Detox and Optimize your Liver (7 reasons and 3 awesome recipes inside!)

Hey Informed Beaute!

Did you know that if you're suffering from a hormonal imbalance, skin problems like acne or eczema, or even if you're feeling more fatigued than usual, this is a sign that your liver needs some love.

Your liver is a control center for detox pathways in the body.

It's constantly filtering out excess toxins, working with the kidney's to detox dangerous chemicals you breathe in from the air, and consume from food and water.

Detox and Optimize your Liver    

Your liver is one of the hardest working organs in your body. Responsible for over 500 functions, your liver performs essential roles in your metabolism, your immune system, your digestive system and your detoxification system.

The liver is most commonly known as the bodies main detox organ.  The liver filters every single quart of blood you have meaning that it is working all day and all night to protect your body from the damage that toxins can do to you.

Your liver is also responsible for filtering and processing all of your hormones. If your liver is not functioning properly it can lead to hormonal imbalances such as excess estrogens, faulty insulin production and more. If you are dealing with any kind of hormonal imbalance focusing some attention on your liver is essential

Liver Detoxification

The liver detoxes your body in two phases:

Phase 1: In phase one, the liver will take a toxin and convert it into a less harmful toxin through either oxidation, reduction or hydrolysis. Simply put, the liver makes something that was once very toxic into something that is less toxic through a chemical reaction. This process does create other toxic byproducts that need to be neutralized through the ingestion of anti-oxidants and in phase two detox.

Phase 2:  In phase two the liver attaches a buffer molecule to the toxin which makes it less toxic still. The toxin is then processed so that it becomes water-soluble which means that the body can now easily excrete it through the urine. Most toxins begin their journey in a fat soluble state which is very hard for the body to excrete.

Both phase one and phase two liver detox must be working optimally and in tandem for safe detoxification to happen. If you are not eating adequate nutrients, if either of the phases is working at a faster pace than the other phase or if you are over loading your system with toxins, you may run into troubles.

7 Reasons You May Need To Detox Your Liver

1. Eating a Diet Rich In Saturated and Processed Fats: If you are eating a lot of processed foods that contain processed fats (think margarine, canola oil, corn oil and peanut oil), fried foods, or lots of non organic animal foods your liver will be working over time. That is because these foods all need to be processed by the liver and they are hard to break down and digest.  They also produce lots of toxic byproducts when being digested.

2. Eating A Diet Rich In Processed Carbohydrates: In the same way that processed fats can over tax the liver, processed carbohydrate foods like white breads, white pastas, sugary drinks and candies all demand extra effort from your liver to keep your blood sugar levels stable as well as to remove the toxic substances these foods contain. Eating a processed carbohydrate rich diet will mean your liver is working over time.

3. Drinking Alcohol or Taking Prescription Medication: The liver has to filter every single substance you ingest, and alcohol and drugs are some of the hardest for it to filter. Consuming too many of these substances over a period of time can lead to liver damage, and even fatty liver or cirrhosis of the liver. These substances can actually inhibit the proper functioning of your liver, making them extra toxic.

4. Breathing Polluted Air: The air you breath can be amazing and pure, or stagnant and full of pollutants. If you are living in a city and are exposed to car exhaust, air conditioner, cleaning products, second-hand smoke (or first hand smoke), and other industrial byproducts your liver may need a boost. All of the toxins you breath in through your lungs must run through your liver to be processed. This means that toxic air can lead to an over loaded liver.

5. Not Getting Enough Sleep and Rest: In order for the liver to perform optimally, you need to be getting enough sleep. The liver is most active between the hours of 1 and 3 am. If you are consistently not getting to bed early enough so that you are in a deep sleep by the time the liver kicks in it is possible that it is not getting the time and space it needs to do its job properly. Adequate rest is essential for a healthy, optimally functioning liver.

6. Over Exercising: This one may surprise you, but did you know that working out causes the production of free radicals? Now, this is not to say that you should not work out in order to avoid free radical production. On the contrary, getting adequate activity is essential for pumping your blood and your lymph so that they move through the liver more efficiently which supports the detox process. However when you are over working yourself you will start to over produce free radicals that the liver may not have the resources to properly deal with in a timely matter. If you have been over training it is possible that you need to take a break and give a little love to your liver.

7. Eating A Nutrient Poor Diet Overall: As mentioned in the description of the liver above, both phases of liver detox reply upon essential nutrients to facilitate their function. For example phase one relies upon a steady supply of Vitamin C, folic acid, Vitamin B3 and B6 and Vitamin E, just to name a few.  Phase two requires that you are ingesting plenty of sources of essential amino acids like Glycine and Taurine, as well as Calcium. If you have been eating a diet that is low in nutrition (ie a diet rich in processed foods, or a diet that is just not providing you with adequate food and calories overall) you may need to detox your liver because there is a chance that it will be over run with toxins that it was not able to deal with due to the lack of nutrients.

