Healthy Glowing Skin Presented by Dr. Brazos Minchew

~Keeping Skin Healthy & Glowing~

"I'm tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. That's deep enough. What do you want, an adorable pancreas?" – Jean Kerr

Beautiful outside, beautiful inside?
Who doesn't want beautiful skin – especially as we age? Our outside layer of skin often reflects the health of our internal organs, as we discussed in the Weekly Wellness Report on "Liver Spots."

For instance, skin hydration relies on glucosamine just as joint hydration relies on glucosamine. So, dry skin likely means dry joints. Skin that is easily torn and damaged indicates rapid aging, which likely indicates rapid aging of our circulatory system. Furthermore, skin that is easily burned by the sun may indicate that our essential fatty acid (EFA) and antioxidant reserves are low which means other tissues that rely on antioxidants and EFA for protection may also be at risk.

Therefore, beautiful skin is a good indicator of healthy reserves of critical nutrients.

Inside first...
As we age, we are likely to experience skin that wrinkles and becomes blotchy. It may start to get pigment spots and become easy to injure. There are many products and procedures you can use to help your skin from the outside and those are important. But more important is nourishing the skin from the inside.

Skin has a base of healthy fats. Most of the external emollients we use on our skin are some form of fat. However, humans are not designed to take in fats very efficiently through the skin. The best way to have a healthy base for your skin is to take OmegaPrime essential fatty acids. Two per day is good, but for skin health, more is better!

From the outside...
There is a huge industry that provides cleansers, peels and emollients for the outside of your skin. Use of skin treatments is important only after you have been nourished from the inside. Then your skin will have beauty long after the makeup has been removed. Dr. Libby's Vital C Powdered Crystals are perfect for your weekly beautiful skin routine. Try this natural deep moisturizer treatment and skin exfoliant:

1. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Vital C Crystals to your daily skin moisturizer and mix thoroughly.
2. Liberally apply the cream to your face and neck, massaging gently.
3. Leave on for 10 minutes.
4. Wash off completely with warm water; follow with a splash of cold water to close your pores.

Your skin should have a lovely glow!

Sunlight and Vitamin D
The skyrocketing incidence of diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancers definitely say that we are not getting enough Vitamin D. The increase in insomnia and seasonal depression tells us that we are not getting enough early morning sun.

We need more sunlight. Now, how do we make it safe?

1. Recognize the need for sun and the need for caution. Plan your sun exposure so that you maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks. For instance, get your sunlight early in the day. Early morning sunlight does not have the high ultra-violet intensity that midday sun does. So, take a 20-minute walk in the early part of the day with your skin exposed to sunlight. This will give you the benefits without the risks of over-exposure.
2. Alternately, take a 20-minute walk in the evening with your skin exposed to sunlight. There are fewer UV rays in the evening than at midday, though more than in the morning. This will have a less dramatic effect than morning sun but will still provide you with many of the same benefits.
3. Never expose your skin to midday sun for long periods of time. Wear clothing that covers most of your skin and wear a hat that provides shade for your face and ears.
4. Certain nutrients work well to protect against sun damage:

1. Essential fatty acids interact with Vitamin D in your skin to create a bulwark of protection against harmful radiation.
2. Vitamin C quenches smoldering fires of oxidative stress once they have begun.
3. Antioxidants, such as green tea (Energy Now!) and those found in berries (Adaptogen 10 Plus) can help protect against DNA damage from radiation.

All these are excellent strategies for dealing with the stress of too much sun.

What about sunscreen?
The discussion about sunscreen is full of heated rhetoric. The first thing I will say about using sunscreen is that it is completely up to you: it's your choice! I would also point out that people have lived outdoors for thousands of years without serious risk from sun exposure. The increase in skin cancer risk came about as a "perfect storm" of severely polluted air, a low antioxidant/nutrient diet and the 40-year tanning craze that followed World War II.

The truth is that more people die of cancer related to Vitamin D deficiency than of skin cancer caused by sunburn. Again, get some morning and evening sunshine for good health, never get a sunburn and keep your skin covered when you are exposed to midday sun. Beyond these recommendations, do what seems reasonable to you!

Total health
The health of our skin can tell us much about the health of our entire body. We naturally desire that "healthy glow" and beautiful skin. And that makes sense, doesn't it? We have a tool to assess our internal health immediately at our disposal: our skin. All we have to do is learn to listen to the message of healthy skin!

