Improve Your Immunity as the Temperature Cools with Ayurveda

Beautiful Health Wellness Notes

Ayurveda strongly emphasizes the importance of nutrition in maintaining good health and preventing and treating disease. Under Ayurvedic medicine, the belief is that disease results from an imbalance of the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha), which Ayurveda believes are the life energies inside all of us.

Per Ayurveda, cooler weather is actually the best in season to improve immunity. The flu season, cold weather, weakened immune system, dry skin, and on top of that the inevitable cold season weight gain. According to Ayurveda, winter is one of the best times to strengthen immune system and lose or maintain weight.

Ayurveda identifies 3 different levels of immunity:

1. Hereditary (Sahaj) - the  innate level of immunity which you are born with.

2. Seasonal (Kalaj) - fluctuating levels of immunity due to the change of seasons, different stages of life, and planetary cycles.

3. Established (Yuktikrit) - a balanced, permanent level of immunity that can be realized by following an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle.

Ayurveda focuses on strengthening the second type of immunity, which fluctuates with the seasons, age, and planetary cycles.

One reason that winter is a good season for building immunity is that the digestion is stronger in cold weather. Just as your home's heating system works harder in cold weather, so your inner digestive fire stokes up when the air turns chilly.

 Fall and Winter are the seasons when nature is ready to nurture us. Due to the digestive level being very high, people feel hungrier. Food can be digested better in winter, thus nourishing the body more. It's more important that people eat immunity-boosting foods in winter, and that they follow the Ayurvedic daily routine. This should be your goal during winter - to nourish the mind and body by eating well and getting proper rest.

In general, immunity-boosting foods include those that are fresh, easy to digest, pure and wholesome. These include fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and Ghee (clarified butter). Foods that are hard to digest should be avoided if you want to increase your immunity. Commercially processed foods, as well as canned, frozen, and packaged foods are old and difficult to digest, so they weaken the immune system.

Foods that nourish and balance the body in the cold, dry season are the sweet, sour and salty tasting. It's best to eat less of the astringent, bitter, and pungent tasting foods in winter, although all six tastes should be included in your diet. Warm, home-cooked, unctuous foods are ideal, as long as they are not deep-fried and are cooked with easy-to-digest oils such as Ghee or olive oil. Avoid cold or ice-cold foods, as cold foods and drinks douse the digestive fire.

Cool Weather Grocery List

November-February

*  Eat more foods that are Sweet, Sour, Salty / Heavy, Oily, Moist, Hot: soups, stews, steamed veggies, warm herbal teas.

*  Eat less foods that are Pungent (Spicy), Bitter, Astringent / Light, Cold, Dry:  salads, smoothies, cold foods and beverages, chips and salsa.

CLICK HERE for your complete guide to Fall/Winter foods. 

Reference:  Sundari

Your Guide to a Sexy Eye. Timeless Look with Au-Naturale Liquid Eyeliner

Fall is all about a rich - dramatic eye....

La Bella Donna's NEW Liquid Eyeliner will amaze you with its color, lasting power, and smudge proof POW!

Buyer Beware! Synthetics and plasticizers such as acrylic copolymer and PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer) are commonly found in liquid eyeliners. They are used mainly as the binding agent/film former in liquid eyeliner to glue pigments and fillers together so the eyeliner stays on your eyes.

The discovered concern with synthetic plastics is that they are derived from petrochemicals.    Synthetic dyes, glycol, alcohol and chemical preservatives are also used in high concentrations of conventional liquid eyeliner formulations.

La Bella Donna Liquid Eyeliner

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 Made of all natural ingredients, fortified with some of the most innovative and nurturing materials nature can provide.

• Suitable for all highly sensitive and demanding skin!

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• Matte finish

• Quick drying

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• Won’t fade *Won’t come off in Water

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Your Guide to a timeless look!

Stop by Kasia Organic Salon to review your new fall makeup colors and to match your new coverage for Fall and Winter! 

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Stay updated with top shelf KasiaBeautiful Health News and Savings!

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We've got a lot of amazing things coming your way, so to make sure you don't miss a thing, just follow these easy steps: 

1.  Check your "PROMOTIONS" Tab for Kasia emails.

2. Drag Our Kasia emails into your "PRIMARY" Tab

3.  Click "YES" in the YELLOW box so every Kasia email will stay where you can see it.

Hair Dye and Health Complications: Common Beauty Products to Avoid

Not to scare - but to be aware...

Did you know? You might actually be more likely to absorb dangerous chemicals directly into your bloodstream through your skin than if you were to ingest them (where enzymes can break them down). If you’re not convinced, the common occurrence of systemic side effects when using prescribed topically applied ointments is indicative of high absorption through the skin. Transdermal patches are becoming a common way to administer drugs because they “avoid the digestive tract completely and the drug is slowly absorbed across the skin directly into the circulation resulting in a long lasting effect.”

For many of these controversial ingredients, the FDA claims that the amount in products is not significant enough to actually do any harm, but with breast cancer rates up higher than ever, you can never be too safe.