3 Awesome Liver Detox Recipes

If you feel that your liver could use a boost, try adding one of these recipes to your daily diet for a few weeks.

1. Liver Boosting Beet Juice:

• 1 beet

• 1 carrot

• 1 lemon, peeled

• 1 handful parsley

Instructions: Run all ingredients through a juicer and enjoy.

2. Deep Green Liver Detox:

• 1/2 cucumber

• 2 cups kale

• 1 lime, peeled

• 1 cup swiss chard

• 1/2 lemon, peeled

Instructions: Run all ingredients through a juicer and enjoy.

3. Liver Detox Green Smoothie:

2 oranges, peeled

• 1/2 rib celery

• 1 lemon, peeled

• 1/2 cup dandelion greens (or other bitter green)

• 1/2 cup parsley

Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Enjoy!

Bonus Liver Supporting Foods and Herbs

Here is a list of foods that you can ingest on a regular basis to help support your liver and its detoxification processes:

• Beets

• Carrots

• Lemons

• Limes

• Grapefruits

• Dark Leafy Greens

• Sulphur rich foods like onions and garlic

• Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower

Beet Root: Taken as a supplement, beet root can help to cleanse the liver of impurities.

Bitters: Bitters will help your liver to produce bile, an essential function in the digestion of fats. These herbs can help to support overall liver function.

Burdock Root: Burdock root is an extremely bitter root that is a powerful blood purifier. This will help to support your liver in its blood filtering work.

Dandelion Root: Dandelion root works to support the cleansing of the liver.

Milk Thistle: Milk thistle can work to cleanse and repair the liver tissues. This is most likely the most common of the liver supporting herbs.

Not sure if your body is showing the signs of a sluggish liver or a liver in need of detox?  Click here to visit the young raw site for  The 7 Reasons You May Want to Detox Your Liver.

Guest Blog & Thank You:  youngandraw.com

Optimize, Repolarize and Detoxify with Polar Mins! (One of our best kept secrets inside)

Optimize your beautiful health with Polar Mins!   

This is one of my favorite "little secrets" to optimizing both the value of nutrition, and your very own health internally and externally.  Learn more about Polar Mins, and the easy - key assets it brings to your every day life.  

Main Benefits:

• Polar Mins detoxifies and repolarizes raw, uncooked fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and other raw foods.     

• Helps to remove harmful pesticide residues.

• Helps with rapid repolarization of your body.

•   A Geomagnetic, Colloidal Ocean Mineral Concentrate from the South Pole.

•   The most complete, electrochemically charged and trace element mineral tonic in the world

•     A rich, natural and highly concentrated source of all minerals and trace elements from the deep, pristine Southern Ocean near Antarctica

•     100:1 concentrate: 1 gallon of Polar Mins is equal to the minerals found in 100 gallons of ocean water

•     Derived by a proprietary sun-evaporation process from ultra-pure Antarctic-originated water; over 97% of the salt (NaCl) has been removed, leaving a pure, highly ionized mineral concentrate

•     Natural, ionized minerals are the most easily absorbed and are necessary for literally all body functions as well as efficient, deep-seated detoxification *

•     Excellent as a mineral spray to detoxify and repolarize food

•     A highly electrically charged mineral concentrate for whole body super-health and wellbeing *

The Origin of Polar Mins

The Southern Ocean surrounding the South Pole. Polar Mins come from one of the purest, most uncontaminated oceans on earth, the Southern Ocean, located near the South Magnetic Pole - the point on the Earth's surface where the geomagnetic field lines are directed vertically upwards - producing unusually excellent mineral ionization.

The highly ionized minerals in Polar Mins assist in breaking down chemical accumulation within the body. These same minerals are also easily absorbed by cells and aids in hydration and flushing out toxins. Only a small amount in a glass of drinking water is needed to deliver these ionized minerals.

How to Detoxify and Re-polarize Food

To detoxify and repolarize raw, uncooked fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and other raw foods, fill a spray bottle with 90% purified water and 10% Polar Mins by volume. Shake a few times to mix the ingredients. For each individual food item (such as a tomato, apple, or banana), spray over approximately 4 times, wait 30 seconds and rinse before eating.  For other produce like collard greens and broccoli, spray the stems or roots in addition to spraying the entire food item, wait for 30 seconds and rinse thoroughly. When soaking nuts, grains, and legumes, add a few drops to the soak water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.

Since a raw food item is still in a living state, the Polar Mins spray acts as an excellent electrochemical "foliar feed," supplying badly needed ionized minerals to detoxify any toxic components of the food as well as allowing the food item to absorb highly beneficial minerals which helps create electromagnetically superior "structured water" inside its cells. This procedure is excellent even for organic foods which are still typically deficient in mineral content (as compared to optimal mineral levels).