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Take Control of Your Health For healthy skin: Eat healthy fats and take OmegaPrime to help form the foundation Take Joint Complex for healthy collagen Drink plenty of water Eat an antioxidant-rich diet Take a specific antioxidant, such as Adaptogen 10 Plus or Energy Now! Use topical antioxidants frequently Get appropriate sunshine – never burn! Get your sun exposure early in the day Alternately, get your sun exposure in the evening Wear long pants and long sleeves during midday Wear a hat that provides shade for your face and ears Take EFAs, Vitamin C and antioxidants for maximum protection!

Learn more!

• Protect Your Skin
• Skin Self-Exam
• Vitamin D and Your Health

Visit trivita.com/13380527 for more info on the supplements for healthy, glowing skin!

Why Does It Matter What We Eat?

Why does it matter, right? I mean we are all going to die someday, right? I hear this every time I visit my grandfather, but then again he always enlightens me on what he learned on that Food Network and what kind of salad he had this week... So, I feel like he knows better... Ha, I love you, Papaw!

I believe that all men are created equal, but all foods are not! Dr. Colbert says, some food should not be labeled "food" but rather "consumable product" or "edible, but void in nourishment." I say, Amen Brotha! There are two types of foods: Living & Dead foods!

LIVING FOODS:

Living foods are fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nute- exist in a raw or close to raw state and packaged in divinely created wrappers called skins and peels. Living food looks in fact alive. Living foods are plucked, harvested, and squeezed- not processed, packaged, and put on a shelf.

DEAD FOODS:

Dead foods are everything that living foods are not. They have been altered and deconstructed in every way imaginable way to make them last as long as possible and be addictive as possible! So, in order to do this manufacturers have to add sugar and salt and man-made fat.

Let's talk about the sugar real quick... Ever had a large party? Do you typically buy filet mignon for your cookouts or hot dogs... That is what I thought! When we are feeding the masses, we buy the cheaper alternative; manufacturers do the same to you and me. They have such a large quota to fill, so they cut corners. When adding to sugar to processed food, they add the cheapest sugar- bleached, refined sugar.

Now, I said, they use salt as well! Well, most of us know that is to preserve our food andenhance the flavor. What's a matter with salt? Well, nothing! In fact, even though it is zero calories it is an electrolyte and brings balance in our bodies. However, if we take in too much, pressure starts building in the body! We take in too much salt, and then required to take in too much water to filter out the increase in salt. Recommended Daily Allowance of sodium is 2400 mg to 3000 mg! Next time you are eating out, check the sodium count on your favorite dishes! Be aware, you cannot afford not to!

What's man-made fat? It is man made by taking natural oils such as vegetable oil for example (again cheapest oils) and heating them to dangerously high temperatures so that the nutrients die and become reborn as something completely different- a deadly, sluggish substance that is toxic to our bodies.

What do we do about these living and dead foods? Life breeds life. Death breeds death. When you eat living foods, the enzymes in their pristine state interact with your digestive enzymes. The other natural ingredients God put in them- vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and more- flow into your system in their natural state. These living foods were created to cause your digestive system, bloodstream, and organs to function at optimum capacity.

Dead foods hit your body like a foreign intruder. Chemicals, including preservatives, foodadditives, and bleaching agents, place a strain on the liver. Toxic man-made fats begin to form in your cell membranes; they become stored as fat in your body and form plaque in your arteries. Your body does its best to harvest the tiny traces of from these dead foods, but in the end you are undernourished, overfed, and overweight.

Gardening: My New Hobby!

     I am all about some fresh off the vine tomatoes and fresh produce, but I have decided to tackle my fears of gardening and try this out! I paid a visit to one of my favorite local stores, The Bradford Farm store in Davidson! I love that homey place! I was provided with the information I need to get started and supplies to keep my produce organically grown!

So, I purchased...

• 1 Head of Red Sails

• 6 Hot House Cucumber Plants

• 3 Better Boy Tomato Plants

• 2 Bags of Organically Raised Mushroom Compost

• 2 Bags of Organically Raised Cow Poo (ha)

• 2 Bags of Organic Potting Soil

• 1 Bag of Organic Tomato Fertilizer

• 1 Bottle of Seaweed and Fish Puree (smells like caviar)

Total: $53.70

What I hope to gain from this experience is to learn to garden successfully and be able to grow the garden larger hopefully in the fall!

