Experiencing hair loss that is connected to a thyroid disorder? Learn the 5 Signs?

 

Watching your hair slide down the shower drain or clumping up on your brush is a horrible feeling, especially for women! Our hair is connected to our identity, our youth, and our health. While it’s natural for some women to experience hair loss at certain times in their menstrual cycles or times of the year, hair loss is also caused by specific health conditions including a thyroid imbalance.

Why does a thyroid imbalance cause thinning hair?

Your hair normally grows in a healthy cyclical pattern with most of the hair follicles growing while only a small number are “resting.” With a thyroid imbalance, this cycle can be thrown off, resulting in more hair follicles “resting” than growing — and more hair falling out. Hair loss is a very common symptom of a thyroid imbalance.

But thyroid imbalances often arise slowly and remain unnoticed by patients and their doctors in the early phases. Even with a lab test, your doctor may say everything is fine with your thyroid, even though you strongly suspect that something is wrong. This is because standard labs have a very wide range for what is “normal” in terms of thyroid test results.

So how do you know if your hair loss is connected to a thyroid disorder?

Five signs and symptoms your hair loss is connected to a thyroid disorder

1. Thinning eyebrows. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) often causes general hair loss as well as thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows. We don’t know exactly why the eyebrow is targeted in thyroid disorders, but this is a good indicator that your thyroid hormones may be low.

2. Hair that is brittle, dry, and breaking easily. Dry, brittle hair is also connected to low thyroid function. And research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism finds that thyroid hormones increase growth and color in hair. Low thyroid hormone can lead to the early release of the hair shaft and root, as well as premature gray or white hair.

3. Feeling exhausted all the time, even after 8 hours of sleep. The thyroid is the master of our metabolism, so it affects the way we use and store energy. With low thyroid hormone, metabolism slows down. This can often lead to persistent fatigue as well as weight gain.

4. Puffiness in the face or extremities. Many people with hypothyroidism have an excess of a compound called mucin. Mucin is part of our connective tissue and is present in blood vessels and cells all over the body. It absorbs water and may cause excess water retention in an individual with an underactive thyroid imbalance.

5. Yellowing of the palms of your hands. Yellowing of the skin on your hands can happen with a thyroid imbalance due a build-up of carotene in your blood. Hypothyroidism can slow the conversion of carotene to vitamin A.

If you think your hair loss might be connected to a thyroid imbalance, begin supporting your thyroid — and your hair — naturally. Kasia provides key vitamins and minerals, as well as suggested dietary changes to target thyroid imbalances from the inside out.

Testing for more severe hair loss

Most mild to moderate hair loss will improve with some basic stress reduction and positive lifestyle changes. Hair loss that is more dramatic or persists warrants a closer look. Testing for insulin resistance, testosterone levels, and thyroid or other metabolic dysfunction can point to androgen sensitivity, thyroid dysfunction, or another endocrinologic disturbance as a possible cause for a woman’s thinning hair. Some women will experience male pattern baldness if their bodies have high testosterone or become sensitive to normal circulating levels of androgens.

Here are the tests I’d recommend discussing with your practitioner:

• hormone panel (testing specifically both free and total testosterone levels)
• thyroid testing
• fasting insulin
• metabolic panel (for kidney and liver function)
• ferritin stores (for iron deficiency)
• CBC (complete blood count) with differential
• allergy testing

References

womentowomen.com

Van Beek, N, et al. 2008. Thyroid hormone directly alter human hair follicle functions: anagen prolongation and stimulation of both hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and hair pigmentation. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 93(11): 4381. URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18728176.

Arem, Ridha. 2000. The Thyroid Solution. New York, NY: Ballantine Books.

Losing Hair in Your Twenties and Thirties?

Why you're losing your hair and what you can do about it.

Although hair loss is typically thought of as we age or as a man’s problem, but it’s actually just as common (if not more) in women—and  women are now starting to notice changes in their 20s. Hair loss can be very traumatic,  especially in 20-30 year old women who notice a change may be particularly distressing.   "Fear not  -Informed Beauty..."   Let's take a look at the number of causes and a range of solutions that can help.

