Beauty Products

I have some homework for you, but don’t worry it won’t require any calculus or Shakespeare literature.  The next time you go food shopping, take a look at the ingredients list on the food you buy. I can almost guarantee that you will find one of these ingredients in your food:

• Corn
• Soy
• Wheat
• Gluten (common in many wheat/grain products)
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Peanuts

These foods won’t kill you per se, but they are known allergens and depending on the individual they can truly make your body feel sub-par. Many people think an allergen is something you have a physically visible reaction to. For example, many people are allergic to peanuts and have a serious adverse reaction to them. However, this is not always the case with these other allergens.

Why would you want to eliminate these foods, well here are a few reasons.

Tummy Problems:

If you have an gastrointestinal issue that has difficulty going away, like IBS, food intolerances, bloating, gas, indigestion, irregular bowel movements, then eliminating these foods from your diet may, and likely will, relieve or remove these symptoms.

Skin Issues:

If you experience acne or any other skin issues like eczema, dry skin or your skin just isn’t clear, eliminating these foods may give you insight as to the culprit of the problem. By eliminiating these foods, your liver will have the opportunity to actually cleanse the body and not worry about removing these allergenic foods.

Allergies:

If you deal with chronic allergies, not a specific food allergy  (like peanuts), but sinus issues or other allergy symptoms, then perhaps your body is trying to tell you something.

Inflammation:

Chronic inflammation can be very painful and depressing. Dealing with chronic inflammation, such as back pain, nasal issues, or other inflammatory responses can be reduced with eliminating certain foods and introduces others. The body does an excellent job at healing itself, and inflammatory response are the body’s way of trying to clear up and resolve a problem. But how can it do so without the proper nutrients?

I know what you’re thinking. Yes, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat and gluten are in a lot of foods, a lot, and yes it is hard to avoid these things. But it is not impossible, I know because I have done this exact program.

As one of my favorite professors, Dr. Sheldon Watts, once said, “Eat as close to the farm as possible.” Although most of us live very farm from farms, we can find foods in the market that are not processed or filled with corn, soy and the such. By eating more fruits and vegetables, and gluten free grains like oatmeal, buckwheat, brown, rice and quinoa, this program is absolutely possible. Add protein like, Purity’s Ultra Protein Vanilla Shake, wild salmon, free-range chicken, bison meat, or lamb.

This may seem difficult, but by eating healthier in just a week you will feel 10 times better than you thought you could.

Side Note:

• Try to avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, soda, and black tea. Opt for ginger tea, decaf organic coffee and WATER!
• If you can try to buy organic or free-range chicken. Bison meat is naturally free-range. Also, wild fish like wild salmon is a much better option, given the additives that are found in farmed fish.

-Ralph

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“It’s generally believed that having a nightcap may aid sleep, especially getting to sleep” says Seiji Nishino, Director of the Sleep & Circadian Neurobiology Lab at Stanford University School of Medicine. “This may be true for some people who have small amounts of alcohol intake. However, it should be noted that large amounts of alcohol intake interfere with sleep quality and the restorative role of sleep.”

This was no surprise – For a long time researchers have known that large amounts of alcohol shortens the length of time that it takes you to make that transition from full wakefulness to sleep (or Sleep Latency); increases your slow-wave sleep (SWS) and suppresses rapid eye movement (REM) during the first half of your sleep. During the second half of sleep, REM increases and sleep becomes shallower.

How do they know what happens? A study just released that was done on the acute effects of alcohol and the relationship between sleep and heart rate variability (HRV) during sleep, has shown that alcohol interferes with the restorative functions of sleep. Alcohol directly affects overall sleep architecture,” said Yohei Sagawa, a physician in the Department of Neuropsychiatry at the Akita University School of Medicine.

For this study, they gave 10 healthy, male university students with (average age of 21.6), 3 different alcohol beverages at 3 week intervals: 0g (control), 0.5g (low dose) or 1.0g (high dose). On the day of the experiment, a holter electrocardiogram was attached for a 24-hour period; the student was instructed to drink one of the 3 alcoholic beverages 100 minutes before going to bed; and polysomnography was then performed for 8 hours while they slept. The researchers were focused on the relationship between the students’ heart rate variability and their sleep.

The team found that alcohol increased heart rate and interfered with the restorative functions of sleep — and the more alcohol the participants drank, the greater the effect. “Although the first half of sleep after alcohol intake looks good on the EEG, the result of the assessment regarding the autonomic nervous system shows that drinking leads to insomnia rather than good sleep.”

The effect on habitual drinkers might be even worse, a study co-author said. “This study evaluated the effects on sleep after only a single dose of alcohol and easily found negative health consequences,” Seiji Nishino, said in an August 2011 news release. “Many people habitually drink alcohol and if the reduction of healthy parasympathetic nervous system activity during sleep occurs routinely as the result of drinking, the negative health consequences may be much larger and could bring about various diseases.” It is reported that habitual drinkers with high blood pressure are often associated with reductions of parasympathetic nerve activities.”

Sagawa agreed. “Many alcoholics and habitual drinkers suffer from insomnia” and it’s been shown that “suppressed parasympathetic nerve activity is the result of alcohol drinking. Thus, it is concluded that suppressed parasympathetic nerve activity is associated with insomnia, which includes difficulty getting to sleep, early-morning awakening, lack of a sense of deep sleep and difficulty maintaining sleep.”

But don’t worry – skip the nightcap!  At House of Nutrition we’ve got some incredible sleep aids that won’t break the bank!