Red Sails

Ok, I bought this to practice for the fallLettuce in general is a great way to get nutrients! According to the American Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, foods rich in vitamin A and C (antioxidants) offer protection against some forms of cancer. Along with other phytochemical, antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer of the respiratory system and intestinal tract. Lettuce, except iceberg, is also a moderately good source of vitamin C, calcium, iron and copper. The spine and ribs provide dietary fiber, while vitamins and minerals are concentrated in the delicate leaf portion.

Better Boy Tomatoes

Tomatoes are amazing! Very low in calories and fats; but rich source of dietary fiber, minerals,

vitamins; recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs. The antioxidants present in tomatoes are found to be protective against many cancers including colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers! Phytochemicals present in tomatoes like Lycopene and carotenoids have the ability to help protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen free radicals. Red varieties of tomatoes are especially rich in the most powerful flavonoid antioxidant lycopene. Studies have shown that lycopene protects skin damage from UV rays and from prostate cancer.

This veggie contains very good levels of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision! Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. They are good source of antioxidant vitamin-C; consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals. Fresh tomato is very rich in potassium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. They are also good source of folate, iron, calcium, manganese and other minerals. In short, eat your veggies!

Hot House Cucumbers

Technically I think cukes are a fruit due to their seeds, but are typically paired with vegetables. Cucumbers have a cooling effect that can soothe and bring relief for itchy or puffy eyes! Cucumbers reduce inflammation! Also, cucumber juice can provide relief from heartburn, acid stomach, gastritis and even ulcer! Consuming cukes also aid in cases of eczema, arthritis, and gout. The combination of lettuce, spinach, and carrots with cucumbers can make your hair grow faster! For rheumatic conditions, the combo of carrot juice and cucumber juice can aid in better health! Being rich in minerals, cukes help with strengthening nails and prevent splitting. 

Happy Gardening My Friends! So far & so good! It is easier than you may think!

Myth Busters!

     So as some may know, I am working on my Personal Trainer certification to better help my clients seeking nutritional help! I have come across a handful of so-called "facts" that I want to clear up for everyone! If you have researched nutritional information through the internet or another source without the proper credentials, you've probably thrown your hands up in the air trying to make out all the contradictions! So, look no further, we are going to clear it all up today!

Myth: Large amounts of protein will increase muscle strength and size.

Reality: There is not evidence to show that consuming excess protein will increase muscle strength. In fact, when you do consume excess protein, what your body cannot use get stored as fat. Excess protein consumption can result in dehydration and place added stress on the kidneys and liver.

Myth: Eating honey, candy bars, soft drinks, or sugar before competing will provide a quick burst of energy.

Reality: Such foods that have a high sugar content a couple hours prior to the competition will raise insulin levels in your blood and consequently leaving you feeling tired and weak. The possible rebound is hypoglycemia. However, high carbohydrate foods consumed a couple hours prior will provide sustainable energy and improve performance!

Myth: Drinking water prior to and during exercise causes upset stomach and cramps.

Reality: Water is the most important nutrient to an exercising individual. Restricting fluids during exercise can cause sever dehydration and limit performance.

Myth: Carbohydrates increase weight gain, while protein promotes weight and fat loss.

Reality: Ok, this is a BIG one! There are so many crash diets out there saying this such as, Sugar Busters!, The Zone Diet, Atkins' New Diet Revolution, etc. The basic claim is that carbohydrates make you fat and insulin causes obesity. These diets focus on blood-sugar levels and blame carbohydrates for causing a sudden rise in blood-sugar levels. Wrong! As blood-sugar levels rise, insulin is released and sends sugar to the brain and to the muscles to be burned for energy, while excess gets stored as fat. These diets also claim by eating a high-fat/high-protein diet, the body will metabolize fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. However, there is no scientific evidence to back these diets' claims. The rapid weight loss people experience is primarily from water and protein loss from muscle, not fat. It also takes quite the toll on your organs that are apart of the GI tract because you are causing them to work in ways they aren't suppose to...

Myth: Muscle cramps are caused by inadequate salt intake.

Reality: Cramps are caused by excess water loss through perspiration. Ingesting salt tablets can aggravate existing dehydration by drawing water out of the body tissues and into the stomach. Water should be consumed before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration.

Myth: Taking vitamin and mineral supplements will provide more energy.