The science of thinning and hair loss is still largely misunderstood. There is more evidence that a hormone called DHT is responsible. Both men and women have it. Alopecia hair loss is thought to be pathogen related.

Over time, an excess build-up of DHT in the follicle causes it to begin shrinking, which changes the natural resting and growth phases of the hair. DHT builds up around your hair roots like wax.

Some of the follicles eventually die and others become incapable of producing or maintaining healthy hair growth, resulting with hair loss.

First, define your symptoms: Is your hair shedding (more hair is falling out when you brush it or in the shower) or thinning (you notice more of your scalp showing)?

Some of the most common causes of shedding—technically called telogen effluvium—include a shock to your body (a serious illness, pregnancy or going on a crash diet), a stressful situation (you lost your job or experienced the death of a loved one), starting a new medication (anti-depressants and birth control can affect your hair) or a change in eating patterns (going vegetarian can result in not consuming enough protein).   Pressure, major life changes and poor eating are hallmarks of a maturing womens lifestyle.

 Trauma ........fallout 3 months later.

Because of your hair growth cycle, it usually takes 3-6 months after a very stressful event or time period for one to notice the shedding, says Maria Hordinsky, M.D., chair of the department of dermatology at the University of Minnesota and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology. So if you were laid off in January or lost a lot of weight that month, your hair may not start falling out until April or May.  The good news is that shedding is completely reversible in most cases.

“As soon as you notice hair changes, look at a calendar and think back to what happened within the past six months."

Use these techniques to combat shedding:

• Patience.  It can take up to a year for your hair to normalize.  Bottom line: Once you identify and change the stressor, try not to freak out. Give it some time and let your hair grow back in naturally.   By changing daily habits and stress reduction, you will be better able  to cut down the added stress on your hair. This may take some tim, but it takes you making serious personal changes as well.
• The right shampoo and wash as normal.   A startled reaction to seeing more hair in the shower drain is to wash it less often, “but there’s no evidence between shedding and hair care practices. In fact, using a natural/organic shampoo with gentle cleansing and nourishing ingredients will help maintain a healthy scalp.  Gentle and chemical free/non-clogging hair products are one of the best ways to promote hair growth.
• Don’t be afraid to color-  Ammonia Free -of course!   Most likely hair loss is internal, although using ammonia free color brands free of PPD, Resorcinal, and MEA are key.  You do not want high acidity on the scalp, nor do you want to shock the follicle to fast - resulting in more sheding.  Kasia Organic Salon offers the safest Ammonia Free Color line on the market.
• Re-assess your pills. High levels of  vitamin A can be associated with hair loss.  Biotin, Iron, Omega Fatty Acids, and other herbal blends can be very beneificial in kick-starting your hair and skin growth cycles.

If your scalp is more visible than it used to be, it means your hair is thinning and the problem is likely female pattern hair loss (or alopecia). Unfortunately, this situation is genetic and there’s not much you can do to reverse it. But you can slow down the changes.

Styling for Hair Loss:  Part your hair on the side instead of down the center, wear it back in a loose ponytail  or high bun without a part.  Keep the cut blunt with a possible bang to break up the shape.   Color your hair so it more closely matches your scalp color.

 Contact Kasia Organic Salon for gentle hair care that will assist you through any stage of hair loss.  612.824.7611

References:  Abigail Cuffey

Top 6 Far Infrared Health Benefits

What is Infrared? Infrared light (experienced as heat) is the invisible part of the sun's spectrum with the ability to penetrate human tissue to produce a host of health benefits. It is naturally occurring from the sun and is the basis for all Sunlighten™ saunas.

Far Infrared Health Benefits Because infrared sauna therapy heats the body directly rather than simply warming the air, it raises the core body temperature and produces a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level, where most toxins reside. Far infrared also aids in blood pressure reduction & weight loss, burning up to 600 calories in one 40 minute session!

KASIA Offers 15 and 30 minute sessions. Contact us today!

Infrared Sauna Weight Loss

In the mood to lose weight? Sunlighten can help. Our saunas promote weight loss by burning calories while you relax in total comfort.

