digest
Pursue relaxation and make it goal to get a good night’s sleep.

*Avoid Gluten
Gluten puts the immune system into overdrive. Try giving gluten a rest, or - stop cheating. (hug)  Get my QUICK GLUTEN FREE INGREDIENT DOWNLOAD LIST to avoid here! 

*Good-bye Puff Eye Beauty Hack!  Sleeping with your head elevated at night will drain fluids and decrease the puffiness in your face for the morning.

*Supplemental Immune Support
"CBD is proven to promote the formation of new immune cells and help to boost your body’s power to defend and heal."

*NEW*
HEMP.  THE IDEAL LIFESTYLE CURING CONCENTRATE

Experience our *NEW* EVOQ CBD Tincture built with 300mg of ACTIVE medicinal cannabinoids and Full Spectrum Terpenes to instantly calm and balance histamine reactions and increase your immune system.

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 Join our next class as we un-cover...

• A curated list of key foods and diet that could change your life
   
• The most common causes of histamine intolerance
   
• The key supplements needed to assist the body in reversing reactions and getting back to vitality.  
   
• Evidence based healing blueprint guides pertaining to - the BEST nutrition, supplements, and topical skin care choices for optimal wellness and quality of life. 

Connect soon!  

xo Love + Health + Beauty      -  Kassandra

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In a rough patch? Destress your State of Flow (deeper than you think)

As the mornings get brighter and we shift seasons - we stay on topic of elimination with GUIDED RITUALS to open and EXPORT  CHANNELS of TOXICITY and ENERGETIC STAGNANCY - at home and with new services at BE.

No matter a person's belief system, there are fundamental laws of nature and biological similarities we all share. 

Heal your winter hair and skin blues as we connect the dots on ancient principles with modern day solutions. 

Cool Weather Care for Skin Amid Winter

Is your hair and skin routine underperforming?  

Feeling a little undernourished — dry, chapped and dull?  

Mostly likely you’re skin is clogged up with dead cells and hair a bit dull and brittle -  even though you’re  soaking up moisture like a sponge!

Humidity levels drop off in the winter months causing drier air, which in turn, sucks more moisture from your skin, your largest organ. (Not good.)  

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 Mid-winter Love with EVOQ
 Beauty Solutions

  Deep Penetrating Hair Mask

A deep, strengthening treatment mask for weekly use or for an urgent hair-therapist “on call”. Hair will feel hydrated and instantly de-frizzed. Our multi-tasking mask soothes scalp irritation and increases blood circulation, which leads to a healthier scalp for optimal longterm hair health.

Healing Hair Oil

Your modern "VO5 treatment," this ultra­-versatile, lightweight hair oil absorbs instantly, giving your hair a healthy, brilliant shine. Made with cold­-pressed fresh and organic oils, this rich elixir harnesses the power of Black Cumin, Rosemary, and Carrot Seed oil to smooth frizz while protecting from damage.  

Sea Pearl Exfoliating Cleanser

A food grade Sea Pearl Brightening Exfoliator polishes the skin’s surface to lift away dead skin cells and smooth dry patches.

After exfoliation, our supercharged Youth Renewal Oil feeds cells with Omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9 to leave skin silky to the touch and glowing with health.

10X Youth Renewal Facial Serum

Cold-­pressed, organic fruit seed oils rank highest in omega antioxidants that create the “power of 10” anti­aging benefits. Infuse, protect and improve your skin from sensitivities, skin allergies, and environmental aging while enhancing cellular metabolic functions.

Another reason for dull skin, hair and spirit ...

GOES MUCH DEEPER BENEATH THE SURFACE.

You cannot see it, it slows during the winter and it's critical when it comes to supple, smooth and soft skin and overall stress and tension.  

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 Mid-winter STATE OF FLOW ... 

 Journey through your inner terrain with a deeper look at the lymphatic system and how it's state of flow help's achieve better health and clearer skin.  

 How to Thrive in Energetic Winter

 Water is the element associated with the energetic season of Winter.

It hydrates and purifies. It’s a vehicle carrying nourishment to living things–plants, animals, humans. It can be hard or soft, gentle or powerful, flowing or standing still and stagnating.

Outside... looking in. 

Our skin and external beauty is a hologram of our innermost ecosystem.  Just like our earth’s ecosystem, it is an energetic self-regulating and self-sustaining wonderment.   

Keeping Your Lymphatic System Healthy

Often called the “River of Life,” the lymphatic system performs the vital function of removing excess fluid and waste, destroying pathogens, and delivering nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body.

Poor lymph function is associated with chronic fatigue and cancer. Common symptoms of a sluggish lymph system can be fatigue, general body aches and pains, recurrent infections or illness and swollen glands. 