Reality: Don't get me wrong, I am ALL for supplementing! Let's face it, our body does not get the daily nutrition it needs no matter how much we try to meet the daily requirements. So, while supplementing is great for making sure we get those nutrients they only aid your body in releasing the energy from the food you consume! They do not provide energy solely.

Myth: Tea and coffee are the best pre-competition beverages.

Reality: Tea and coffee both contain caffeine, which is a stimulant. Some research does show that caffeine can increase endurance by increasing the use of fat as an energy source, thus sparing muscle glycogen, but not all individuals will experience this effect.

Myth: Crash diets are the fastest, most effective way to lose weight.

Reality: Crash diets typically ca provide you immediate results because it strips you of your muscle mass, glycogen stores, and water weight. When you are doing this, your body will be mal-nutritioned much like an eating disorder. It creates stress on your organs, electrolyte imbalances, calcium deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin and mineral deficiency. Really unless you are on Biggest Loser and being watched like a hawk, you should shoot to lose no more than 2 pounds a week. Set sensible goals!

Myth: Most low-fat foods are also low in calories.

Reality: Naturally low-fat foods such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes are low in calories as well. Foods that are manufactured to be low in fat are typically not low in calories. Flipping the product over to review the food label is a great idea! I always tell my clients to look at what you are eating. Pay now or pay later.

Myth: All-natural or herbal supplements are safe and effective in enhancing weight loss and improving overall performance.

Reality: I use to be bad about this. Many nutritional supplements are marketed using deceptive, misleading, or fraudulent advertising. I once thought there is no way it could be fraudulent advice, but there is really not enough restrictions on what is on the shelf and considered "edible". I do highly recommend you work with a health educator that is approved by your physician to help you find the best supplements. Doctors have about 3 hours of nutrition classes in schooling, so I think it is best when you work with both a Registered Dietician and your primary care physician.

     This is all the myth busters I have for you today! I hope you learned a few things that can be applied to your peak performance in your exercising sessions! If you have any supplementing questions, e-mail me at kayla@tntgetfit.com! Happy exercising everyone!

Source: ACE

Allergies: How To Fight Back

     Spring is my favorite season, and I want to make it more enjoyable for you by addressing allergies and remedies that do not include a doctor visit! 25% of the world suffers from allergies! 

     

     You may be tempted to take an over-the-counter antihistamine, decongestant or other drug to get rid of allergy symptoms, but there are other more healthy options that will address not only the symptoms but also the underlying cause.

Did you know?

Strengthening your immune system is the first step in fighting off allergens. So how do you build up your immune system? Reducing sugars and grains in your diet, important physical principles to strengthen your immune system. Additionally, you want to exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.

Sonoran Bloom Nopalea

First, allergies irritate the sinuses... sinus symptoms are due to inflammation... inflammation can be addressed by drinking Sonoran Bloom Nopalea. For more information check out my post on it! Addressing the inflammation is going to fight the allergies at the source!

Local Honey

Also, incorporating local honey in your meals via coffee, sweet potatoes, cereal, oatmeal, smoothies, etc. will be beneficial. Local honey needs to be from your county! The local part is so important because the bees who make it are buzzing all in the very things that cause your inflammation. It works like a natural allergy shot.

Natural Anti-Histamine Foods

Anti-histamine foods are onions, garlic, and citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. Something I like to do is carry around a lemon/lime cut in wedges in a ziploc bag, and squeeze a little in every time I feel up my water bottle. You can also do this with oranges! Get crazy add cucumbers and oranges. Makes for a refreshing water!

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The essential fatty acids found in fish oil and cod liver oil can reduce both allergic and inflammatory

response. Cod liver oil may be particularly beneficial because it also contains vitamin A, which enhances the immune system and soothes irritated mucous membranes. Take note that it is important that you do not consume too much vitamin A. Call your physician to speak with his nurse about how much vitamin A they recommend for you! Also, if you choose cod liver oil, get your vitamin D levels tested; it is possible to over-dose on vitamin D. If you so choose to try this technique, it is crucial you choose a quality fish oil. I recommend checking out Carlson's Cod Liver Oil.

Spring Cleaning

It is important to keep the pollen count in your house low. Tips in doing this is using a hepa certified vaccum cleaner; this will eliminate the pollen being blown back into the air. Shower at night to avoid transferring pollen to your pillow and sheets. Leave shoes in the garage or by the door. Wash hands regularly. Try using an air purifier for a peaceful rest. Also, keep the pets bathed regularly and don't allow up on the sitting areas!