The secret is out on sauna weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight is important to your overall quality of life. That’s no secret. In fact, a 10-year study published by The New England Journal of Medicine discovered that the circumference of your waist alone is a critical factor for assessing the risk of premature death. In other words, by maintaining a healthy weight, you may be able to live a longer, healthier life.

That’s where we come in with the Sunlighten brand of weight training: sauna weight loss. Using infrared heat technology to burn calories, our saunas – and only our saunas – are clinically shown to dramatically aid weight loss. In a 2009 study, our infrared saunas were shown to help lower weight and waist circumference in just a three-month period. And for those who led a sedentary life due to medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular or respiratory problems, the weight loss results were even more profound.¹

Studies show infrared sauna weight loss works! In another study, 30-minute infrared sauna weight loss sessions were shown to burn up to 600 calories. During a sauna weight loss session, core temperatures increase. The body has to work hard to cool itself, causing a healthy sweat. Using an infrared sauna increases heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate, burning more calories, leading to more weight loss. And blood flow rises, increasing from 5-7 quarts up to 13 quarts a minute.²

Plus, regular use of a Sunlighten sauna may provide many of the same benefits as regular exercise, such as cardiovascular conditioning. That’s right, using Sunlighten for infrared weight loss therapy is like giving yourself a passive cardio workout – wherever and whenever you need it!

Detoxification

Sweating is the body’s safe and natural way to heal & stay healthy. Sunlighten saunas are designed to promote deep, natural, detoxifying sweat.

Sauna detox is a widely-used treatment in alternative medicine. Recently, it has received significant mainstream attention as a result of a movement toward natural and self-directed treatments. The leading sauna detoxification principle suggests that common illnesses are caused by the build-up of toxic substances in the body. Ridding the body of these toxins through a natural sauna detox may help relieve symptoms, prevent future illness and increase overall health and vitality.

Reports from the United States Center for Disease Control estimate that over 80% of all illnesses have causes rooted in personal environments or lifestyles. In an industrialized society, we can do little to reduce exposure to toxins in the air we breathe and the food we eat. As a result, sauna detox has become a leading treatment to achieve greater health and wellness.

Researchers have long known that toxic substances, including heavy metals, are secreted from the body through sweat. Therefore, the more one can safely sweat (while maintaining proper hydration), the greater quantity of toxins will be released from the body. Sauna usage is one of the most effective methods of inducing a detoxifying sweat. In a sauna detox, sweat carries toxins out of the body through the pores. But not all saunas are the same.

The far-infrared heat generated by a Sunlighten sauna produces sweat that carries nearly 20% toxins. In a traditional sauna, you can only expect up to 3% toxins. As such, a sauna detox in a Sunlighten sauna is up to 7 times more effective than in a traditional sauna. This incredible detoxification is accomplished through Sunlighten’s proprietary and highly-efficient infrared heating technology. Sunlighten’s heating technology is the only sauna heater clinically shown to actually raise core body temperature by 2 to 3 degrees (vs. simply heating the air around the body). SEE STUDY. As a result, regular usage of a Sunlighten sauna provides a truly deep, productive and detoxifying sweat at the cellular level, where toxins reside.

Skin Rejuvenation

As part of a sauna skin therapy program, help restore skin to a youthful appearance.

Forego expensive cosmetic treatments that may have limited effects or questionable long-term safety. Instead, rejuvenate your skin while also receiving all of the other health benefits associated with Sunlighten’s leading infrared sauna therapy.

A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks of sauna skin therapy using near-infrared technology. Participants experienced a reduction in wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as improved overall skin tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity and firmness.¹ Sunlighten’s Solocarbon Custom Spectrum is the only infrared sauna heater on the market with near-infrared technology!

Infrared Sauna Pain Relief

One of the most compelling reasons to purchase a Sunlighten sauna is the natural pain relief associated with infrared sauna therapy.

Sunlighten infrared sauna owners love to tell us about the pain relief properties of their sauna sessions. You too can toss the pain pills and step into one of our healing infrared sanctuaries to relieve tension and relax muscles. Sunlighten infrared sauna heat works by penetrating joints, muscles and tissues, increasing circulation and speeding oxygen flow. By reducing soreness on nerve endings, our infrared heat reduces muscle spasms and helps the body heal itself naturally.