The lymphatic system has no pump to move lymph fluid through the body, so natural approaches can aid and improve the function of our lymphatic system. 

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Dry Brushing for Healthy Lymph & Glowing Skin

Move your Lymph with this Easy Home Spa Ritual

Get the Tips and Tools by taking action with dry brushing HERE! 

Next we'll explore more in depth with modern holistic therapies we now provide at BE to continue to release toxic and energetic stagnancy.

 Skin is left conditioned and refined. A calmer spirit is returned.

Getting to ONE COMMON WHY You're Always Feeling Fatigue

 Feeling Tired...often? 

Hypothyroidism and Fatigue. 

When it comes to fatigue, its becoming a "peanut butter and jelly" relationship for many women and how they feel day in - day out. 

f you’re suffering with Hashimoto’s or a form of hypothyroidism and still have fatigue, there may be a reason why you’re fatigued outside of having to do with your thyroid. And it may have to do with an anemia, specifically a megaloblastic or pernicious anemia. 

This is an anemia caused by deficiencies in B12.

Increase the volume. 

Now, how does this happen? Well, some of the studies are showing that about 25% of the people who have Hashimoto’s, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, will also form antibodies that damage a part of your stomach that releases a factor called intrinsic factor that allows you to absorb vitamin B12.

So even if you are eating foods that are high in B12 or taking vitamin B12 supplements, you may not actually be able to absorb the B12 because of a lack of your stomach cells’ ability to release this intrinsic factor, which actually enables you to absorb and utilize B12.

Now, you may be able to see this on lab work. Oftentimes, it will appear as an elevated MCV—mean corpuscular volume— or MCH—mean corpuscular hemoglobin—, which essentially means that your blood cells are getting larger because of a lack of this DNA cell replication stimulation ability that B12 can cause.

So the take home is that if you have Hashimoto’s, and it’s being somewhat successfully managed, and again, that’s really up for interpretation what that term means, but if you’re working with someone who practices functional medicine and you’re having a very holistic and comprehensive look at your thyroid, and all your thyroid markers look normal, not just TSH and T4, but TSH, T4, free T4, T3, free T3, reverse T3, and your thyroid antibodies are all starting to normalize, but you’re still fatigued, it may be because of one of these pernicious or B12 anemias, which can cause some pretty significant fatigue.

And you can put yourself with certain lab tests. You can test for the vitamin deficiency and for the autoimmune attack against the stomach cells. And these patients will need to either take a sublingual, or under the tongue, absorbing form of B12 with intrinsic factor or vitamin B12 injections. I don’t think everyone can get there with the sublingual B12 alone. And some people will ultimately need B12 injections to be able to feel good energy again.

So if you have Hashimoto’s, you have about a 20% to 25% chance of having this problem occur. So I’d strongly encourage you to have a close look at your blood work and make sure that you rule out a pernicious anemia if you’re still fatigued after successful and comprehensive treatment for your thyroid.

Thank you, Dr. Michael Ruscio for this original post and great information.   

Instant Luminous Skin & Stripping Down the Dry Brushing Technique

On Luminous Skin Health

In today’s fast-paced society, most of us savor our “no poo” (no shampoo) days to not only save time, but to save the health of our hair.

In reality, we also lack the time or resources to eat only organic, make use of a fitness membership, or to research the best natural beauty alternatives.

What if I said that adding a new healthy habit (ritual) that could fit into every budget and schedule - all in three minutes per day - and would improve how you look and feel, both internally and externally.

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Beauty Blueprint

Let's Strip Down - Dry Brushing.  

Next to our fresh, pure and small batch organic skin care and immune-supporting supplements on the shelves of BE, you’ll find a long wooden brush thats invaluable in helping with so many issues, but especially detoxing.  

As your body’s largest organ, your skin health reflects your overall health. It protects you and aids in detoxification, and by adding dry brushing to your other healthy habits, you can help improve your skin’s health.

Indeed, the practice of brushing the skin  with a soft but firm brush is essential during a detox, but the benefits of simply making it a permanent habit are even more important.

Stripping Down the Benefits of Brushing

• sweep away dead cells for awakened, healthy skin tone
• increase skin barrier health + hydration
• stimulate the lymph nodes to flush toxins
• improve digestion health to decrease bloating
• improve the appearance of cellulite
• increase healthy blood flow

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Need a little more convincing?

Let's go DEEP.  The Cellular Level.    

 Improves Circulation

Dry brushing your skin promotes blood flow, which helps speed up your skin cell turnover and renewal rate. By improving blood circulation, you improve your skin tone and texture, since poor circulation is linked to dark spots and slower healing.

