Are You Allergic to Hair color? Subtle Nuances.

At Kasia Organic Salon we receive multiple calls weekly  nationwide on what color line we use, and if it would work for them because of their new or current allergic reactions/symptoms.  For many women, they hide and do not speak about their "itchy and watery eyes" after leaving their service or at home, and just put up with it.  Well, the truth  is, over time, the body can be overwhelmed enought to make it an unbearable situation. Our staff always offers clients with a patch test prior to a color service.  We also offer highly recommended practitioner referrals to pin point the allergy, and/or lifestyle causations.  Reactions  are becoming incredibly common in ammonia and PPD based hair color and this can be very hidden.

Kasia Salon offers an alternative color VOID of these active agents with no silent substitutes. We do all that we can to find an alternative option.  Still nervous? Another alternative we can offer you is by stacking heavy foils to blend out gray, or add tone (leaving the color off scalp) or applying a complete direct dye with no other added ingredients/reactions.

Allergy Introduction to PPD

The most common allergen found in hair color is PPD (paraphenylenediamine), which is mostly found in permanent hair color. If you have never had your hair colored, or if PPD allergy runs in your family, there is an easy way to find out if you are allergic in the salon. Licensed Cosmetologists can do a patch test in the salon, which will determine if you will have a skin reaction to PPD-based hair color. Ingterestingly, PPD is also found in fur coats, ink tatoos and wigs.

“Positive patch test reactions to p-phenylenediamine (PPD) are common. PPD is used in oxidative hair dyes and is also present in dark henna temporary ‘tattoos’. Cross-sensitization to other contact allergens may occur.”

About 25% of people allergic to PPD may also be allergic to ingredients found in semi-permanent hair colors, of which may also be found in pen inks and may be used to color certain foods and pharmaceuticals. Semi- permanent and demi-permanent hair colors are usually ammonia-free but the ammonia substitute, ethanolamine, may produce a reaction in some people. Again, a patch test can be done in the salon to determine if you are allergic to either semi- or demi-permanent hair colors that are carried in the salon. Reactions to PPD include

• Itching scalp/skin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Mild dandruff like symptoms
• Scaly skin
• Pain
• Sneezing or other hay fever/cold like symptoms when ever hair dye applied
• Nausea when dye applied
• Sever swelling around eyes
• Scaly skin on ears, face and neck

The patch test is simple. Your stylist will apply a small amount of color mixed with developer to behind the ear (if your hair is short) or to the inner bend of the elbow. This has to be allowed to dry and to remain uncovered for 48-72 hours. If no irritation or rash occurs between the time the patch test is applied and 72 hours is complete, the test is negative, and you can proceed to schedule a hair coloring service.

Call Kasia Organic Salon and avoid the continual build up of chemicals and allergic reactions.  We've been so pleased to be able to service those that come with these complications and to those who wish to just make a better choice, keeping the hair healthier and lasting color.

Kasia Organic Salon stylists are the leading experts in NO Ammonia,  NO PPD, and NO MEA color services.  Kassie (owner) started testing the "new way of hair coloring" as it was in it's testing stage.

Call us today with any questions you may have!

612 824 7611

Learn more here --

Safety Issues of Hair Color Products and ‘PPD’

Hypothyroidism and weight gain

As a student of Functional Medicine and staying on top of recent studies, health professionals, and lifestyle awareness - Women to Women brings much clarity in print to understanding more about the health complications so many women face.

At Kasia Organic Salon, we witness first hand the symptoms many clients go through within endocrine insufficiency from hair loss and excess hair growth, which together evolves to awareness in nutrition and supplements with our selection of hormonal supportive neutraceuticals.

At Kasia we offer a wealth of knowledge and referrals from Chinese Medicine with  Liz * as well as referrals to Julie Tebben, RN and expert in Functional Medicine in the Endocrine Cascade.

Enjoy the article from Marcel!

Ever since Oprah announced that her sluggish thyroid was contributing to her weight gain, I've had many patients with weight issues ask me, “Is it my thyroid?”

The answer for many of these women is yes, but the solution isn’t quite so simple. Thyroid function is intimately connected with your metabolism — thyroid hormones basically regulate calorie consumption. But a healthy thyroid also depends on the proper functioning of other body mechanisms, including your neurotransmitters, your reproductive hormones and your adrenal glands.