For years, doctors have recommended Sunlighten saunas because of proven relief from sports injury, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis and other chronic pain conditions.

Infrared Sauna Relaxation

Sunlighten saunas have been designed with the utmost in comfort for greater relaxation and stress-reduction.

Relaxation is more important to health than most people realize. The American Institute of Stress estimates that 75 to 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems. Long-term stress is the cause of countless physiological effects on the body, including increased blood pressure, weight gain and weakening of the immune system.

According to New York Times best-selling author and fitness expert Jorge Cruise – as well as many other health professionals – the more stressed you are, the more cortisol your body produces. Cortisol is a “fight or flight” hormone made in the adrenal glands that raises heart rate and blood pressure and leads to the deposit of excess calories in the midsection.

Scientific evidence also shows that infrared sauna therapy helps the body maintain healthy levels of cortisol. While cortisol levels stay the same or rise slightly during a sauna therapy session, they drop immediately afterward. In fact, Sunlighten saunas have been clinically shown to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with regular use.

Through the use of cutting-edge Solocarbon® heating technology, Sunlighten saunas deliver the most therapeutic infrared sauna heat per square inch (up to 99% efficient), so that you can be enveloped in soothing warmth to help you relieve stress, ease your muscles and fully relax. And with the inclusion of our exclusive SO Sound acoustic vibrational therapy, you won’t be able to find a more effective combination infrared sauna heat and musical massage to induce deep relaxation and tension relief.

Sunlighten saunas are guaranteed to help you relax in natural comfort with an invigorating deep tissue sweat that will have you feeling fully refreshed after every sauna session.

Cell Health, Muscle Recovery & Immunity

Stay healthy with the natural preventive properties of Sunlighten’s exclusive heating technology, which aids in cell health, muscle recovery and overall immunity defense.

Sunlighten infrared therapy stimulates the circulatory system, causing the heart to beat more vigorously and blood vessels to dilate, which help cleanse the circulatory system and more fully oxygenate the body’s cells.

Better blood circulation means more toxins flow from the cellular level to the skin’s surface to improve cell health, aid in muscle recovery and strengthen the immune system.

Sunlighten’s research-backed near infrared heating technology can strengthen the immune system. In fact, a NASA study showed this same near infrared therapy, delivered by LEDs deep into body tissue, can quadruple cell health and tissue growth.¹

Several studies have shown that LEDs (like those found in our mPulse saunas) stimulate white blood cell production and collagen growth by increasing energy at the cellular level.

A study done at the Medical College of Wisconsin demonstrated that LED-produced near infrared (NIR) helps promote cell health and regeneration.² The LEDs in our Solocarbon Custom Spectrum heaters produce infrared in this same range.

A study from The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology concluded that LED near infrared (NIR) restores enzyme activity and reduces cell death by half.²

Regardless of the extent of the injury, someone who regularly uses this type of sauna will recover faster...It doesn’t add additional stress to the body or the injury. It actually works with the body to heal. -Dr. Jeffrey Spencer - University of Southern California

According to The Doctor’s Prescription for Health Living, Sunlighten’s infrared heat is one of the best treatments for sprains, strains, muscle spasms, and other injuries associated with sports because it works by penetrating joints, muscles and tissues, speeding oxygen flow and increasing circulation.

The Beautiful Health Value of Daily Elimination

  This subject may not be a favorite or one shared at the kitchen table, but my mission in "Informed Beauty" is to share with you any information I can gather that can give you a better, longer, and healthier life.

The subject: The Beautiful Health Value of Daily Elimination.

Constipation prevents waste from moving through the colon easily, which causes it to remain in the colon too long. If this happens often, or is a way of life, it can cause some serious health problems - and beauty problems, as well. To be blunt, this is decaying fecal matter and toxins in your intestines that can easily contribute to many diseases. It is vital to expel fecal matter as quickly as possible. Constipation also inhibits the flow and absorption of vital nutrients in the body.

Bad colon bacteria produce toxic secretions that act as poison throughout the entire body. When fecal matter in the colon is not eliminated for days, the colon becomes toxic - this toxicity then spreads to cells throughout the body. The toxicity in the blood stream from this decaying waste also interferes with the delivery of oxygen to all the cells and tissue in the entire body, depriving them of necessary oxygen for good health. Also, straining to have a movement can damage the tissue of the lower colon and the blood vessels in the legs.