Dermal Mist

The Polar Mins Spray may also be used to "mist" skin areas on the body such as the arms, legs, face, head, hair, etc. Just as raw foods are able to absorb ionized minerals, human skin can easily absorb them as well. Use 1 to 4 sprays at a time on various body areas (spray directly on bare skin) as an excellent energy boost or to supply ionized minerals to specific body areas. To avoid unnecessary detoxification, allow some time between misting (if more than 4 sprays are used).

Keeping Your Plants Healthy

House plants love Polar Mins! For enhanced, more luxuriant plant growth (inside or out), either water them with a 10% solution of Polar Mins once a month or spray them frequently. Plants need ionized minerals, too!

The Phosphate Dilemma

Food grown on land that has been treated with commercial forms of acid-treated phosphates do not incorporate the phosphate into its molecular structure, but instead, trap the phosphate in a free form. In contrast, natural electrochemical colloids (as found in sea minerals) prevent this effect, so the phosphate can be properly arranged within its molecule.

When people eat commercial foods grown with excessive amounts of acid-treated phosphates, they excrete a high percentage in their urine. In contrast, foods grown with colloidal phosphate have a balanced phosphate structure in their cells; when people eat these foods, the body will conserve them and not need to dump them out in the urine. People who go on high levels of raw foods that have been grown on soils treated with acid-treated phosphate will begin to have health concerns with their water balance, creating artificial dehydration.

This is one of the main reasons for steaming or boiling commercially grown vegetables and grains. The heating process releases trapped free phosphates which would be harmful, yet leaves good colloid phosphates already in place to be active when consumed. It is best to throw out the leftover water from steaming or boiling commercial produce because it will be high in free phosphates.

Worldwide research (from Popp, Korzykski, LeBon, Picardi, Sckwenk) has demonstrated the importance of electrochemical compound colloids. Researcher Albert Popp of Germany found that the structure of water is determined by minute quantities of electrochemical compound colloids. The structuring of water in body fluids can enhance or detract from the transmission of blueprint information to DNA. If the water in body fluids is more structured (and therefore will have a higher surface electrical charge), it will have a higher energy potential. This means the water, through the effect of the electrochemical colloids, will be able to transport energy (such as heat, electromagnetic energies) at much higher, more efficient levels in and out of cells - in short, increased cellular energy and function.

Sea minerals are very high in electrochemical compound colloids so when consumed, the body can function at much higher efficiency. Polar Mins are an unusually excellent source of the full spectrum of sea minerals from the deep, pristine sea near Antarctica so they deliver a superior source of colloids for immediate use by the body's cells.

Polar Mins

Serving Size: 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon)

Servings Per Container: about 100

Sodium   90mg

Potassium   116mg

Calcium   0.02mg

Magnesium   422mg

Sulfur   69mg

Carbon   109mg

100% pure Antarctic-derived mineral concentrate  (over 97% of salt has been removed)

All supplements are sold at Kasia, and may be ordered via telephone.  Stop by Kasia Organic Salon for additional questions.    612 824 7611

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This health product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  Health Products USA recommends consulting a physician before taking any health supplements.

Adapt & Thrive: Improve your Mind, Stress and Nourish your Hormones with Adaptogens

 Kasia Organic Salon hosts an array of pure "beautiful health" lifestyle supplements.   We'd like to highlight Adaptogen-R3 one of our top selling and result driven supplements through combining a high grade adaptogenic herbs.

Adaptogens nourish the bodies endocrine system, giving the entire body: 

• Stress Support - adaptogenic herbs increase stress capacity

• Rejuvenation - mood boost, supports sense of well being

• Balance - adaptogens nourish the hormonal balance

Premier Research Labs Adaptogen R3

• Adaptogenic Formula With Proven Herbal Synergists

• Premier Research Labs Adaptogen-R3 is a true breakthrough in energy enhancement that can rapidly produce ideal cellular resonance for great vitality and increased energy.

• Experience the grand sense of feeling great and being more fit.

• Step up to energy and power: A leaner, stronger body while enjoying ideal anti-aging support.

• Experience our labor of love, the Premier Research Labs Adaptogen , the best of the best.

• Bring back power into your life like the royalty of olden days.

• Experience ideal cellular resonance

The Power of Adaptogens

An adaptogen is a phytonutrient that has the amazing ability to help normalize or adapt the body's physiologic functions to a higher rate of functioning, regardless of the person’s current health status (i.e. whether you are an athlete or chronically ill). Adaptogens are able to take you from where you are, so to speak, and then help move you to the next level. Taking them over time can create higher and higher states of well being. This action is thought to be mediated via the hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the pathway linked to longevity. Now you can see why adaptogenic botanicals were so valued in the past – many kings and privileged royalty considered regular consumption of adaptogenic botanicals as the key to great vitality and a long, healthy life

Enter the Premier Energy Zone

Is it possible to feel great all the time? Is it possible to maximize your immune system so that a hard workout leaves you feeling good – not exhausted? Can you really enter the  the zone where you feel and perform your very best?

