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

Fibromyalgia: Helped With A Better Diet

     So, I recently had a teeny, tiny fender bender while running an errand for my dad's company. Is was quite an hike and partially inconvenient. What could have been an exchange of phone numbers and asta la vista turned into a fiasco. At one point, she claimed she developed fibromyalgia due to the terrible, terrible accident. Considering the zero amount of damage; it was quite the fib. My lack of compassion for her grew to curiosity, what is this disease and how can you get it? Is this reversible by a change in health habits and exercise? Long story short, her claim for fibromyalgia didn't fly, and here is why.

How It Works: Fibromyalgia

     Fibromyalgia is caused by a low level of serotonin in your blood. When serotonin is low, it increases pain sensitivity. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that works to

 calm, soothe, and reduce anxiety. Now, the body has its own endorphin painkillers, but if serotonin is low then substance P amplifies pain signals.

Causes: Fibromyalgia

     This can be genetic in the sense you can be prone to it. It is common amongst those who lack physical activity and eat poorly. It also intensifies with one who is also struggling with depression. It is prevalent in women especially those who are experiencing menopause or just a loss of estrogen. Trauma to the central nervous system can also cause this disease.

What Doctor Mercola Says:

     Studies have not been proven that foods will fix chronic diseases such as Fibromyalgia. These health tips can apply to all peoples fighting obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or diabetes.

Suggestions For Those With Chronic Illness:

• Limit Sugar as Much as Possible- Insulin (sugar) increases pain levels. Grains are metabolized as sugar so limit intake of grains as well.

• Eat Fresh Foods- Foods containing additives work against you increasing

 symptoms.

• Avoid Caffeine- Fibromyalgia's symptoms include fatigue, this means caffeine will prolong this symptom and increase tiredness in the long run.

• Try Avoiding Nightshade Vegetables- Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Eggplant

• Be Careful with Fats- Animal fats that contain omega-3 fats tend to aid in inflammation and pain.

• Use Yeast Sparingly- Yeast can contribute to yeast fungus which can contribute to pain.

• Avoid Pasteurized Dairy- This is easily digested by those struggling with this chronic illness. Especially organic grass-fed cow milk.

• Cut Down on Carbs- If you deal with chronic illness you have low adrenal functioning, lowering your carb intake can help avoid hyperglycemia.

• Avoid Aspartame- This artificial sweetener is found in sugar-free products and diet soda contains a chemical called excitotoxins. This activates neurons and increase pain sensitivity. Sugar-free foods are usually high in carbs (which convert to sugar) so try to avoid all together.

• Avoid Additives- Food additives increase pain sensitivity such as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

• Limit Junk Food- Junk food tears down your immune system, disrupts your sleep, and irritates your muscles. Junk food of course contributes to weight gain which increases the amount of pain.

You may not suffer from fibromyalgia, but you have to take care of yourself so you can avoid this horrible disease. Educating yourself is one of the best ways to be healthy! Stay healthy my friends!

Sources: Health.com, Mercola.com, WebMD.com, National Fibromyalgia Association

Skin Care Series, Part 5

So, I hope that you hold your head high when looking for your skin care products! You can't be fooled! You know how to read a label and what will harm your skin. I hope you can take the tips I shared and put them to use! I hope to hear good reports in the next few months as you notice a healthier looking you!

Here are more ingredients that can really give you healthier skin!

Sea Buckthorn Oil- Hippopae rhamnoides meaning "tree that makes the horse shine" got its name from before the 12th century. It cured weak, sick horses, and later was found to be a berry all about skin rejuvenation. It is one incredible shrub providing over 100 nutrients including linolenic acid (fatty acid), vitamin A, vitamin E, carotene, flavonoids, polyphenols (condensed tannins), and traces of iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium. This combination neutralizes free radicals.

Cupuacu Butter- Amazon originated, this tree comes from the chocolate family! Love it already? It is similar to that of cocoa butter. This absorbs water extremely well. This can replace linolin in skin care products. It prevents signs of aging and is rich in sterols (cell membrane in plants). It also provides protection to over-exposure to UV rays.