Permanent and Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes (Especially Darker Colors)

                                                                                                 naturalnews.com

Several studies have linked longtime hair dye use to bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Researchers found that rodents that were fed these compounds from coal-tar in certain hair dyes were more likely to develop cancer than rodents that were not fed these compounds. Read more about it here.

Scary Scientific Fact: Aside from cancer scares, you could build up a tolerance to the chemicals and eventually suffer from a scary allergic reaction, even if you’ve been using the same product for years.

Kasia Organic Salon is a leading innovator in health-conscious beauty.  The DNA, passion and commitment of "Kasia" is based on delivering YOU - Beautiful Health through Ammonia Free, PPD, Resorcinol Free, and MEA Free hair color. 

Read the rest of this informative beautiful health article HERE!

Acne + Bacteria. Resolve pesky pimples it at any age!

How cleaning up internal and external bacteria, avoiding antibiotics,  and adding the right supplementation can help clear up acne.

For some time, society has been addicted to the use of antibiotics as a "be all" fix for an array of health complications, infections, and - ACNE.  I've done my share of facials as an aesthetician, which helped me formulate the Kasia Skin Care line to serve all skin types - but a main goal with this lie was to decrease inflammation and inner chaos in the dermis.  This serves the need of anti-aging benefits, as well as the direct relation to acne.  Our Kasia Lavendaire Melablend Essentail Oil is a great spot treatment for bacterial acne - and can be used directly on the skin.

Acne has many "roots," but it's often a bacterial problem. 

Let's dig in a bit more .......

I am not a fan of antibiotics. They destroy the intestinal flora, weaken our overall immune system, never quite kill all the bacteria.  Antibiotics will also increase your chances of getting the infection back - times 4 - only worse.

For many that go to the dermatologist (they are well respected and needed), they lack the hindsight in tracking the cause back to a  previous round of antibiotics, therefore resulting in an even stronger one, continuing the downward spiral.

Hospitals are proven to be a dangerous example of this by breeding ever stronger, antibiotic-resistant bacterias to the patient. If you've done any recent antibiotics, or within the last year, I suggest taking the Premier Research Lab's Probiotic Caps for 2 months to reinstall friendly flora in your intestines.

Breaking Free of Acne

Do you suffer from acne?  Is your teenage child battling the pimple?  Here are a few suggestions that can reset biochemistry, and return your skin and body back to homeostasis!

1) Clean up the diet - clean up the gut.  Concentrate on removing sugars, carbs, grains, and high glycemic index foods.  This will assist in low grade infections, bacteria growth, and candida.  Do this for 4 straight months.

Suggested Supplements:

Allicidin, HCL and D3. (Note dosage based on age and weight).

For teenagers:  HCL and Adaptogens are not necessary. Instead, one tsp/day of the Pink Salt is crucial. This helps kids' natural production of HCL, so the food gets digested. Rotting food is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. For kids, 6 Allicidin per day, 3 drops of D3, and the Pink Salt.

2) Use the Kasia Renew AHA + Vitamin C Exfoliating Cleanser.  Perfect for acne-prone skin, the cleanser reduces breakout-causing bacteria, clears clogged pores and fades post-breakout marks for a smooth, even skin tone.

3) Eat an acne-free diet. Eliminate ALL dairy from your diet. This includes milk, cheese, ice cream, pizza, yogurt, butter, etc. This does not get digested, clogs up the body's elimination channels and contributes greatly to acne.  Eliminate all sugar and artificial sweeteners. Sugar feeds bacteria.

 Kasia Skin Care is VOID of harsh chemicals, fragrances and synthetic ingredients in most commercial products can cause irritation, inflammation and dehydration that can actually contribute to, or worsen, the symptoms of aging (fine line, wrinkles, age spots and dull, lifeless skin).  Hydrated, balanced, healthy and  nutritioned skin should appear beautiful, radiant, clear and glowing. Kasia will help nourish the skin back to health.

Could you increase hair growth and have brighter skin by stopping birth control?

Coming off of Birth Control Pills?

What's the big deal?

The pill depletes women of vitamins and minerals like zinc and selenium, which are essential for good skin health and vital for hormone production. While on the pill, all women have different experiences. Many lack energy or feel sluggish,  have trouble concentrating, all of which are signs of a nutritional imbalance. It's essential to replace the nutrients you're losing as a result of taking artificial hormones.

If you're on the pill and considering coming off, be sure to make an appointment with your natural health care practitioner to find out what you can do to help rebalance your hormones and detox effectively.

As always "Informed Beauty," it is our passion to  help empower women to make informed choices regarding their "Beautiful Health."  birth control.

Here are five reasons why to challenge the contraceptive pill.

As we age, keeping our hormones balanced and the liver open are two keys

elements for true anti-aging.   One of the key things that needs to be done after stopping intake, is to detoxify xenoestrogens from the body. We detoxify and convert xenoestrogens from both the birth control pill and from other exposures.

Detoxing xenoestrogens are imperative to hormone balance.

After years of natural hormone production sedation, your body has to re-learn how tomake and balance your hormones. This is not an easy task, and it does take time for your body to adjust.