Hot Liquids

This is going to relieve congestion. Try green tea with a tablespoon of local honey! A great way to get antioxidants as well! Any hot tea is going to be very soothing.

Light Exercise

The last thing you want to do after going through a box of tissues in a day is exercising I am sure of it. However, it is important that you know light exercising can increase your respiratory system during this time of congestion and runny nose. Your immune system is weak, so do not over-work yourself. Try brisk walking in the morning while the grass is still covered in dew.

     Here are my suggestions in aiding those suffering from the spring allergens in the air! Happy Spring and let me know if you find more remedies in relieving your allergy symptoms!

Sources: Trivita, Dr. Mercola

Nopalea Challenge: Day 5

Never in 5 days have I ever wanted to make a commitment to something or even someone! Good things are suppose to take time?... Or so I thought!

I have come to find that Nopalea can be extremely, tremendously helpful to women who suffer from the severest of menstrual symptoms! The discomfort that comes with nature's gift can sometime be enabling. Never would I have thought it would be helpful for this, but it addresses the inflammation in our body! I never put menstrual cycles in the category of inflammation, but it is!

There is a normal inflammatory response during the cycle: estrogen and progesterone build up during the cycle, arachidonic acid. This is stored with the uterine muscles. This acid is a precursor to a lot of inflammation. So an inflammatory diet including red meats, chicken, egg yolks, and some oils can increase the cramping! Our recommended daily intake of carbohydrates should account for 60% of our daily intake. Limiting the amount of these proteins could help!

And all the women screamed Hallelujah! Nopalea just made our lives easier and allowing us to be productive all the days of the month not just 28 or 29!

Nopalea Challenge: Day 3

I have been calculating my feelings/symptoms while taking the Nopalea Challenge! 

I have really been working out much harder than usual lately, taking it more serious perhaps. An obstacle that was slowing me down was how long my knees would need to recover after a moderate workout. Now, I do work to build my muscles around the knee cap due to a lack of cartilage. This is something that always been an issue for years! After 3 days on the Nopalea, I am able to kick my workout regime a notch! No soreness at all in my knees! They bring me absolutely no discomfort! It is so amazing!

I am even able to run outside on the pavement! This is something in the past would literally make me cringe at the thought of running outside! Just because, the pain is really intensified rather than running on a tread mill.

So far, I am loving the effects Nopalea is having in my life!

World's Best Vitamin! B-12!

     Okay, so B-12 has earned that title from me by being my favorite vitamin. I think it is the coolest eva because of all the amazing things it does for us! God always amazes me with things like this, how our world has everything we could ever need or want! Then 10x's that because we are still discovering uses for it all! I love it. I love science. I love understanding they 'why' behind something. Here is why I as well as some other cool people think B-12 is soo amazing!

B-12..... History

• 1824- Dr. Combe records that a lack of vitamin B causes digestion problems.

• 1926- Dr. Minot & Dr. Murphy discover raw liver will restore red blood cells and help those deficient of vitamin B.

• 1948- British & U.S. discover vitamin B is in meats. Dr. West proves B-12 injections will benefit patients with pernicious anemia.

• 1955- Vitamin B-12 is synthesized.

• 1979- Dr. Libby theorizes that B-12 can be just as effective taken as a sublingual than injections.

• 1980- Dr. Libby creates a sublingual B-12 and clinical testing begins.

• 1984- Dr. Libby gets a patent for her sublingual B-12.

• 1985- Folic Acid & B-6 are added to the sublingual supplement and more clinical testing is done.

• 1999- TriVita's sublingual B-12, B-6, & Folic Acid are manufactured to Dr. Libby's specifications.

• 2008- TriVita now features a super sublingual B-12. Faster acting, longer-lasting, and more potent.

• 2010- More than a 11 million boxes have been sold of TriVita's sublingual B-12.

B-12..... Who should use it!

     We are what we eat, and unfortunately it has its side effects. It is our body's of saying, you're doing a lousy job taking care of me. So, it begins as a subtle pain or irritation when something isn't working properly, but gradually progresses. Before we realize it, everything seems to be bothering us!