The thyroid and weight gain

Because patients with an underactive thyroid tend to have a very low basal metabolic rate, one of the most noticeable symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain and difficulty losing extra weight. (Sometimes an overactive thyroid can mimic an underactive thyroid by causing weight gain, although this is less common.) A minority of women with hypothyroidism don’t gain weight. The difference arises from their individual biochemistry, the quality of the calories they consume, and how they use those calories.

Often the “metabolic burn” continues to fall as calories are reduced when dieting. That’s why some women with low thyroid can have weight gain even when they severely restrict calories. In order to fix your metabolism, you have to understand your entire health picture, not just your thyroid.

The thyroid in women

More women than men suffer from hypothyroidism, and many more women than men with thyroid issues have problems with weight gain. Most thyroid problems occur within the gland itself and often don’t reveal themselves until a broader pattern of hormonal imbalance develops. That’s why thyroid issues, menopause and weight gain often appear together (which is exactly what happened to Oprah).

Why do women experience low thyroid and weight gain with such frequency? The reasons are manifold, but primarily:

• Women spend much of their lives dieting, usually in a yo-yo cycle of feasting and then fasting. This undermines your metabolism and decreases your metabolic rate, a compounding factor for the thyroid, especially during perimenopause.
• Women tend to internalize stress, which affects their adrenal function. Overactive adrenal glands produce excess cortisol, which interferes directly with thyroid hormones. In addition, fatigue caused by adrenal dysfunction increases cravings for sweets and simple carbs to provide instant energy and feel-good hormones.
• Women's bodies have a delicate balance of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can be upset when your body is under stress and not receiving enough support. This resulting hormonal imbalance acts as a trigger for thyroid problems.

What you can do about hypothyroidism and weight gain

The first thing to do if you are experiencing stubborn weight gain is to talk to your practitioner. She or he may ask for a thyroid test or measure TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). I have found in my practice that many women who test within the “normal” range of traditional medical standards still need thyroid support. Their TSH may be only slightly elevated, but enough so that it influences their metabolism and causes weight gain.

For these women, supplemental nutrients such as selenium and iodine, combined with a meal plan that balances a proper ratio of protein to carbohydrates increases their metabolic functioning and they begin to lose weight. We also recommend a pharmaceutical-grade multivitamin/mineral to give your body ample nutritional support. In some cases, a low-dose thyroid replacement hormone is also needed.

There is a lot of controversy in the endocrinology world regarding hypothyroidism treatment. There are those that believe that patients who test within the normal range but have very low basal metabolic rates and very low basal temperatures need thyroid supplementation. There are others that argue that only patients with significant abnormalities should be supported with thyroid hormones.

Weight gain is not sufficient evidence to conclude that someone has a thyroid abnormality, but it is one part of the picture we try to bring into focus. Efforts to lose weight without addressing related thyroid issues are doomed to fail. Likewise, thyroid treatments are usually not as effective without addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance. The greatest success is found through a holistic approach that considers thyroid function as an integral part of your overall hormonal balance.

Read more here.

Is your health, home and beauty only skin deep?

An interesting and important  book is has hit the market for all Informed Beauty's.

The Healthy Home is about the dangerous substances  that we may be exposed to on a daily basis, and the simple but effective changes we can start making to help us reduce the toxic burden of living in the modern world.  Love it!

Seven Steps for a Looking Better — From the Inside Out 

By Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz Authors of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers 

At one time or another, we’ve all heard the saying that beauty comes from within. This saying means more than you know. How well you look on the outside greatly depends on how well you take care of your body on the inside. Your daily habits, whether good or bad, greatly contribute to how healthy your cells are, and, in turn, how youthful or how aged you look. 

If you want to look better, you have to take better care of your body on the cellular level. Here are seven things you can start doing today that will improve the way you look and feel, from the inside out. 

Diet Your skin is your largest and most visible organ, yet it is the last to receive nutrients from the body. Keep your skin healthy (and looking good) by eating foods rich in protein and healthy fats. Healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, along with key amino acids and protein, are crucial for collagen formation and cell repair. Lean meats like chicken and fish, along with avocado, nuts, and olive oil, provide these critical nutrients. Additionally, foods high in antioxidants, such as dark berries and leafy greens, help fight against free radicals that cause oxidative damage to your cells.

Water Aside from eating right, you should also stay hydrated. Why? Your body is made up of more than 10 trillion cells, and they all need water to operate at an optimal level. Water helps your cells keep their shape, and acts as a conduit for healthy, necessary biochemical processes within your cells to take place. Our bodies are more than 60 percent water, so replenishing lost fluids throughout the day is necessary for healthy cells and glowing, healthy skin. There are many sports drinks and fruit juices out there claiming to “rehydrate,”but purified water is best. Drink eight to 12 eight-ounce cups of water a day.