 Getting Off Birth Control Pills? Now What?   Read more HERE.   

 Contact Kasia Organic Salon for a list of supplements and to consult on how birth control inhibits hair growth and the skin's potential.

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• Lasts all day (10 hours or more)

How to Avoid Wasting Money on The Wrong Makeup

We all know that finding the perfect complexion-flattering shade that doesnt seep into wrinkles or dry out the skin can be a ongoing shopping-spree.  According to a recent London-based study, most women spend more than $100 a year on the wrong shades of makeup. That amount breaks down to about 6.2 products per woman and includes anything from foundation to concealer and bronzer to blush.

We've tested an incredible amount of mineral lines, and have found that La Bella Donna is the most prestige - non-tox - anti-aging mineral line on the market. Your skin will feel moisturized, protected, fab coverage without that "cakey feel," and all day SPF protection.

We're here to help you find your perfect shade, what colors you SHOULD and SHOULD NOT be wearing - customized to your skin tone and needs.  Keep it simple!

Contact our team today for a makeup consult!  

It’s time to start transitioning your summer look with the changing season.

10 Things I Wish All Americans Knew About Toxins

There are currently 82,000 synthetic chemicals in the foods we eat, the toys our children touch, the products we use to clean our homes, the air we breathe, and the cosmetics we apply to our skin—and only a fraction have ever been tested for safety.

 

What do we really know about how they affect our health? 

If so few have actually been tested, how can any company claim that their chemical-laden products are actually safe?

If some chemical levels are considered “acceptable,” what happens when these chemicals react to each other inside of us?

Here are 10 things I wish every American knew about toxic chemicals… and what we can do about it:

1. Today, you’ve already been exposed to at least 127 unique synthetic chemicals. And that was before you walked out the door. Personal care products carry or may carry numerous highly toxic chemicals, including cadmium, mercury, aluminum and lead.

2. "Acceptable levels" of toxic chemicals is an oxymoron. The levels are “acceptable” by industry and regulatory standards, but our exposure to other “acceptable levels” of toxic chemicals that then interact with each other and dance with our cells within our bodies is never taken into consideration.

3. We have over 200 synthetic chemicals in our bodies right now. Our exposure to toxins is that pervasive. Most of us do not detect their presence every moment of every day, but we have to wonder—how are they affecting us? What does this mean for future generations?

4. Childhood disease is increasing exponentially. Cancer is the leading cause of death (after accidents) in children younger than 15 in the United States. Autism now affects one in 50 children. In the last 20 years, there’s been a 300% increase in allergies; 300% increase in asthma; 400% increase in ADHD. We have to ask ourselves, Why?

5. Chemicals are big business. Chemicals account for an annual $3.7 trillion in sales across the globe—the United States makes up almost 19 percent. Many jobs rely on this industry, yet 85 percent of the chemicals in commerce today have not been tested. How are the products containing those chemicals impacting our health? What’s the impact on those who work or live near the chemical plants?

6. About $2.6 trillion of the GDP is spent on treating disease every year. One can’t help but wonder if there’s a direct correlation between our skyrocketing healthcare costs and the onslaught of chemicals in our daily lives. What would happen if we spent that much on prevention?

7. Many of us eat and drink chemicals every day. Artificial sweeteners, preservatives, nitrates, artificial colors, MSG ... if it’s processed, chances are it contains one or more of these ingredients.  Sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate are preservatives that are sometimes added to sodas to prevent mold growth, but benzene is a known carcinogen. Butylated Hydroxynaisole (BHA) is another preservative that’s potentially cancer-causing. Reading labels is an easy solution—if you don’t recognize an ingredient, don’t buy the food product.

8. Organic food can be affordable. Factor in the potential health costs of processed and conventionally grown (read: pesticide rich) foods and organic food doesn’t break the bank. Unfortunately, it’s not always available. The good news: organic food is the fastest growing sector in agriculture. Would we spray a piece of fruit with Raid, then rinse it off and eat it? (Probably not the MBG audience, but it’s a question to ask your skeptical friends and family.) If we continue to vote with our dollars, organic can become the norm.

9. Your body is the biggest investment that you will ever have in your life. We all know people who spend more time and more money on their cars than they do their own bodies. The fuel we put into our bodies will determine how well it performs and fights against the burden of chemicals.

10. Toxic chemicals are everywhere, but you can do something about it. Start with just one thing: change your personal care products; overhaul your diet by buying only organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed “foods” as much as possible; throw away your old household cleaning products and replace them with non-toxic ones.

What can we do? 

We are all in this together. Around the world—in every single culture, every religion, every race, every age, every gender and every species, rich or poor—we’re all being affected by toxic chemicals.

There are also many companies already making organic or nontoxic products. By switching to these products—one step at a time—you’re casting a vote for the greater good.

Americans have an amazing track record of facing and overcoming problems. If we educate ourselves and take action, we can make the planet safer for ourselves and our children.

Guest Post:  By Ed Brown - http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10504/10-things-i-wish-all-americans-knew-about-toxins.html