Common Complaints People Have:

• Weakness/Tiredness

• Bleeding Gums

• Depression

• Lack of Balance

• Memory loss

• Headache

• Confusion/Dementia

• Loss of Appetite

• Numbness/Tingling in hands or feet

Not to sound like a commercial, but if you are suffering from a few of the symptoms above, those are signs of a B-12 deficiency. Consult your physician. 

B-12..... Facts

• As early as age 30, B-12 deficiency can lead to brain erosion.

• After the age 40, your ability to absorb B vitamins through food begins to diminish.

• Your brain needs vitamin B to work properly.

• Those deficient in vitamin B tend to age prematurely and become more susceptible to disease.

B-12..... What it does for you!

• Provides Sustainable Energy- no crashing

• Improves Memory

• Reduces Heart Disease Risk- prevents homocysteine which is linked to heart disease

• Alzheimer's Protection

• Relief from B-12 Anemia- common is vegetarians, vegans, and those who have had gastro bypass or suffer from pancreatic issues.

B-12..... How it's most effective!

     Sublingual is a funny word, and if you aren't sure just what exactly it means, I'm sure you are very frustrated. Sublingual means you put it under your tongue. The reason this was such a discovery and is different from swallowing vitamins, the typical way. Dr. Libby used what 

he knew about the large veins under our tongue. If you let the supplement dissolve underneath the tongue, the B vitamin absorbs right into the blood stream for fast acting relief of those common complaints/symptoms.

B-12..... Where you can get it!

     There is only one way (to my knowledge) of how you can get quality B-12, all of it to be absorbed into your system, and not do injections from your doctor. TriVita has the best vitamin B you can get. Check out the link by clicking the word 'Trivita' to learn more or click on the picture.

B-12..... How it has helped me!

     I am a fish eating vegetarian. My lifestyle leaves me quite defiencient in vitamin B. I began having migraines off & on for the last 3 months. It ended up being to the lack of vitamin B in my diet. A friend, health consultant for TriVita encouraged me to try it. It seemed expensive, and I was already taking vitamin B so I didn't need her vitamin  B. I tried it anyway. Oh my goodness, what a difference. 

     If I woke up before 9am, I use to need a nap by 2pm. I was so sluggish; working out wasn't even an option. I had no energy. I take 1 or 2 depending on the schedule of my day. I take my first at noon or so, and I am able to keep going all day long! I love how I feel! I love that I am able to stay up late if I want. I am more productive, and it feels good! The energy is sustainable energy. It isn't like chugging a red bull; there is no crash. It's the best vitamin I have ever purchased!

B-12..... How I get it!

     I order mine off the website, but it is super easy to call and order it, too! If you are interested in trying it, you can e-mail me. I will give you a code so that when they ask, you can tell them who referred you! My e-mail is kelkins@elkinsgroup.com

Sources: Trivita's Vita Journal

Skin Care Series, Part 4

I apologize for the delay in finishing the series. There were some family emergencies I needed to tend to. Thank you for staying tuned! Welcome to Skin Care Series Part 4!

As I said previously, I ordered Dr. Mercola's Certified Organic Body Butter Sweet Orange in place of my synthetic and chemical-filled body butter I was using before. I finished it out though I had one last hoorah before I tossed it in the trash. Already I am discovering what I thought was the feeling of true moisturizing before was simply petroleum sitting on the surface of my skin. So sad! 

Good news, this body butter I have now feels so different on my skin. It may sound silly, but I'm shocked at the difference of feeling moisturized. I feel rejuvenated, and I sound like a commercial. Ha! First, we must define the terms so we can all read through the ingredients without pulling out a dictionary every 3 seconds. Here are some ingredients I had to look up to understand their meaning.

Defining The Terms:

• Bioflavonoids- Powerful antioxidants

• Hesperidin- Crystalline Glycoside (found in orange peel)

• Apigenin- Type of Bioflavonoid (found in plants)

• Luteolin- Found in the Brazilian plant, Wedelia Paludosa is aids in disease prevention by having anti-inflammatory properties

• Quercetin- Phytochemical (found in apples and red onions) is a natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory

• Phytosterols- Plant-derived nutrients that help lower cholesterol, increase immune system against cancer, improve urinary tract, and creates protective skin barrier 

• Squalene- Can be found in plants, vegetable oils, shark liver, and even humans produce it; it is a natural aid in cholesterol, a natural steroid hormone, and rich in vitamin D

• CoQ10- Strengthens heart, circulatory system, balances glucose levels, and improves energy

Here are the ingredients in my NEW Dr. Mercola's Certified Organic Body Butter:

Sweet Orange Oil- (India) A herb used for its essential oil. Rich in vitamin C. It also contains bioflavenoids like hesperidin that work in conjunction with vitamin C complimenting the antioxidant effects. All attributes of the orange is used. The peel contains phtonutrients like limonene which also provides antioxidants. This oil is so nutritious for your skin that it is used across the board for his skin care line.