Acai Berry- Let's just get one thing straight. It's pronounced ah-sah-ee. Okay, I just had to

clarify. This is named the #1 Super Food in the World. This has the highest measure of antioxidants hundreds of points higher than cranberries. These berries grow on palms in the Amazon Reserve. They are naturally wild, and they have quality fatty acids, vitamins, B1, B2, B3, C, and E. The berry also is rich in minerals like phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and essential fatty acids. This is so great. When you drink it, to reap the full benefits make sure it was cold-pressed for maximum nutrition.

Pomegranate Extract- This is a super food as well. Great for your skin and hair, this is rich in antioxidants. Using this or eating more of this can decrease stress levels and increase your intake of polyphenols and anthocyanidins (pigment that gives dark fruit their color).

Soap Bark- An evergreen karite tree known for its medicinal purposes. It reduces wrinkles, improves elasticity, and even improves the capillary circulatory and that improves tissue re-oxygenation.

Lemon Oil- This is known for being a natural astringent and anti-irritant. It balances overactive sebaceous glands that lead to oily, blemished skin. When used in hair care products, it adds

shine. When used in hand care, it treats brittle nails. When used in skin are, it clears and enlivens the complexion.

I really have enjoyed learning more about skin care! I am so glad we are in this together! Let me know about your finds in choosing your skin care products, and don't forget to check the make-ups websites out and read the labels.

You are in charge of your skin, and in this case, no one is going to look out for you like you look out for yourself! I look forward to doing more series in the future!

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!

Skin Care Series, Part 3

So, I hope everyone has been all the more conscience about washing their beautiful faces every night! It's like the easiest, one thing we can do! I myself am starting to get dry skin just because I feel so very convicted, and I refuse to use my petroleum lotion! My skin is something I never want to skimp on. I have been blessed with soft skin, and I intend to keep it that way! I feel like we all have great God-given features that we can appreciate about ourselves, in a healthy non-vain way. 

I have to say my body butter is costing more now because I am in the process of ordering the unscented organic body butter made by Dr. Mercola. I am excited, and I will let you know how I like it! 

Let's finish up this Skin Care Series with what we still need to know about skin care and cosmetics. You now know what to avoid. Now, I am going to tell you what to look for and why!

Nourishing Your Skin:

• Whether we are willing to opt for the organic body butter or not, we all want healthy looking skin! 

• It is ideal to use products that pride themselves on using natural ingredients. 

• Some brands to check out are: Kiss My Face, Burt's Bees (I use currently),

 Dr. Mercola's Skin Care (I am purchasing), Physicians Formula (what I use), Saffron Rouge, Just Natural, Organic Wear (what I use), and much more. These are the most budget-friendly and bang for your buck.

Reminder: Look for the natural ingredients! Look for things you can pronounce and spell. 

Alcohol is a bad example of what I just said. Although we can spell it, we don't want that. It strips your skin's natural mantle. It also makes you more susceptible to bacteria. So, other than alcohol, look for ingredients you can pronounce. 

If you've recently been making lifestyle changes to better yourself- inside and out i.e. joining the gym, choosing more fruits and vegetables then you can consider this a lifestyle change for your skin. It may take some patience. I find myself some evenings forcing myself to wash my face. It takes 5 minutes! It's just creating a habit requires a little bit of patience at first. Not to worry, a few months from now, you'll be so glad you have made this choice to work towards a better, healthier skin!

Why Is Organic Important?

• It's important to use ingredients that help maintain healthy skin whenever possible instead of harmful chemicals. You choose healthy alternatives for you and your family, and now you have healthy alternatives for your skin as well.

Defining The Terms:

• "Certified Organic"- Agriculture products that are grown and processed per the USDA's national organic standards. It also has been certified through  by USDA accredited state and private certification organizations.

This does have red tape to go through whereas all other skin care lines and cosmetics do not. So, of course there is a price tag that comes with the label.

When you see this label, it should mean to you: it has a specific set of standards set by the USDA, extensive paperwork has been filled out, agents review the paper work to oversee eligibility, inspectors conduct on-site inspections without notification, and check for compliance in organic farming. This is what you're paying for when purchasing "certified organic".

I was going to include a list of natural or certified organic ingredients that have a hundred reasons why you should choose them over the synthetics most of us use. However, this is getting a little long, and I don't want be overwhelming with information. So, Part 4 will include ingredients you want to have in your skin care and cosmetics! So, stay tuned! To be continued!