Supplements If you are like the average American adult, you are not getting the nutrients your body requires to function at its best. Poor eating habits consisting of processed, fatty, sugary foods can lead to many health concerns, including erratic blood sugar levels and obesity. Even if you try your best to eat the freshest fruits and vegetables, you are probably still lacking several key nutrients because it’s difficult to consume the amount of nutrients your body needs to function properly with food alone. To help ward off malnutrition, supplement a healthy diet with high-quality vitamins and minerals. Studies show that synergistic vitamin and mineral blends yield better results than taking individual nutrients on their own.

Every body is different, so start with a high quality multivitamin or vitamin pack and then customize additional nutrients as needed. And remember: it could take several months of consistently taking your vitamins to see visible results. Just know you’re doing your body a favor by giving it exactly what it needs to function at an optimal level. 

Sleep There is a reason it’s called “beauty sleep.” Getting quality rest in a good quantity — 6–8 hours — every night gives your body and mind a chance to recuperate from the stresses of the day. But this is also the time when your cells repair themselves. If this process is disrupted, it will show on your face through puffiness, dark circles, and uneven skin tone. If you have trouble falling asleep, there are a few natural options. A melatonin supplement can work with your body’s natural melatonin production to help you achieve optimal rest for renewed energy. Try incorporating a repetitive habit into your daily bedtime routine to help mentally trigger your brain to shut down for the night. Reading is one such activity. Regular exercise can also improve the quality of your rest. Speaking of exercise. . .

Exercise Regular cardiovascular and strength training will not only help you feel better; it will help you look better too. Regular exercise can boost your mood and improve your sexual drive, and sweating during exercise helps cleanse your pores of toxins to reveal brighter, healthier-looking skin.

Quit Smoking Smokers are basically asking their skin to age faster. Nothing damages your skin and overall health more. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health.”Smoking also reduces your skin’s elasticity, which will increase those lines on your forehead and around your eyes. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-care/SN00003 Stop Stressing It may be hard to believe, but the mental strain caused by stress can also tax the body. Excessive stress can lead to all sorts of damage, including high blood pressure and heart disease. But it also causes skin damage, including wrinkles and breakouts. Managing your stress correctly can produce positive results on how you look and feel. Even just a few minutes of silent meditation or deep breathing can help calm and de-stress the body and the mind.

One Last Thought Your skin will eventually age — that is inevitable. But simple steps like the ones listed above can keep the signs of aging at bay for as long as possible.

It’s also important to remember that not all skin care products are made with the highest quality ingredients and are best for your skin. Stay away from products that contain harsh chemicals and preservatives that actually speed up the aging process and will eventually cause more harm than good. Remember, your skin is the last organ to receive nutrients from the body and often the first to show signs of nutritional deficiency. Proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet are truly the key factors for overall health and beauty.

© 2011 Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz, authors of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers

Author Bios

Dr. Myron Wentz , author of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers, holds a Ph.D. in microbiology with a specialty in immunology from the University of Utah. He founded Gull Laboratories in 1974 and developed the first commercially available diagnostic test for the Epstein-Barr virus. Later, he founded USANA Health Sciences andSanoviv Medical Institute. Dr. Wentz was honored in June 2007 with the Albert Einstein Award for Outstanding Achievement in theLife Sciences. He is the author of A Mouth Full of Poison and Invisible Miracles. He travels the world with his lovely partner, Prudence.

Dave Wentz , author of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers, is chief executive officer of USANA Health Sciences, a state-of-the-art manufacturer of nutritional supplements and health products. He received a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego. Dave lives with his wife, Reneé, and children, Andrew and Sydney, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he enjoys skydiving, playing volleyball and soccer, mountain biking, and skiing Utah’s famous powder. For more information please visit http://www.myhealthyhome.com/

French backs ban on plastic chemicals and parabens

French parliament backs ban on plastic chemicals and parabens in cosmetics

By Andrew McDougall, 06-May-2011

Phthalate chemicals used in plastics and paraben preservatives in cosmetic manufacturing could be banned following a vote from the French National Assembly.

French parliament voted through the first reading to ban the plasticizers by centre-right Nouveau Centre grouping, which is led by former defence minister Hervé Morin, despite opposition by President Sarkozy’s UMP and the government.

The French National Assembly vote to ban phthalate chemicals was based on their endocrine disrupting properties which are mainly used as plasticizers to enhance flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics and parabens which are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in cosmetics formulations.