Aging Starts in the Colon Aging of the skin can start in the colon. An unhealthy colon can cause blemishes, rashes, poor skin tone, even wrinkles, and leads to premature aging of the skin. The hair can also be affected, slowing growth and becoming dry and dull.

Constipation is a symptom you cannot ignore, even if it occurs once in a while, since it will lead to slow poisoning of the entire body. Regularity is very important. Don't wait for a disease to "happen" to show that you are ill... take the bull by the horns, and don't let constipation become a reoccurring condition.

Kassandra's tip to assisting good bowel and skin habits.

"A colon health diet should begin with a daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, quality protein, plenty of water, and exercise."

• Slowly increase the intake of high fiber foods particularly from raw fruits & vegetables.
• Eliminate processed grain products from the diet.  Switch to whole grains and consider sprouted grain, wheat-free and/or gluten-free options.

• Reduce or eliminate animal products from the diet [these contain no fiber; dairy products also promote mucous secretion, each increases likeliness of constipation.]

• Drink at least ½ your body weight in ounces in pure water each day. If urine is still dark in color increase this amount further. Caffeine & other substances found in soft drinks, tea, & coffee are dehydrating so these should be avoided. If you choose to drink these add an additional equal amount of pure water for what is consumed.

• Add  fresh lemon juice to water to help mineralize the water [be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after drinking lemon water].

• Exercise increases peristalses. Regular exercise can improve eliminations.

• Take an effective probiotic to encourage a healthy colon environment.

Supplementation

Promote optimal liver/gallbladder cleansing with Gallbladder Nano-Detox

• Promotes optimal gallbladder and biliary detox and rejuvenation.
• Stimulates the flow of bile.
• Encourages healthy blood lipids. (Excellent cholesterol support).
• Excellent for use before starting liver and gallbladder cleansing programs.
• Provides unique cleansing of gallbladder meridian master points typically not cleansed by other means.
• Supports liver cleansing helping to restore deep sleep.
• Softemd gall stones so they can more easily pass through the bile-duct

Kassandra also recommends adding digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid before and after each meal.

Many people say they can feel the effect of Gallbladder ND  the very first time they take it.  Contact Kassandra to inquire about this product or other questions.  

What Does The Liver/ Gallbladder Flush Do?

- Helps cleanse stagnant waste from the liver/gallbladder (including gall stones)* - Helps improve liver functioning and bile flow* - Helps purify the blood and lymph* - Helps rejuvenate the body

Are You Really Eating These in Your Supplements? What Are Excipients?

How do you know if an ingredient is synthetic? If you can not recognize it as something you can pick in nature, it is often synthetic. For instance, you can not pick 100mg of Vitamin B-1 in nature. It's usually made in a laboratory. But plants, herbs, algae, grasses, etc... are natural foods rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids.  Routine Contamination - over 60% of the herbs currently used in nutritional products in the U.S. have been either fumigated, irradiated or contain significant pesticide/insecticide residues - including even many organic herbs.

What Are Excipients?

 Excipients are binders, fillers and “glues” that are typically non-nutritive substances in nutritional products. These substances often test toxic.

Would you want to consume anything that is not nutritive?

We believe it is unnecessary to take nutritional products that have questionable, potentially toxic, non-nutritive excipients.

Please note: Tablets ALWAYS contain excipients (that is how they are made; they cannot be made without them); therefore, it is wisest to especially avoid nutritional products as tablets.

Just a few examples of questionable excipients commonly found in nutritional products:

Magnesium stearate -- a cheap lubricating agent; research shows it to be immune-compromising

Methyl paraben -- a benzoate family member; a known cancer-causing agent

Microcrystalline cellulose -- a cheap filler

Silicon dioxide -- a cheap flowing agent (common sand)

Natural flavors -- an AKA for MSG (monosodium glutamate), a well known neurotoxic agent

Methacrylic copolymer -- methacrylic acid, a component of the methacrylic acid copolymer, has been reported to act as a teratogen in rat embryo cultures.