Now, a new genre of world-class adaptogens is available — botanicals that were so special and so treasured in the past that they were reserved only for royalty who closely guarded their use upon pain of death. Now these special agents are available to you – botanicals with thousands of years of secret use throughout history – previously never available to the public. We scanned dozens of sources from Tibet to the Far East to find the very best of these premier-grown adaptogens. Then we truly synergistically combined them to produce this world-class formula, whose benefits far outperform the sum of its individual components and can produce a premier increase in energy and perfomance.

 How Does It Work?

Premier Adaptogen-R3 is not a “jolt product,” loaded with stimulants that rev up weak adrenals such as high dose guarana or ephedra. Instead, its unique, adaptogenic botanicals are synergistically combined to focus on nourishing the glands and organs, including the adrenals, as well as creating maximal oxygen and nutrient transport to the muscles and connective tissue to ensure optimal support, detoxification and immune function. Higher levels of energy and strength can be yours. Because of the unique adaptogenic effect of Premier Adaptogen Complex, it can produce profound improvements across the full spectrum of fitness: from the competition athlete looking for better running times – to the couch potato who wants to get rid of the flab.

Premier Research Labs Adaptogen Ingredients:

• Grade 10 Indian Soma Latha (Sarcostemma acidum)

  • Centuries-old support for strength, endurance and the immune system*
  • Contains a unique array of immune-promoting phytonutrients, including alpha-amyrin, caoutchouc, lupeol, beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols*
  • Sacred Indian herb, revered for many centuries as the “elixir of immortality”; ancient, legendary accounts of its divine power to impart health and strength*
  • Rated the highest quality soma, grown in remote mountainous areas of India, procured on-site by our own Indian herbal specialists

• Grade 10 Siberian Maral Root (Rhaponticum cartha- moides)

  • Rare, oxygen-enhancing Siberian herb which helps increase physical energy, performance, endurance and mental stamina
  • Studies show its ability to help increase muscle mass while decreasing body fat (Russian research on athletes)
  • Contains a full complex of co-factors and transporters including 20-hydroxyecdysone, a phytonutrient shown to help increase protein production at the cellular level, which in turn helps build muscle tissue*
  • Provides significant immune system support (encourages normal levels of IgG and IgA, even during hard exercise)*
  • Pure maral root without additives; low-temperature, air-dried; not solvent-extracted

• Grade 10 Arctic Root (Rhodiola Rosea)

  • A hardy adaptogenic herb “par excellence” from the polar arctic regions of Siberia
  • Studies show its ability to help increase longevity, physical endurance, strength and energy: helps activate lipase in long distance runners and swimmers*
  • Helps maintain high levels of creatinine phosphate in the mitochondria: for sustained energy helps shorten recovery time from workouts*
  • Helps optimize serotonin and dopamine levels as well as other neurotransmitters; benefits mood elevation, attention span, memory and mental performance*

• Grade 10 Rhodiola Crenulata (also called “Tibetan Ginseng”)

  • Famous adaptogen used in Tibet for over 1,500 years to help increase energy, strengthen the heart, lungs, memory, concentration, improve overall well-being and enhance longevity*
  • Helps improve oxygen flow and nutrients to the heart; promotes healthy and regular heart beat; nourishes the lungs and eyes; its oxygen and nutrient transport shown more effective than ginseng*
  • Contains special phytonutrients, including salidroside, tyrosot, sitosterol, gallic flavones, 35 different trace minerals and 18 amino acids for enhanced support of the nerve, endocrine, cardiovascular and immune systems*

  Hand-picked on the snow-capped Himalayas at over 15,000 feet, making it one of the purest, organic herbs on earth; not solvent-extracted or irradiated

• Grade 10 Fo Ti Tieng (Polygonum multiflora; Ho Shou Wu)

  • Chinese herbal adaptogen called the “elixir of life,” used for centuries in China as an invigorating tonic to promote longevity, fertility and vitality*
  • Gained immense popularity after it was reported that a Chinese herbalist who lived to be over 200 years old, took this herb daily*
  • Contains notable phytonutrients, including anthraquinones, chysophanic acid, emodin, rhein and lecithin which help nourish and detoxify the blood, lubricate the intestines and promote increased energy and health*
  • Supports the kidneys, liver, pancreas, adrenals, thymus and blood* Grade 10 quality, grown in rich soil in China; not solvent-extracted, nor irradiated

• Grade 10 Nopal Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica)

  • Hardy, nutrient-rich cactus adaptogen used for centuries in many cultures
  • An abundant nutritional reservoir: rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids; contains mucilage and pectin which support healthy digestion and intestines*
  • Promotes healthy urine flow; neutralizes toxins and internal waste; imparts broad-spectrum chemical-protection, immune and endocrine support*
  • Supports healthy urinary tract, liver, lung, pancreas and prostate; supports healthy blood sugar levels and insulin response; supports healthy blood pressure and blood lipids* Grade 10 quality; not solvent-extracted, not irradiated

 Contact Kasia Organic Salon today for additional questions on optimizing your hormonal health.  