When the bill was first proposed Health Minister Xavier Bertrand suggested waiting until next year for the new scientific test results, before making a decision.

Not certain to become law

The proposal, which was passed by 236 votes to 222 was greeted well in parliament although it is not certain to become law as the government is not bound to pass it to the Senat, France's upper parliamentary house for further consideration.

Environmental campaigners have also cheered the vote, with researcher André Cicolella telling French daily Le Parisien: "It's an excellent decision and shows MPs have been conscious of the importance of the situation and resisted the chemical lobby."

Phthalates are chemical compounds used in plastic wrapping, adhesives, paints, and cosmetics products like nail varnishes, hair lacquer and perfume.

The problem arises as the plastics break down and get released in the atmosphere, with various tests in the US detecting phthalates in the human bloodstream.

The problem here is that they are hormone-disrupting chemicals related to obesity and also act as estrogen-mimicking substances hence affecting male reproductive process.

As they are common ingredients in personal care products and plastics applications the French parliament took the decision to investigate their use.

Parabens – safe or dangerous?

Parabens are preservatives used in many types of formulas and cosmetic applications such as shampoos, commercial moisturisers, shaving gels, rub-on gels and toothpaste, and according to a study carried out by the University of Reading, are associated to breast cancer and thought to mimic oestrogen.

According to reports in French-English Newspaper The Connexion various cosmetics companies have now withdrawn the use of chemicals in products.

In Denmark, the use of parabens has been banned from use in children’s personal care products.

However, last year The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released its opinion on the use of parabens as preservatives in cosmetics products, stating they are safe to use as cosmetics preservatives although use levels for some of the compounds in the family should be reduced.

Extracts from 'Toxic Beauty' Environmental or Genetic?

Environmental or Genetic?

Studies have shown that environmental factors play a huge part in the onset of cancer, with only around five per cent being genetically predisposed.³ Environmental factors from this perspective can incorporate anything that people are exposed to, such as substances consumed, smoking, natural and medical forms of radiation, including exposure to the sun, workplace exposures, drugs, social and economic factors and substances existing in the air, water and soil.⁴ In addition, aging, alcohol, infections, hormonal factors, pollution, lack of exercise, sexual behaviour that elevates exposure to particular viruses and consumer products are all implicated in various types of cancers, to different degrees.

Dr Epstein points out that carcinogens taken in by mouth are absorbed from the intestines and transported to the liver, where they can be detoxified to different degrees, depending on the substance, but carcinogens absorbed through the skin reach can enter the bloodstream without this prior protective detoxification by the liver.

(EU/UK based data)  Push to Ban Chemicals Linked to Breast Cancer

The evidence of Oestrogen

In the EU campaigners have urged MEPS to strengthen chemicals legislation, following a report suggesting that some chemicals may be associated with rising incidences of breast cancer. Professor Andreas Kortenkamp, head of the Centre for Toxicology at the University of London, has pointed to significant evidence that the rise in breast cancer is linked to environmental exposures to substances such as hormone disruptive chemicals that mimic oestrogen. In the report commissioned by the health and environmental alliance HEAL and Chem Trust, Professor Kortenkamp said,

“There is overwhelming evidence that oestrogens are strong determinants of breast cancer risks…Given that natural oestrogens and man-made oestrogens used as pharmaceuticals have a role in breast cancer, concerns arise about the potential contribution of industrial chemicals and pesticides with hormonal activity.”¹¹

Oestrogens are required for breast development but they also play a role in the development of breast cancer. Natural oestrogens act on the ‘end buds’ of the epithelial ducts in mammary glands to promote growth through elongation and branching of the duct system. This takes place initially during the foetal stage and then again at puberty and finally during pregnancy. It is this growth of the end buds that links oestrogens to breast cancer. Oestrogens cause an increase in cells that can be prone to cancerous growth. The breast is most susceptible to cancer causing influences during periods of growth, such as during puberty. In the womb, the mother’s oestrogen levels affect the number of end buds that develop in the foetus, with higher levels of oestrogen causing more end buds to grow, this effectively increases the cell pool from which cancer cells can be drawn.