Triethyl citrate -- a plasticizer

Titanium dioxide -- used for color; liver toxic

Corn starch -- typically from cheap GMO corn; can invoke allergic responses

Talcum powder -- a common excipient rarely not listed on product labels; a suspected carcinogen

Other Questionable but Common Tableting and Encapsulating Agents

• D&C red #33
• Propylparaben
• Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
• Hydroxypropyl cellulose
• Polyethylene glycol
• Red ferric oxide-orange shade
• Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
• Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate
• Sodium acetate
• Methylparaben
• Sodium metabisulfite
• Eudragit

Are You Really Eating These in Your Supplements?

Common Tableting and Encapsulating Agents

Povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone or PVP): PVP is a synthetic polymer used as a dispersing and suspending agent in virtually all encapsulated nutritional supplements; considered to be a potential carcinogen.

Magnesium Stearate: This commonly used excipient can be made from animal or vegetable sources. It is used as a flowing agent and lubricant. It is insoluble in water and may hinder the absorption of nutrients. Research shows it suppresses the immune system.

Maltodextrin: A refined sugar obtained by the hydrolysis of cornstarch. It is used for flavor, as a texturizer and bulking agent. Maltodextrin may contain free glutamate (MSG), which occurs as a result of processing. MSG is a known neurotoxin.

Cellulose Starch: A starch made from plant material that is used as filler, binder and disintegrant. Starches processed from corn contain free glutamate (MSG), resulting from processing. MSG is a known neurotoxin.

Silicon Dioxide: Silica is a transparent, tasteless, powder that is practically insoluble in water. It is the main component of beach sand and is used as an absorbent and flow agent in supplements. It may hinder digestion or the uptake of other nutrients and deplete HCL.

Resin: Resins are used as binders and aid in water resistance. They may be of plant or synthetic origin and are used in lacquers, varnishes, inks, adhesives, synthetic plastics and pharmaceuticals. Synthetic forms include polyvinyl, polystyrene and polyethylene. Toxicity is dependent on the ingredients used in the manufacture of the resin.

Dicalcium Phosphate: A mineral complex of calcium and phosphorous that is commonly used as a tableting aid, filler or bulking agent. Phosphates can induce the same symptoms as MSG in those who are extremely sensitive to MSG.

Polysorbate 80: A non-ionic surfactant that is a polymer containing oleic acid, palmitic acid, sorbitol and ethylene oxide and is formed by microbial fermentation. It is used as an emulsifier, dispersant or stabilizer in foods, cosmetics, supplements and pharmaceuticals.

Titanium Dioxide: This is an inorganic, white, opaque pigment made from anatase (metallic mineral) that is often used in supplements as a whitening agent. Titanium dioxide is a pro-oxidant. It is also used in paints and coatings, plastics, paper, inks, fibers, food and cosmetics.

Polyethylene Glycol 3350: This excipient is used as an emulsifier, binder and surfactant. It improves resistance to moisture and oxidation. Polyethylene is a polymerized ethylene resin and glycol is a dihydric alcohol.

Pharmaceutical Glaze: This is actually shellac used to coat vitamin tablets. Shellac is insoluble in stomach acid and supplements coated with shellac are difficult for the body to break down and assimilate.

Learn more about Premeir Research Labs.  Kasia Organic Salon stands behind PRL's extensive research and known credibility for being the cleanest and best on the market!  Results!  Learn more HERE! 

Reference:  http://www.totalhealthsecrets.com

Skin Problem Symptoms, Nutrition Facts and the Best Healthy Foods

Inside - Out    Beauty

Skin grows from the inside out, and therefore has special and specific nutritional requirements. These consist of Proteins, Good Fats, and Water.

Vitamins And Minerals  to Enhance  Skin

Vitamin A is required for all epithelial tissue. Vitamin C is needed for all connective tissue and capillaries. Vitamin E protects the fat in every skin cell. Zinc is necessary for connective tissue and immune function.

Deficiency Symptoms

Bumps on the back of your arms or the tops of your thighs, sensitivity to light, dry hair or skin, and chronic bronchitis or chest colds all may signify a need for more Vitamin A. Also, not getting enough sun (especially in winter), older age, and a family history of osteoporosis mean you should consume more Vitamin A.