Older than 30? A must have supplement to optimize your detox pathways, digestion and skin's complexion!

Optimize your detoxification pathways, digestion and skin's complexion!

Nutrient depletion coupled with today’s toxicity issues leave us critically vulnerable to  degenerative “Beautiful Health.” Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) has the ability to help the stomach to break down fats and proteins in the food we eat. It also assists the general detoxification processes in the body. It is an essential component for metabolizing and absorbing food, and is particularly needed for assimilating proteins, vitamin B12, calcium and iron.

 

Over 30?  It’s a must have…. Our western diet have diluted the stomach’s ability to produce hydrochloric acid and  by the age of 30, you are compromised  and need an HCL supplement as their most important digestive aid to properly break down their food.

Rotting Food and Bacteria Rotting food is a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria. Heartburn and acid reflux are actually caused by a lack of HCL. Without enough HCL, the food starts to rot and produce lactic acid which causes the acid reflux. Anti-acids actually make the condition worse. HCL addresses the cause by helping to digest the meal properly.

Toxic Overload Without HCL, the body is not detoxifying itself in an optimal fashion. Things that the body would normally expel remain lodged in the system. This leads to toxic overload, and the type of inflammation related to chronic disease.

No Nutrient Absorption Low stomach HCL reduces the efficiency of absorbing nutrients from our food. Reduced HCL production affects the amount of protein and calcium we can absorb and can interfere with bone metabolism and pH. Incomplete protein metabolism can imbalance intestinal flora. HCL promotes absorption of nutrients.

Arthritis and Infection HCL also has superior anti-infective properties and can be useful, at higher dosages, with any bacterial infestation. At very high dosages, for a long term (6-18 months) it has the potential to help the body dissolve calcium deposits, which is the underlying issue with arthritis.

 

 

Main Functions of Hydrochloric Acid

1. It is the primary digestive juice responsible for breaking down proteins, preparing them for assimilation.

2. It acts as a protective barrier, killing many potentially harmful micro-organisms in our food.

3. It acts as a venting mechanism for the build-up of excessive concentrations of hydrogen ions in our blood and interstitial fluids. In other words, we consume acid forming foods and / or engage in acid forming activity. The stomach acid once combined with food is eventually neutralized further down the alimentary canal by alkaline pancreatic secretions.

Other conditions that Betaine HCL may help the body improve include:

Acne Eczema Asthma Diarrhea Hay fever Dermatitis Gallstones Stomach ulcer Chronic hives Food allergies Thyroid malfunction

Inner ear infections Iron-deficiency anemia Rhinitis (nasal inflammation) Candida & Yeast infections Stomach or esophageal disorders General malabsorption of nutrients General indigestion and heart burn Acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Arteriosclerosis (hardening/loss of elasticity in the arteries)

Anti-aging and Fountain of Youth Benefits: A marker of aging is the number of methyl groups in the cell. We use up about 1200 per day, if eating a raw food diet or using HCL for digestion after each meal. When eating cooked food without the HCL support, we use up 1800 methyl groups per day. Once gone, the cells are aged and degenerated. So using the Premier HCL and Premier HCL Activator can save up to a third of your life.

But even better news...when you add Premier HCL, you begin a re-methylation process. As you recover these methyl groups over time, you regain a portion of your life...and health.

•                      Contact our team at Kasia Organic Salon to purchase or inquire more about your adequate HCL needs.   (612)  824 7611

Look Younger by Balancing your Hormones

Lifeless hair, dull skin and wrinkles can be helped by improving your health. Learn the eight major hormones that can impact your appearance

Do you have lifeless hair, dull skin, and weak nails? If so, your new year’s resolution may be to turn back the clock and resolve these issues. I suggest starting your anti-aging regimen with an inside look at your hormones. Hormones affect everything from our immune response and inflammation to cellular growth and tissue repair. Let’s address each of the major hormones that impact our appearance and discuss methods you can use to achieve the healthy balance necessary for radiant, youthful looking skin.

Insulin High levels of insulin can accelerate wrinkling of the skin. Excess insulin occurs with an overindulgence of foods high in sugar, such as pastries, muffins, white pasta, white rice and juice cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin. Avoiding these foods while also consuming a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats every three to four hours will help keep your insulin levels balanced. Supplements such as chromium or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may help improve your insulin sensitivity, which results in less insulin release and overall lower insulin levels. Sleep deprivation is also associated with high insulin levels, so a good “beauty sleep” is essential.

Cortisol Stress is not only bad for your health, it also has documented aging effects on our skin cells. Studies conducted on laboratory rats, revealed that cortisol-induced collagen loss in the skin is ten times greater than any other tissue; It is one of the biggest culprits of dull, thin, and sagging skin. Anything that beats stress, beats aging too – adaptogens are great for reducing excess cortisol levels and increasing youthful DHEA levels. For best results, take two pills at night and one in the morning.