Although Professor Kortenkamp acknowledges that numerous factors play a role in breast cancer, he continues, “There is a case for relinquishing the dominant view of breast cancer as a life-style and genetic disease and for reappraising the role of environmental factors, including chemical exposures. With UK breast cancer incidence at an all time high, risk reduction will not be achievable without considering preventable causes, particularly exposure to chemicals.”¹²

As well as prohibited industrial chemicals such as PCBs, still being detected in human tissues, there are a host of chemicals used in consumer products that have hormone disrupting properties, including phthalates, bisphenol A, UV filters, commonly used preservatives such as parabens, and numerous others. Many of these have been found to act in a similar way to the sex hormone oestradiol, although much higher concentrations are required to cause as pronounced effects. Environmental pollutants such as PCBS and certain pesticides do not act alone, but in combination with natural oestrogens and other hormonally active chemicals in a woman’s body, including chemicals released during the preparation of food, man-made chemicals including environmental pollutants (dioxins, pesticides, PCBs), synthetic cosmetic constituents (such as some synthetic fragrances, UV filters, antioxidants) and plant derived oestrogens present in some foods. Although the hormonal strength of these chemicals in much lower than natural or pharmaceutical oestrogens, research has shown that quite a significant number of chemicals can enhance the effects of natural oestrogens.¹³

Professor Kortenkamp presented evidence that whilst low levels of certain individual chemicals have no detectable impact on breast cancer, the combined additive effect of mixtures of these chemicals (even at low concentrations that would not usually present an observable effect), has a much greater impact. Testing a combination of 11 xenoestrogens (man-made chemicals that behave like oestrogen in the human body) on the actions of the hormone oestradiol, Professor Kortenkamp found that the combined effect of the xenoestrogens led to a dramatic enhancement of the hormone’s action, even when each agent was present at levels that do not individually generate measurable effects.¹⁴

Other research demonstrated than four organochlorines acted together to enhance the proliferation of human breast cancer cells, suggesting again that mixtures of certain chemicals produce a combined effect even when each agent is present at concentrations that individually produce insignificant effects. The combination effects of the mixture were stronger than the effects of the most potent individual component (thus the combined effects were synergistic).¹⁵

Many studies have found that the risk of cancer developing is elevated if exposure to carcinogens begins in infancy, rather than later on in life. Young children have a greater susceptibility to carcinogens because the cells rapidly divide during childhood and if they are rapidly dividing following exposure to a carcinogen, any genetic mutation that has occurred is more likely to be fixed.²³ There are various other reasons why babies, young infants and children are at greater risk. For instance, children take in more oxygen per kilogram of body weight than an adult and therefore more air pollutants, low molecular weight compounds can readily cross the placenta, newborn babies have more absorbative skin because it is not fully keratinised (therefore without one of the skin’s main protective barriers) until several days after the baby is born and various organs such as the lungs and brain are still developing. Children have different exposures, pathways of absorption, tissue distribution and responses to environmental exposures, and they also eliminate chemicals in different ways.²⁴ This all needs to be considered when looking at the potential adverse health effects of environmental exposures.

The U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency program that evaluates agents of public health concern, produce a report on carcinogens (ROC), which currently contains 246 listings of known and reasonably anticipated human carcinogens.²⁵ Our households and other external environments play host to a variety of known and potential carcinogens. Some of those listed substances we may commonly encounter that are known or suspected of causing cancer, according to the U.S. National Toxicology Program, include:

• Tobacco
• Red and preserved meats
• Salt
• Salt-preserved foods
• Alcoholic beverages
• UV radiation from the sun
• Sunlamps or tanning beds
• Viruses and bacteria
• Ionising radiation - from sources such as radon
• Radioactive substances - released by atomic bombs or nuclear weapons, and x-rays
• Pesticides - such as ethylene oxide, DDT, amitrole, hexachlorobenzene, lead acetate and lindane
• Medical drugs - such as cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil used to treat cancer
• Oestrogens - long-term users of combined oestrogen and progesterone oral contraceptives may have an increased risk of early-onset breast cancers and liver cancer; tamoxifen may also increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer
• Solvents - such as benzene, chloroform, methylene chloride and trichloroethylene
• Fibres
• Fine particles and dust - such as asbesto fibres, ceramic fibres, wood dust and silica dusts
• Dioxins
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• Metals - such as arsenic, beryllium compounds, cadmium metal and cadmium compounds, chromium, lead and nickel
• Diesel exhaust particles
• Toxicants from fungi
• Vinyl chloride
• Benzidine.