Organic Shea Butter- (West Central Africa) This is an all-natural vitamin A cream. It is grown wild without the use of pesticides. It contains UVB protections as well as soothes the skin. It also can restore skin's natural elasticity. It allows your skin to absorb moisture from the air letting it stay softer longer. As a skin conditioner, it is high in unsaponifiables (type of fat).

Organic Cocoa Butter- Deriving from the cocoa bean, this also is a natural and ultimate moisturizer. It increases hydration, decreases skin roughness and scaling, supports UV damage control, improves blood flow, and vessel function. It allows skin to breathe while also putting up a thin barrier on the skin to seal moisture. It melts at body temperature allowing easy absorption. Also used in aromatherapy, cocoa butter has relaxing properties allowing you to relieve stress. It also known to boost your immune system!

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil- The ideal way to rejuvenate your skin! It protects against formation of damaging free radicals, and is also used to protect skin from blemishes, signs of aging, and overexposure to sun. It also strengthens skin's connective tissue. It removes your outer dead skin to make your skin smoother. It also penetrates to strengthen the deep tissues of the skin.

Organic Jojoba Oil- (Sonora Desert) This is a wax from a cold-pressed shrub called Simmondsia Chinensis. U.S. Native Americans use this to speed the process of healing and minimize scarring. It is very similar to the sebum your skin produces. It retains moisture and keeps skin's sebum producing which begins decreasing at age 20. For dry skin, it rapidly jump starts the sebum to produce more, and for oily skin, it slows down the sebum to give more balance to your skin giving it a silky feel. It also is nutritious in vitamin E, B-complex, Silicon, Chromium, Copper, Zinc, and Iodine. Its antioxidant properties give the body butter a long shelf life.

Organic Murumuru Butter- (Amazon Basins, Brazil) A wild plant that is extremely tough to harvest has prickly black spines all over the plant! It hydrates and

 moisturizes while allowing your body to retain water by creating a protective film. It also works to repair your skin's lipid barrier. It is rich in oleic acid which aids moisture retention. This is fairly traded and allows income for the region creating economic independence.

Organic Ride Bran Extract- This is where 65% of this grain's nutrients are. It contains over 100 known antioxidants. They are one of the best ways to consume vitamin E complex, vitamin B complex, and gamma-oryzanol (only found in rice bran). Rice bran also has phytonutrients like phytosterols, CoQ10, and IP6. It has also is known for binding oil and water together. For skin care purposes, it also promotes collagen formation, treats dry skin, has smooth spread ability, and a natural peroxide.

Organic Palm Oil- A nutrient dense oil containing antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin A, tocotrienols (potent vitamin E). Vitamin E is the major soluble antioxidant in your skin. It also contains phytonutrients like phytosterols, squalene, CoQ10, and carotenoids. It is a renewable source that is also biodegradable and emits no carbon dioxide in the air.

Organic Aloe Vera Juice- The mot nutrition-packed and biologically-alive liquid on the entire planet. It has over 130 biologically alive compounds, 34 amino acids, and

 has an average pH balance of 4.55. It dates back to use in the days of Cleopatra. It soothes, supports immune system function, produces collagen and elastic, contains a powerhouse of minerals, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, folic acid and niacin, and it is an amino acid building block.

These are the top eight ingredients in the my NEW body butter! The other ingredients are:

• Purified Water

• Denatured Grain Alcohol- "Denatured" makes it undrinkable.

• Beeswax- This is a wax very similar to your own skin wax.

• Organic Soy Lecithin

• Xantham Gum

I am trying to choose early on what will aid my skin in maximum beauty. I am learning ingredients and sharing with you, my friend! Some other ingredients that are so amazing for your skin will be continued in Part 5. I want to break it up because it is so much information. I do not want you to feel overwhelmed. I am excited to learn what all is available and happy that you care for yourself as much as I do! Yay us!