Estrogen Estrogen is produced by the ovaries prior to menopause and by the adrenal glands after menopause. Your adrenal glands will produce less estrogen if they are fatigued, which is common with a stressful lifestyle, sleep disruption, irregular eating habits or illness. Estrogen levels begin to decline in most women in their mid to late 40s although some women, particularly those who are very thin, may experience a drop much sooner. Less estrogen production that naturally occurs with age makes our skin thinner and less elastic, which leads to more wrinkling and sagging. As estrogen dips, less collagen and elastin are produced. Estrogen also helps skin stay moist by boosting hyaluronic acid. A 1997 study of 3,875 postmenopausal women concluded that estrogen supplementation helped aging women have younger looking skin and also helped maintained skin’s collagen, thickness, elasticity and ability to retain moisture.

Simple dietary changes can also help support healthy estrogen levels through the intake of phytoestrogens, such as flaxseed and fermented soy products. Have one serving of organic, non-GMO soy along with two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds in your smoothies or salads, daily. Increase your intake of vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts—they contain indols, compounds that are essential to healthy estrogen balance. Herbal products such as licorice, angelica, red clover or black cohosh are also used to support healthy estrogen levels. Natural hormone replacement in the form of creams containing two types of estrogen (estriol and estradiol) may also be beneficial, but these need to be obtained by prescription through your MD or ND practitioner.

Testosterone Excessive testosterone, in women or men, may result in acne on the face, chest or back. With age, women tend to experience an increase in androgen (a male sex hormone) levels and a decline in estrogen, while men tend to experience the opposite – an increase in estrogen and a decline in testosterone, which causes the skin to dry out. If a testosterone deficiency is suspected, herbs such as tribulus terresteris, stress management and weight-bearing exercises may help to restore optimal levels for both men and women. You can also ask your health practitioner about bioidentical testosterone cream. For women who suspect too much testosterone, consider a supplement of saw palmetto.

DHEA Dry skin is a problem that increases with age. Interestingly, DHEA turns on oil production and seems to help combat this problem and improve hydration. DHEA is a hormone that is a precursor to other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. DHEA levels tend to decline with stress as well as with age. DHEA also increases the production of collagen, making skin appear smoother and younger looking. Our skin’s immunity also appears to improve with DHEA, which may help healing. DHEA supplements are not, however, without risks and, like all other hormones, should not be taken unless a clear deficiency has been established through proper assessment. Relora has been found useful to increase DHEA levels and to lower levels of cortisol. Good sleep habits may also help establish healthy DHEA levels.

Melatonin A proper beauty rest is achieved by sleeping in a pitch black room. Melatonin and serotonin, our happy hormone, are produced in our skin from the amino acid tryptophan. Note that if we do not get enough protein in our diets, melatonin levels may also decline. According to a July 2005 article from the journal Endocrine, melatonin is involved in hair growth and protection against melanoma. As an antioxidant hormone, melatonin guards us from UV radiation and appears to play a role in repairing burned or damaged skin. Whether it’s applied topically or taken internally, melatonin may shield us from environmental and internal stressors. If you choose to supplement with melatonin, 1 to 3 mg taken sublingually at eight to nine p.m. is optimal.

Progesterone Contrary to estrogen, progesterone levels often begin to decline in women in their mid to late 30’s, which leaves our skin looking dull and lacking luster. Ever wonder why pregnant women seem to have that special glow? The secret is the high level of progesterone. This revitalizing hormone is beneficial for skin elasticity and circulation. Progesterone levels decline with menopause as well as with stress. Low progesterone levels are also associated with conditions like PMS, fibrocystic breast disease, infertility, increased risk and incidence of miscarriage as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Men with prostate conditions also tend to have low levels. Progesterone levels may be supported with the use of evening primrose oil, herbs such as vitex (chasteberry) or natural progesterone creams. Stress management and sleeping well is also crucial to maintaining healthy progesterone levels.

Growth hormone If your skin is sagging—in your cheeks, chin or above the knees—declining growth hormone is probably the culprit. Since growth hormone tends to drop off as we get older, supplements are promoted as a way to “reverse” the effects of aging. Growth hormone is essential for skin-cell repair and the prevention of sagging. The production of growth hormone is closely linked to our exercise, sleep and nutritional habits. If we fail to exercise, sleep well or do not consume enough protein, we are literally accelerating the aging process because of a decrease in this repair hormone.

Guest Post: Natasha Turner, N.D.

Weight loss + detox are two of the many benefits of regularly using an Infrared Sauna.

Infrared Sauna + Detox at Kasia 

If you’re having trouble losing weight, have a lack of energy, are sick, or suffering from a chronic disease or condition, toxin accumulation is contributing to the problem. Infrared sauna therapy is one of the safest and most powerful ways to eliminate toxins and increase your overall health.