Known and potentially carcinogenic ingredients in cosmetics include among other things:

• Acetaldehyde
• Acrylates
• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Coal tar
• Hydroquinone
• Synthetic musks (used in fragranced consumer products)
• Teflon
• Organic solvents (e.g. toluene, formaldehyde, xylene)
• Phthalates
• UV filters in sunscreens (e.g. padimate O, para-aminbenzoic acid (PABA), oxybenzone, avobenzone).
• Cosmetic grade lanolin
• Hair dyes
• Parabens
• Talc
• Silica
• Diethanolamine (common ingredients containing diethanolamine (DEA) include: cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, Lauramide DEA, Myristamide DEA, Oleamide DEA etc)
• Artificial colours

References and the rest of the article:  http://toxicbeauty.co.uk/blog/2009/07/21/toxic-beauty-extracts-cosmetics-and-cancer/

Loose Weight with Essential Oils

There are man stages and nuances in weight loss to truly be effective and sustainable. Through the following information in this article, you will see how essential oils can aid the process from controlling appetite to feeling uplifted and confident in your pursuits and every day lifestyle. Of course there is no substitutes within a weight-loss regimen, aromatherapy must essentially be used in conjunction with an appropriate diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Aromatherapy harmonizes the mind, body and soul in a way that allows people to prepare better for a weight-loss program and derive the maximum benefit.

How can essential oils help weight loss?

Essential oils help shape up the body through a multi-tiered approach:

* Some oils like cedarwood, grapefruit, orange and rosemary can help purge the body of toxins and retained fluids

* Other essential oils energize the mind so that you are less tempted to skip your workout routine. Try peppermint, cardamom, rosemary

* Some essential oils infuse a sense of positive energy and help boost up confidence and body image. Use ylang ylang, clary sage, litsea cubeba. When you feel all fresh and charged-up, you have little reason to flop on the couch with a tub of ice cream.

Curb those Cravings

Have you noticed how the aroma from a hot stove pizza makes your tummy rumble and beg for food? It is   because the nose sends a message to the brain that in turn signals the stomach to feel hungry.

Just like some smells enhance appetite; there a some smells that curb it. When you start eating with a sense   of fullness and satisfaction, you will naturally end up eating less.

A few essential oils that will help curb are: fennel, grapefruit and spearmint,  stimulate the hypothalamus, which is the center of hunger and satiety in the brain and thus neutralizes the urge to keep eating. These oils also promote a sense of positive energy and well-being that negates all factors that lead to comfort eating.

TIPS

* Always have one of these on hand

* When you are craving or are feeling hungry or before eating a meal, open bottle and take three sniffs in each nostril

* Breathe very deeply

* The more you use it, the more effective it will be.

Flushing Toxins

Are toxins in your body making you fat? “You bet they do!”  Contribute to the flush with essential oils!  Inhibitors of releasing toxicity can be incorrect nutrition, lacked physical activity and hormonal fluctuations, causing body cells to retain excess fluids and fats.

Oils of rosemary, grapefruit, cedarwood and orange are potent detoxifying agents that enhance lymphatic flow and eliminate excess fluids and toxins from the body. Orange oil stimulates the liver, enhances the flow of bile and aids fat metabolism.

TIP

After shower, massage over body in a circular motion with a blend of your favorite “flushing oils” in conjunction with jojoba oil as a carrier.

Think Positive, Feel Great

Stress and depression trigger a vicious cycle of fat accumulation in the body by increasing the level of cortisol in the blood. People battling the bulge are often plagued by feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. It is commonly observed that self-pity coupled with a lack of confidence can throw a fitness plan completely off-track. Once the mind is healthy, a fit body will not be far out of reach. A self-assured and positive person is more likely to stick to a weight-loss regimen because positive energy inspires determination and a will to succeed.

Citrus essential oils like bergamot and lemon are also called the "happy oils". Put two drops of CITRUS DELIGHT on a tissue.  Close your eyes. Take three slow, relaxed, deep breaths and visualize your mind being clear of negative thoughts and feelings.

Learn more about Kasia Apothecary Single Note Oils HERE!

DIFFUSE!  Learn more about diffusing your oils. It is the easiest and  most cost efficient way to utilize your new healing scents!

References: Aromadina

Stress Management and How Stress Affects Us

Stress Management in Our Modern World

Ask any doctor, yoga teacher, natural health practioner… what their patients’ biggest complaints are and we guarantee the answer is stress-related. Yes, guarantee. Sure our modern world is full of amazing technology that make our lives easier, wonderful vacation destinations that make our lives more relaxing and medications a plenty to make all of our boo-boos go away like that.  But the more that our contemporary world has to offer, the more responsibility we assume. We have to learn to use that new microwave, take 2 hours of our precious time at the travel agents to book that flight, and work 40 hours a week to have benefits that cover those pricey meds.