Easy bruising, bleeding gums upon brushing or flossing, premature wrinkling, poor immunity to colds and flu, and achy joints may indicate a need for more Vitamin C.

Excessive consumption of fatty or fried foods requires more Vitamin E.

Poor skin elasticity, easy bruising, catching colds and flu easily, and white spots on your fingernails may signify that you need more Zinc.

Thyroid

Among other functions, the thyroid gland is responsible for regulating body temperature and controlling circulation to the skin. The lower your body temperature, the slower the circulation to the skin. This results in less nourishment and poor removal of toxins and wastes from the skin, lowering vitality and leaving the skin vulnerable to more disease organisms.

Symptoms that can occur because of hypothyroidism include dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, boils, impetigo, winter itch, generalized itching of the arms and legs, scaly skin, and cellulitis.

Natural ways to raise body temperature: begin taking sea kelp tablets, and remember that exercising often raises body temperature and increases circulation.

Colon

This organ has the function of removing waste products. If wastes are not eliminated, they often get re-circulated into the blood stream and therefore to the skin as a means of elimination. Women who have taken antibiotics and/or birth control pills are especially susceptible to changes in the colonic environment, and have a greater production of waste products. Women who eat high-refined carbohydrate diets may have the same problem.

Some things to try: increase your protein intake, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, begin taking acidophilus to help balance the colonic environment.

Best Healthy Foods

1. WATER

Every day we need to drink a half ounce of water for every pound of body weight. Water is great to help us detoxify, and to keep our skin clear and hydrated. It helps to reduce those fine lines and wrinkles.

2. SALMON

The best fish to eat is cold-water fish. Include sardines, tuna, mackerel, cod, herring, and trout as well. All of these have the best essential fats for smoother skin, increased energy, improved immunity, decreased pain, and all are very beneficial for your heart.

3. OATMEAL

Plain, old-fashioned, whole-grain oatmeal is inexpensive and has no added sugar or fat. Oatmeal provides great fiber for the colon, helps reduce cholesterol, and it's full of B-complex vitamins.

4. OLIVE OIL AND OLIVES

Mediterraneans have one-third the cardiovascular disease of Americans. They eat lots of olive oil. It is great for salads or sauteeing and is very heart healthy. Remember that fat does not make you fat! The right fats actually help you lose weight.

5. NUTS

The best are walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. These little packages of protein, good fat, and fiber are also chock full of minerals. The good fats provide cardiovascular protection as well as help to lower cholesterol.

6. SEEDS - PUMPKIN, SUNFLOWER, FLAX, AND SESAME

All of these seeds provide vitamins and minerals to help us use our fuel efficiently. They also contain good fats that help soften our skin and increase our energy.

7. GREENS

Make sure to have several servings of green vegetables every day. The magnesium helps to keep us relaxed and regular, and is necessary for the normal function of our muscles, including the cardiac muscle - our heart.

8. ALL ANTIOXIDANT CONTAINING FOODS!

Contact  Kasia Organic Salon to book a Organic Facial or Ammonia Free Hair Color!

For daily hair, skin, and "beautiful health" tips, read our Informed Beauty  Blog, follow Kasia Organics on Twitter and like our Facebook page.

Thank you: Renee Loureau

Fall Detox Smoothies

In the turn of seasons, are you ready to feel refreshed?

Enjoy these INFORMED BEAUTY detox smoothies!

Antioxidant Smoothie

Don't have a juicer? No problem! You can still make these healthy fruit and vegetable smoothies for the Challenge with these simple blender-friendly recipes.

2 cups mixed frozen berries (9 ounces) 1 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice

Combine berries, juice, and 1 cup water in a blender; blend until smooth.

Serves 2. Per serving: 130 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 1 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbs; 19 mg sodium; 1.5 g protein; 4 g fiber.

Carrot, Mango, and Herb Smoothie

2 cups frozen mango chunks 1 cup fresh carrot juice  1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 1/4 cup fresh herbs, such as mint, tarragon, or basil

Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth.