The infrared heater produces radiant energy, which is the same as the heat from the sun, only without the harmful ultraviolet rays.

 Infrared creates 90% less energy and heats much faster than traditional saunas.  The infrared rays penetrate the body over 1.5 inches, which creates a deep heating effect in the muscle tissues and internal organs without stressing the heart muscle. 

The top 3 things accomplished during your sauna session:

1. Waste products and toxins such as pesticides, alcohol, and heavy metals are removed from the cells and excreted through the pores of the skin.

2. The skin sheds any old skin cells leaving it glowing and immaculately clean.

3. As the body expends energy to produce sweat, the heart beats harder and faster, which has a conditioning effect on the cardiovascular system plus is an effective weight control for people who can't exercise.

The infrared sauna is time well spent supporting the natural detoxification systems of the body and relaxing deeply into a comfortable heat.

Schedule a 30 minute sauna session into your week and receive these BENEFITS: 

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

• Relieve muscle and joint pain

• Remove toxins and improve the immune system

• Improve the appearance of cellulite

• Reduce stress and fatigue

• Improve the skin

• Improve a poor circulation

• Reduce depression and mood imbalances

  

 Contact Kasia today to schedule your sauna session today. 

 Learn more HERE!

Tis the Season for Cinnamon's Bone Building Benefits! (Cinnamon Bread + Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon and Whisky Recipe)

This wonderful spice has been used for thousands of years as a healing agent  and is a highly prized food item for not only for flavoring, but for its antioxidant and digestion-enhancing effects, as well as for its ability to lower blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance.

But did you know..... Cinnamon reduces bone breakdown and can help prevent osteoporotic bone loss.

Best to Purchase:   Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) also called “true cinnamon.”

Abundant Vitamin and Mineral Benefits in Cinnamon! 

• Manganese: important in helping the body use other enzymes and nutrients, such as thiamin, ascorbic acid and choline. It also keeps the bones, nerves and cells healthy, maintains functions of the thyroid gland, and helps the body synthesize cholesterol.

• Dietary fiber: very important to colon health. It can help monitor blood glucose levels, aid digestion, relieve constipation, reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and balances intestinal pH.

• Iron: helps with oxygen transport in the body, and can provide energy when the body needs it most. Individuals with low amounts of iron tend to feel fatigue and exhaustion sooner, so peanuts can be a great energizer.

• Calcium: often associated with milk, and is known to strengthen and build strong bones and teeth.

• Vitamin C: vital in strengthening the immune system and protecting the body against the common cold and the flu. It is also a potent antioxidant that can help with cancer prevention, vision protection and cardiovascular health maintenance.

• Vitamin K: plays a key role in blood coagulation, as well as promoting circulation of blood. It also protects the cardiovascular system, maintains bone health and has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Polyphenols: powerful antioxidant that helps maintain artery health and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

ADDING CINNAMON TO YOUR DIET

Some ideas of incorporating cinnamon into your diet include:

• Adding a teaspoon on hot oatmeal, cold cereal or yogurt for a nourishing breakfast food.

• Adding a tablespoon to your favorite baked goods.

• Add a generous dash to baked beans, curries and stews.

• Simmer a cinnamon stick in milk and honey for a comforting drink.

• Sprinkle over broiled or baked starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes or carrots.

• Sprinkle over bananas, apples or your favorite nut mix for a healthy, midday snack.

• Add to a meat rub or marinade.

• Dash some cinnamon when you blend your next smoothie.

• Sprinkle some into your coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Yield: One 9” x 5” loaf

4 C light spelt flour

1½ C dark raisins

¼ C raw sesame seeds

¼ C Sucanat sugar

1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp sea salt

2 1/8 C unsweetened almond milk

1. Preheat the oven to 350ᴼF. Lightly coat a 9” x 5” loaf pan with vegetable oil, clarified butter, or cooking spray or line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, raisins, sesame seeds, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

3. Add the milk to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a spoon until a stiff batter forms.

4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan. Gently knock the bottom of the pan on your kitchen counter to remove any air pockets in the batter.

5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to keep the top of the loaf from splitting. Bake for 40 minutes.

6. Remove the pan from oven, discard the foil and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 30 additional minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let cool.

7. Toast slices and serve them along with a non-hydrogenated margarine or clarified butter.

Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon and Whisky  (a little naughty)

chocolate + whisky + cinnamon, it's the perfect combination of rich, earthy rustic flavors

yields : 4 servings - Ingredients:

4 cups whole milk

1 cup (5 3/4 ounces) dark chocolate chips, unsweetened

1 cup (6 1/8 ounces) milk chocolate chips, sweetened

1 teaspoon cinnamon, freshly ground + a little extra for dusting

1/4 cup whisky

a  few marshmallows for garnishing (optional)

4 peppermint sticks (optional)

1. Place the milk in a thick bottomed saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium-low flame until the milk begins to steam with constant stirring. Reduce the flame to a gentle simmer.