Skin Care Series, Part 2

Now more than ever we have to be cautious about what we eat, come in contact with, and even what we rub onto our skin. Frankly, it can be overwhelming! That's a reason I have created a blog. A blog full of facts, facts about how to better yourself inside and out! I want to create a website that is easy to get to, easy to read, and always factual.

I can attest that our family as a whole has been making much better food choices that past 2 or 3 years. We eat salads with nearly every meal. We always have fruit and vegetables on hand. We also typically have quality juices and so on. My point is, is that we have been changing eating habits. I think it's important to make lifestyle decisions slowly and purposefully. The whole topic of skin care is a newer passionate topic. Again, I did not start washing my face with organic skin care. After years of slowly making lifestyle changes, I am to my next upcoming change, using certified organic skin care and make-up. So, as we can continue onto Part 2, please know that any improvement is success!

Why Does The Beauty Industry Use These Hazardous Chemicals?

• Harsh chemicals are cheap. (ex. alcohol, bleach)

• Readily available (made in masses)

• Easy to dilute

Hurry! Run! Get your lotion and make-up to check!

This is not suppose to be depressing. After I saw that my favorite Bath & Body Works body butter had 5 of these ingredients... It was sort of sad. I will stick to spraying the body mist on my clothes.

If you choose to keep your skin care contrary to the chart above or choose to improve your skin in other ways. Here are some tips!

Achieving Healthy Skin:

Raw foods- These have the highest nutrient value rather than cooking. When cooking, use low fat methods such as steaming, roasting, baking, sauteing.

Omega-s fatty acids(list of foods in Part 1)- Not only will this give that healthy skin glow but gives your brain those healthy fats it needs to function.

Exercise- Perspiration lets toxins exit the body leaving your body detoxed.

My hairdresser was telling me the other day how important it is to put product on your hair while it's still wet. The product holds to the hair, and so when you are coming in contact with pollution, outside grime, and poor air quality, the grime grabs onto the product, not your hair. Your skin works the same way.

Take 5 minutes in the morning and evening to wash your face and neck! This will aid in maintaining that youthful glow. Along with whatever changes you make to your skin care and cosmetics.

Again, being more health conscience does not always require you forking out money. Here are ten ways to get active about skin care!

10 Ways To Better Skin!

• Use Warm Water- Hot water may potentially age your skin faster. Tap water is chlorinated. Chlorine cause oxidative damage. When chlorine is mixed with with hot water the rate of chemical reactions increase. So avoid hot baths as soothing as it may be. Hot water is not healthy for the skin.

• Use Safe & Gentle Skin Care Products- Use organic when possible. Your skin absorbs it all. Do not compromise your health or the health of your skin.

• Remove Your Make-up- Removing all the dirt and grime that you encountered will keep you glowing. By leaving the grime on your face, keeps toxins on your face longer.

• Sleep On Your Back- Gravity pulls on your face all day. At night, give your face a break. Sleeping on your stomach adds puffiness to your face.

• No Smoking- Even smokers will tell you it ages your skin and produces free radical production, sign of aging.

• Use Sunscreen- Even sunscreen should be checked against the hazardous skin care ingredients. Sunscreen has it's own harmful chemicals. Choose ocean potion or a natural sunscreen. Most have extremely harsh chemicals.

• Apply Skin Care with Warm Water- A warm face helps achieve maximum absorption to your products.

• Never Pull On Your Skin- Pulling or rubbing stretches the skin. Tapping for a few minutes to absorb is what is considered the correct way to apply products.

• Don't Expect Overnight Changes- People will probably notice before you do the changes in your skin. Do not grow weary, you are succeeding every night you choose to wash your face. Every little bit counts!

These are practical ways to improve your skin. Slowly consider if this is something you want to improve on. I encourage you to research it for yourself. Dr. Mercola has so much information. Look at other products.

Part 3 will include the nourishing botanicals that we need to look for when choosing skin care products, the benefits of organic, the beauty of keeping it natural, understanding plant oils' functions, and introduce new plants on the market that we can now get in skin care. Coming Soon!

Skin Care Series, Part 1

I am beginning a mini series of posts on one of my favorite topics to learn about, our skin!