Serves 2. Per serving: 225 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 56 g carbs; 36 mg sodium; 3 g protein; 5 g fiber.

Green Smoothie

1 cup kale or collard greens firmly packed, stems removed, coarsely chopped (4 ounces) 1 Granny Smith apple, coarsely chopped 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Combine kale, apple, banana, parsley, and 2 1/4 cups water in a blender; blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water.

Serves 2. Per serving: 105 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbs; 32 mg sodium; 2 g protein; 4 g fiber.

Beet and Carrot Smoothie

1 small red beet (equivalent to 1/2 cup), peeled and coarsely chopped 1 medium-size carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)  1 sweet apple, such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, coarsely chopped 1 ripe pear, such as red Bartlett or red D'Anjou, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

1. Steam beets and carrots until tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. 2. Combine beets, carrot, apple, pear, juice, ginger, and 2 cups water in a blender; blend until smooth.

Serves 2. Per serving: 134 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbs; 62 mg sodium; 2 g protein; 7 g fiber.

**FALL FAVORITE** Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie

Pumpkin and Cream • 3/4 C pureed pumpkin • 1/3 C coconut/hemp/almond/rice milk • 1 tbsp flax/chia • 1/4 C water

• 2 tsp raw honey or stevia • 2 tsp cinnamon • 1/2 tsp nutmeg • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice • Ice (optional)

Photos & recipes found at Wholeliving.com

Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Internal Cleansing

I must first say that I have used bentonite clay internally for 3 months, and feel great.  This clay can be used in many ways.  Keep in mind we do stock this at Kasia Organic Salon, so please contact us with any questions!  - Kassandra

 

Bentonite clay is an alternative detoxifying and medicinal cleansing agent derived from the weathering of volcanic ash. Bentonite can be purchased at most health food stores and is available in several forms, including liquid, gel, capsules, and powder. Bentonite powder can easily be mixed into an ingestible solution and is commonly employed for internal use. The powder swells up like a sponge when absorbed in water, attracting and drawing in toxins as the clay passes through the body. The actual clay is not digested: it passes through the body and is eliminated along with the toxins.

Health Benefits

A high level of toxins in the body can affect your overall health. Bentonite acts as an intestinal detoxifying agent by cleansing your body of toxins such as heavy metals, free radicals, and pesticides. Health benefits from regular use of bentonite include relief from indigestion, liver detoxification, reduced food sensitivities and allergies, improved blood circulation, and an overall immune system boost.

How to Make a Bentonite Clay Solution

Pour eight ounces of water into a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, add one tablespoon of bentonite, close the lid, and shake well. Remove the lid and allow mixture to sit for 30 minutes. Make sure the powder is fully absorbed, and add more water a little at a time as needed if the mixture is too thick. Drink the mixture and follow with a full glass of water.

Tips

• Mix bentonite with fruit juice instead of water for better flavor.
• Take bentonite on an empty stomach, one hour before or after meals.
• Sprinkle a small amount of bentonite powder on your food for an extra boost.
• Drink at least eight cups of water or more throughout the day when taking bentonite.

Topical Uses for Bentonite Clay

Bentonite can help treat acne, eczema, cellulite, wrinkle reduction, poison ivy, burns, and insect bites when used topically. Simply dab a small amount of liquid bentonite solution onto problem areas. Soak in a clay bath to release toxins from the pores of your skin by adding two cups of bentonite clay to a warm bath. Soak for at least 20 minutes.

From Experience...

• Do not use metal utensils or containers to stir or store Bentonite clay powder. Contact with metal may decrease the clay's potency.
• The internal use of Bentonite clay is an excellent and simple way to do an effective cleanse. Among other benefits, it can reduce body odor, skin blemishes, and digestive track issues of all sorts.
• The clay can be stirred into water, juice or any other beverage of your choice. It can also be sprinkled on foods or encapsulated.
• We keep it on hand, among other items, to use internally and externally in case of snake bites or any other kind of poisoning.
• Bentonite clay can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children, and animals.
• It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose. Just remember to consume LOTS of water while using it internally.

Health Disclaimer

Always consult a physician before taking bentonite clay internally. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescription medication. Your physician will be able to advise you if this is a safe and appropriate treatment for you.