2. Add the chocolate and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the hot milk and whisk constantly by hand until the chocolate is completely melted. Remove from the milk from the stove and mix in the whisky.

3. Pour the hot chocolate into serving mugs and top them off with a few marshmallows and dust with the extra ground cinnamon. Serve with the hot chocolate with the peppermint sticks and extra marshmallows on the side.

Courtesy of : "A Brown Table" andBread recipe courtesy of The Amazing Acid Alkaline Cookbook by Bonnie Ross

The Biggest Stressor on your Hormones and Health .....especially this holiday.

It is mother of them all, and certainly an issue as we approach the apex of the holiday season.  

What is it?  Blood Sugar.

"We're all on the same hamster wheel of life, and Kasia is here to bring about "informed beauty" information and resources.  Contact us today to inquire how to increase the health of your hair and skin health and hormones. "

Did you know that blood sugar imbalances are one of the biggest stressors on your endocrine system?

If you are suffering from any type of hormonal imbalance, whether it be hypothyroidism, PMS, menopause or even fatigue and weight gain your blood sugar needs to be addressed.  Blood sugar issues are almost guaranteed to be a foundational part of the problem of any hormonal problem. Every time your blood sugar ebbs and flow up and down, your adrenals and pancreas have to come to the rescue.

When your blood sugar goes up, your pancreas has to produce insulin to help lower your blood sugar. While at the opposite end you andrenals have to spit out adrenaline and cortisol to bring your blood sugar back up. Oh and did I mention when cortisol goes out of balance it causes belly fat!

The more your blood sugar handling system is stressed, it predisposes your body to hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue!

The typical pattern tends to be: Eat a meal with excess refined carbohydrate, your blood sugar spikes very high. Your body responds by producing a whole bunch insulin to knock that blood sugar down! The pancreas overshot, and produced too much insulin. Now our blood sugar is super-low, we may start to feel anxious, jittery, and craving lots of sugar and sweets. The next thing we do is eat more find carbohydrate and start the cycle all over again.  This is the cycle of death that is common with most patients that have hormonal issues. It may not quite be quite so blatant for most people, but at some level it is happening and it’s very addicting!

Is Low blood sugar making you stupid?

When blood sugar drops (hypoglycemia) your body also increases production of an excitotoxin called glutamate. The combination of low blood sugar and high levels of glutamate, decreased activation of the frontal cortex. The frontal cortex is the part of our brain that allows us to have higher levels of thinking and brain function;  It differentiates us from almost all other mamals.

When we lose activation to our frontal cortex it’s common for us to make stupid decisions, act irrational and eat more unhealthy food. When we eat poorly, we literally lose our brain, and it’s so easy for this vicious cycle to perpetuate itself again and again and again.

The same type of excitotoxin response can happen when you consume aspartame, food dyes and MSG. Avoiding these food additives can have a tremendous effect on lowering your glutamate levels and thus not allowing you to use your frontal cortex as efficiently. If it’s your goal to perform at the highest level, you want to make sure you are using your head!

When your cells become resistant to insulin, one of three things happens. Insulin can’t keep up with the demand and your blood sugar starts to rise, leading to diabetes Insulin gets really good at clearing the blood sugar triggering fat storage and your midsection grows steadily. Insulin gets too good at clearing the glucose.  Not only does your fat storage increase, your blood sugar plummets and you experience the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia.

SO…what should you do?

First and foremost, get off ALL sugar and processed foods. That means no bread, even gluten free, no cookies, crackers (except raw dehydrated ones, made from vegetables, nuts and seeds) no cakes, pastries, candies and fruit juice.  These foods trigger blood sugar spikes which trigger excess insulin release.

You also need to restore your cell’s receptivity to insulin. There are a number of nutrients like chromium, magnesium, glutamine and zinc that are important here.

Insulin Receptor Sensitivity Restoration System

1. Remove all foods that trigger blood sugar spikes: sugar, all grains, potatoes, fruit juice, dried fruit and high glycemic fruits like bananas and grapes.  I recommend my patients purchase a glucose meter and test the fruits to determine which ones they need to eliminate.  I also recommend that whenever fruit is consumed it’s taken with green leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach and sprouts.  Smoothies are the best way to eat fruit.

2. Supplement with the nutrients needed to restore regulation.  In general these may be chromium, magnesium, glutamine, zinc and the B vitamins.  It can vary from person to person.

3. Supplement with DHA, an omega 3 fat that’s vital for insulin sensitivity.  This can be in a plant form, from algae or from fish.Insulin resistance and blood sugar level imbalance are not minor inconveniences that can be ignored.  The long term consequences are serious and life threatening.

  Contact us today to inquire how to increase the health of your hair and skin health and hormones.

Thank you + Guest Post:  Justin Marchegiani, DC & Dr rRta Marie