Types of Stress, a Caveman & the Stress Response

There are two different types of stress, the first being acute stress or short-term, the less severe of the pair. Acute stress is that rush we feel in a sticky situation – that deadline in an hour, that fender-bender last week. This type of stress quickly fades once the threat is gone. The second type, chronic stress or long-term, is more brutal than the latter. In today’s 24/7 world, many people stay with their chronic stress symptoms for months or even years. This type of on going stress is one of the most common causes of mental illness and disease today.

In another perspective, stress can be a  good reaction as well, as it protects us from harm. Just imagine a strong, tall, and unruly caveman running for his life, a vicious wild beast hot on his trail. Although, as soon as he saw the viciousness  on his opposite, this particular caveman’s body went through a rapid series of hormonal responses that ran through his brain, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands so that he could, well, run for the hills! Let’s take a look at the process.  First, his brain secreted a hormone messenger to the pituitary (also located in the brain) which sent another messenger to his adrenals to release cortisol. The release quickly shifted the blood, oxygen and energy flow away from the digestive and reproductive systems to the muscles and heart. Thus his quick get away. Phew!

How Stress Affects Us

The problem is we are no longer cavemen running for our lives. In fact, we are far from it. So far in fact, the stress response is working against us.

Our bodies go through the same process as his, only many of us are so consistently overwhelmed that we don’t shut it off the way he did once safely at home. This chronic stress means that our body is always in “fight or flight” mode, never fully resting; be it days, months or years. And the problem with never shutting off is that long-term stress affects the body in ways we could have never imagined.

Here are a few of a lengthy list:

-       Dysfunctional blood sugar metabolism, often leading to diabetes

-       Cellular aging leading to older appearance and shorter life span

-       Literally, restructuring a brain, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression and/or other mental disorders

-       Heart problems, oftentimes deadly such as heartattacks

-       A conflicted immune system often resulting in auto-immune diseases wherein the body attacks its own cells

Common Auto-Immune Disorders Caused or Heightened By Stress:

-       Allergies

-       Cystitis

-       Diabetes

-       Hyper or Hypthyrodism

-       Narcolepsy

-       Psoriasis

-       Rheumatoid arthritis

-       Schizophrenia

Once this stress response has been turned on for a significant period of time, the adrenal glands become wiped out. This happens over the period of time, in what some in the medical field describe as the three steps to adrenal exhaustion. At first, the adrenals are turned on like there is a ten-alarm fire in the body. Hormones, like cortisol, are pumped in to combat the flames. But when the stressors don’t go away, the second phase, or resistance response comes into play. The adrenals simply can’t maintain the demand for cortisol. Thus, daily functions are carried out but with a struggle. Anxiety and insomnia begin are more present as is irritability. In the third stage, the adrenals become exhausted. Fatigue sets in and different systems in the body begin malfunctioning. If stressors are not minimized, the adrenals will fail. Most patients at this point collapse or die of cardiovascular dysfunction.

3 Steps to Fight the 3 Phases

If you find that you are lacking in stress management skills or think you may be falling into a pattern leading to adrenal exhaustion, all’s not lost. Fight back with three easy lifestyle fixes: Nutrition, relaxation, and therapeutic techniques.

Nutrition

There is a lot to be said about the healing power in the right foods. Those that are stressed often reach for the easiest foods which are nearly always laden with sugar, fats, and caffeine. To get balance back, skip the coffee and sweets in favor of a diet that combines whole grains, proteins, and heart healthy fats (ie: olive oil). Eat three portioned meals and two snacks daily to keep blood sugar intact. Adding mineral-rich Celtic salt or sea salt is also beneficial, especially in causes of adrenal exhaustion.

Supplements can also help the body properly handle stress. This include but are not limited to:

-       2,000 – 4,000 mg of Vitamin C

-       800 IU of Vitamin E

-       B-Complex

-       Zinc and other trace minerals

-       Ginseng

-       Licorice

-       DHEA

If you plan on taking any of these supplements, please consult a doctor first as some may have averse side effects.

Relaxation

A change of pace is what most of us need. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean the need to pick up the pace but rather to change the pace. Therefore, if you find yourself running around like a nut all day everyday, by night, a soothing yoga and meditation practice is right up your alley. But if you find yourself deskbound, your change of pace should be something more lively; a ½ hour walk on your lunch break or a cycling class after work. This yin-yang approach to daily life helps our bodies stay in tune to being both sedentary and active. In essence, it keeps us balanced.