Improved circulation also helps one of the biggest skin struggles - cellulite. You might feel frustrated when your dedication to exercise and healthy eating doesn’t do anything to improve stubborn spots of dimply skin. Dry brushing, however, can help reduce the appearance when other methods aren’t working. It’s not a permanent solution, so brushing regularly is vital to maintaining smooth skin.

Internally, your improved circulation promotes the flow of oxygen-rich blood through your whole body. Remember to dry brush towards your heart rather than away to further enhance circulation.

It’s a great form of self-care

You might get into dry brushing to improve your skin, but you’ll likely keep doing it because of how good it feels, and how good it makes you feel.

Dry brushing first thing in the morning is a great way to get your blood flowing, and it helps you wake up feeling refreshed. Plus, the skin improvements you’ll see will make you feel invigorated.

Taking the time to dry brush can be therapeutic, and it’s a healthy way to soothe muscle tension and relieve stress. Set aside a specific time every day to enjoy the benefits of dry brushing in a quiet and peaceful environment to enjoy the meditative benefits.

Dry Brushing Exfoliates

Dry brushing is an excellent form of exfoliation, and it helps get rid of dead skin cells, priming your skin for moisturizer. By removing dead, dull skin cells, your skin will look radiant, even, and smooth.

Exfoliating helps your skin’s renewal process, and prevents breakouts by keeping pores clear. Regular exfoliation can even help prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming, leaving you with youthful skin.

It Aids in Detoxification

Your body detoxifies multiple ways, including through your skin, and with a couple of different systems. By unclogging pores, your skin can more efficiently eliminate toxins. Healthy skin also protects you, and by keeping bad bacteria out, your skin helps your digestive system work better.

Your lymphatic system is also plays a big part in detoxing your body. It collects waste from your tissues and organs and delivers the waste to your blood to be drained. If your lymphatic system isn’t working properly, toxins can build up, leading to multiple health and beauty issues.

Dry brushing stimulates your lymphatic system and promotes lymphatic drainage, which gets rid of toxins, improves the immune system, and reduces inflammation.

Kidneys also play a big role in detoxification. Keeping your pores unclogged helps waste excrete with your sweat. When your skin can effectively get rid of toxins, it places less burden on your kidneys, so they don’t have to work as hard and can do their job better.

Improves muscle tone

An active nervous system stimulates muscle fibers, which helps improve muscle tone. Dry brushing activates the nervous system, and your improved circulation also helps your muscles get the oxygen-rich blood they need to recover and tone.

By toning muscles, you’ll notice tighter skin, which can help with cellulite and sagging.

Choosing Your Brush

You can get an excellent brush for under $20 that benefits your entire body. I prefer one with natural bristles and a long handle, so it’s easy to get to your hard-to-reach spots. Stop by Beauty Ecology to grab your brush!

Ready?

Here’s how to get the most benefits out of dry brushing your skin.

1. Choose an easy-to-clean surface to stand on and get undressed.

2. Brush towards your heart in sweeping motions, starting at your feet and working your way up. Go over each area a number of times.

3. Be gentle in the more sensitive areas, and dry brush for 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Take a shower after your session, and alternate between hot and cold water to get your blood flowing even more.

5. Moisturize immediately after your shower.

6. Keep your brush clean by washing it once a week with gentle soap and water, and allow it to air dry.

Enjoying Healthier, Luminous Skin

When you first get started, you might find that your skin is too sensitive to dry brush more than five minutes a couple of times a week. However, as you continue, your skin will become less sensitive, and you can increase to longer sessions and up to twice per day.

By taking a few minutes to yourself each day for a dry brush session, you’ll see and feel the results.

GET THE DRY BODY BRUSH
 

This genius, long-handled natural-bristle brush allows you to thoroughly dry-brush every part of your body—especially your back, which feels particularly amazing (and is uniquely hard-to-reach). It’s also the perfect balance of soft and firm, designed to gently exfoliate, improve circulation, condition skin, and boost the lymphatic system. Brilliant for detoxing, and equally brilliant for everyday skin-smoothing and energy-generating immune support.

Directions: Brush very gently on dry skin in clockwise circular movements. Move from the feet all the way up the body towards the heart.  

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Now Stocked and Shelved  at Beauty Ecology

Next to our fresh, pure and small batch organic skin care and immune-supporting supplements on the shelves of BE, you’ll find a long wooden brush thats invaluable in helping with so many issues, but especially detoxing.  

Brush me gently, brush me good. 

May the Forces (of the brush) Be with YOU.

XO. Kassandra