Everyone's skin looks different based on so many factors. I am a nut about using absolutely no synthetic chemicals on my face and based on the information I want to share I should be! I never really though too much about body butter, shea butter, cocoa butter all being paired with harmful chemicals as well. The labels are mis-reading and that is why I am sharing. There are some things I eat and use that are sooo good to taste, and I really would just like to turn my health-conscience head the other way! However, I feel the urge to no longer turn my head on the ingredients in my body lotion.

I receive a e-newsletter from Dr. Mercola a couple times a week. He has a health center that focuses on optimal wellness. He presents facts about everything... I mean EVERYTHING! He has lots of videos paired with about every article he posts. Check him out for yourself!

Skin Facts:

• Skin is the largest organ and the thinnest.

• Skin is only 1/10 of an inch.

• Skin is highly permeable, allowing what you apply to your skin entering into your bloodstream.

• Skin absorbs 60% of what you put on it.

Now, knowing that we can move onto what's next. I am always lathering my skin in lotion. I keep it by my bed, in the bathroom (of course), and in my purse. I also have some at work and in the car. Dry skin drives me crazy! So, here are some ways to keep us from getting the that dreaded dry skin.

Here are 5 Ways to Alleviate Dry Skin...

1. Drink more water! For those tea drinkers, drink up on your high anti-oxidant green tea! When we are cold or at least it's cold outside, we tend to drink less. Try drinking water without ice. You drink more without realizing it. I always order water without ice even in the summer. If you are willing to try green tea but do not know what to buy, look for certified organic. It has a richer flavor. This will keep you from adding extra sugar and cream.

2. Even though potato soup sounds good almost any day in the winter, adding more raw foods that are high in omega 3 fatty acids will be hydrating to your skin from the inside out! These foods ar

e also anti-aging foods. Refer to the list at the bottom. Better yet ask me for recipes that include these foods as well.

3. Take time for yourself in a warm bath, not hot. A quality bath salt can soften your skin with exfoliation. When choosing bath salts, you can refer to the list that will be posted on harsh chem

icals in skin care and cosmetics.

4. Wear gloves! Hey, it's a reason to go get those you were looking at the other day! Just kidding. Bundling up will protect your skin from the climate changes getting in and out of your car.

5. Here is the biggie! Moisturize daily with a non-clogging organic body lotion such as coconut oil or body butter. These nourish without clogging, as many toxin-moisturizers do! 

Questions that are probably rising, why organic? My lotion doesn't clog my pores, so is it good? A list of chemicals that can be found in your non-organic moisturizers is coming up next. Stay tuned!

My thinking sometimes is if it's expensive, it must have some good stuff in it! Seriously, I think that way sometimes. I have to remember even if it has a leaf on it, says phrases I like to hear, has my favorite colors, smells nice, and so on this doesn't mean they are looking out for me! Why not?

The beauty industry answers to no one! The FDA has not rules or regulations that the beauty industry has to abide by including mandatory testing. This creates loopholes which is why we must...

Define The Terms...

• "For Professional Use Only"- This allows cosmetic companies to not post the harmful chemicals on

 the label.

• "Hypoallergenic"- No testing is necessary to claim this is safe for sensitive skin. There are no regulations to claim such a statement.

• "Harmful Chemicals"- Unless the chemicals are put there intentionally, there is no requirement to say there are harmful toxins in the skin care or cosmetics.

This is all so frustrating. Like we needed one more thing to think about, right? In order to live healthier and better, we have to take care of ourselves literally. We have to educate ourselves. We opt to put great food in our body, so why is it not important what we put on our body? Dr Mercola says, "We shouldn't put anything on our body, that we wouldn't eat." Ponder that. Taking care of ourselves takes work, it's not easy. Nothing worth having ever is easy.

Beauty Industry Facts:

• In the U.S. alone, the industry makes $50 billion a year... off of us!

• They budget $2 million for advertising.

• Women who wear make-up daily absorb 5 pound of toxins a year.

The beauty industry is motivated by their profits. Can you blame them? $50 billion!

There's more to come! We will talk about toxins, skin care/cosmetic ingredients, how to get healthy skin, and a 5 min. fix. Coming Next!

List of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Flaxseed

Walnuts

Salmon

Soy beans

Halibut

Shrimp

Tofu

Scallops

Winter Squash