Therapeutic Techniques

Whether it is reading self-help books or going to see a counselor in the flesh, 99% of the population can benefit from therapy of some sort. Learning to see reality for what it is and most importantly, what it is not, is the first step toward mental stability. (Hey, most of our lives really aren’t all bad.) Once we have a handle on our emotions, we are better equipped to handle anything that life might throw our way.

Although stress is one of the biggest health issues of our time, it is one of the easiest fixes – no meds required. Taking the time to learn what causes your unique stress story and finding your own coping techniques are the first steps in a road to regain balanced well-being and freedom of life back.

Resources:

http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/articlearchives/adrenalfatigue.shtml http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/adrenalglandnutrition.aspx http://www.drlam.com/articles/adrenalexhaustion.asp

Kassie Kuehl is a respected leader and educator in natural health and beauty care. The founder of Kasia Organic Salon and many result orientated "beautiful health" products, and experts in ammonia free hair color.  Kasia remains on the cutting edge of all-natural, non-toxic, and organic professional hair, skin, and body products and services. To become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612.386.4044, or visit www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.

Your Hormones and the Masquerade of Parabens

Parabens inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds and have been used in personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and sunscreens for years. The main reason for use of parabens is because they allow these products to survive for months, or years, during shipping and on store shelves. Parabens are one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. The only ingredient used more frequently is water. Parabens were the cosmetic industry's prized preservatives. (Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens) They were stated for years to be harmless and safe. Just recently we have been presented with evidence through many study's that this states otherwise.

In these studies, parabens have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests - meaning that they mimic our body’s natural estrogen and may interfere with our endocrine systems (making them disruptors).

Our hormones govern the way our glands and organs function including the thyroid, pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, and pancreas to the ovaries and testes.

So how does this really affect us?

To begin - the endocrine system is made up of glands and receptors.... glands that secrete and/or make hormones and receptor sites that "read" and react to hormones.  Hormones themselves are the little chemical messengers that run around in our bodies transporting signals and instructions from one cell to another.

Delivery:

The gland writes the instructions, the receptor reads the instructions, and the hormones are the postmen.

Endocrine hormones are carried directly through the bloodstream to different parts of the body and orchestrated by the master conductor- the hypothalamus in the brain. (The hypothalamus is the “pentagon” of hormone production in your body.) The messages are sent through a hierarchical system - getting passed along through the body and when they reach their final destination they offer an important message for the cell when they arrive. These messages can be anything from growth and production regulation, activation of the immune system, metabolism regulation, reproductive cycle cues to mood messages and more.

Therefore, the messages should get to the cells that they need to direct without the blockades and barricades and masquerades that nasty little hormone disruptors provide.

The theory of endocrine disruptors is that a variety of synthetic chemical compounds that we are bombarded with everyday absorb into the body, then mimic or block natural hormones and disrupt our body's normal functions.

(As if someone else is posing as the postman, and tricks our bodies into thinking that they are receiving authentic messages - but they are not. By acting on these fraudulent messages, a whole array of problems can ensue.)

This is a somewhat a new theory and difficult to prove or disprove because chances are we could be exposed to literally thousands of endocrine disruptors on a daily basis. Plastics from our water bottle or hairspray, pesticides on our food, and fillers in our everyday cosmetics - the list goes on.  It’s time that we recognize the lies and clarify  which are the bad hormone copycats from the really bad perpetrators in our lifestyle. This external chemical exposure is residual and little by little these chemicals build up in our bodies.

Endocrine disruptors are stored in a body's fatty tissues and do not get flushed out with water, thus they accumulate over the years. It is now recognized that the dramatic increases of breast cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and thyroid cancer have been linked to exposure to environmental estrogens. In the past twenty-five years in the US, alone, thyroid cancer has increased more than 45%, with more women being affected than men, and has become the number one cancer in children under age twenty, many of whom suffered from fetal endocrine disruption exposures.

Recent reports from Britain show that parabens have been found in breast tumors and that they may be linked to breast cancer. The breastcancerfund.org states that parabens are weak estrogen mimickers - but more importantly, that they can increase the expression of certain genes that are directly linked to breast cancer. Yikes!

Please grab your ingredient top 10 to avoid, and bring awareness to this growing conundrum of hormone perpetrators, and the better investment for you and your “Beautiful Health.”   The serious health implications mean that taking this issue seriously can have a profound impact on your health in the future!

Reference: Homemade Organics

References to learn more in-depth:

http://alternativemedicinebreastcysts.com/xenoestrogens.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/027063_products_chemicals_fragrance.html#ixzz1FpXNpc6h