Solgar’s – Sweetest Dreams Gaia’s – Sound Sleep Liquid Phyto-Caps

Natrol’s – Sleep n’ Restore Enzymatic’s – Fatigued to Fantastic Revitalizing Sleep Formula

Not a “pill person” – prefer a liquid?  We’ve got you covered too! Check-out:

Herbs etc.’s (Alcohol Free) – Deep Sleep Bach’s – Rescue Remedy Sleep

Michael’s – Sleeping Spray Herb Pharm’s – Relaxing Sleep Tonic Compound

And find many more sleep solutions here:  House of Nutrition – Sleep Aid

Best Health!

Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

Anti-depressants are as common today as beanie babies were in the 90s. Whenever someone tries to tell me that they are on anti-depressants they act as if it’s such a crime. I get the wandering eyes, the awkward smile and then the whisper, “I’m on anti-depressants.” Yeah, well, so are about 27 million other Americans, and almost 121 million American are depressed. Why? Well, that requires a lot more writing and time than we both have. But perhaps I may suggest a few natural mood elevators.

Feeling stressed, anxious, agitated, down, blue, unmotivated? I know I sound like an infomercial but really, feeling this way is not fun at all! Before taking the plunge for the prescription, perhaps its best to consider the natural route. Here are a few natural ways to feel back to your old self.

1. 5-HTP:
   1. Many people also know this as 5-Hydroxytryptophan; it is derived from the amino acid tryptophan (the Thanksgiving turkey bedtime nutrient). This nutrient helps raise natural serotonin levels in the brain. Studies have shown 5-HTP to alleviate depression symptoms better than prescription medications AND… way less side effects.
2. SAM-e:
   1. SAM-e is no stranger to the body, as it is found in every human tissue. Research has shown the beneficial anti-depressant effects of SAM-e. But even more surprising is that SAM-e works even faster than most anti-depressant medications. Try taking 400 active milligrams of SAM-e, which should come in a foil blister pack to preserve its efficacy.
3. Omega-3 Fish Oil
   1. Fish oil? To elevate your mood? Yes, I know it may sound off but many studies are showing the effects that fish oil has as an anxiety reliever. A recent article in ScienceDaily showed that fish oil relieved anxiety in young students. The most amazing part of this research is that it was done on young medical students, which means that it may even have a greater impact on middle-aged and elderly people.
      

      Don't fake happiness, be happy!

Trying to deal with a depressed mood is difficult, but if you’re reading this now, it is important for you to understand that you can make the fix and get on to feeling brand new.

Cars, like humans, require gasoline and the better (high octane 87,91,93) the gasoline the better the car drives. Well, the same goes for us humans. If you tend to eat a lot of white foods like breads, sugars, and starches along with other less healthy options, then you’re less likely to feel upbeat and motivated. Your body wants to stay clean, just like a car engine, and eating low quality foods will make you feel lazy. Try cutting back on the simple carbs and throw in a few extra apples, pears or cherries here and there, and I’m sure your body will crave the veggie/fruit goodness.

When you see your doctor to discuss your options, it may be a good idea for men to get their testosterone levels checked. Commonly, depression and fatigue can go mis-diagnosed as a low testosterone issue. So that may be a hidden cause worth taking a look at.

As always, consult with your doctor to decide on your best options. But remember, keep your mind free and your options open!

-Ralph Esposito

Will Toothpaste destroy the common pimple?! Why, Yes! Because common, boring old toothpaste is usually high in sodium content, it dries out your pimples. But, most toothpaste does not have any ingredients that will directly control your acne breakouts or kill the bacteria-causing those pimples.

Therefore, this treatment is only best for overnight or “emergency” purposes. Let’s say there is a huge pimple sitting comfortably on top of your nose the night before a very important date.

You can take a pea-sized paste, spread it on top of the pimple and let it dry overnight. Or you can simply leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off.  Either way, you’ll be minty fresh and have dried-up that pimple quite a bit.

But we’ve got some even better suggestions! Try out:

Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment

This incredible all natural acne spot treatment is actually clinically proven to reduce and improve the appearance of blemishes without irritating skin. Salicylic acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark extract, penetrates pores to help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. Meanwhile Tea Tree, Calendula, Yarrow and Parsley extracts help soothe skin and reduce redness and Borage Extract promotes healthy skin resulting in clear and smooth skin, naturally.

We also carry: Dermisa’s Acne Treatment

Another clinically proven treatment this vanishing formula is enriched with Aloe Vera to help soothe skin. It also dries-up excess oil that can plug pores and cause acne AND unlike toothpaste – it is gentle on the affected skin and will not irritate, peel or dry it while effectively combating acne-causing bacteria.

We have a couple of great homeopathic formulas for you too!:

Nelsons Acne Gel

This well-known healing, soothing homeopathic remedy is designed to relieve acne, pimples and blemishes. It is made from organically grown healing plants and homeopathically prepared sulfur.

It contains soothing, healing ingredients: Hypericum perf, Calendula, Arnica, Sulfur and Tea Tree Oil in a ‘no-mess’ Water soluble gel base.

Liddell’s Acne Formula

This amazing product works from the inside out. A Homeopathic treatment that draws on centuries of holistic science to treat blemished skin naturally and effectively; it relieves symptoms associated with acne, such as pimples and blemishes, redness, itching as well as, inflammation. Treat acne, reduce redness from broken capillaries and reduce inflammation all in a safe, natural way. This is an advanced sublingual (under your tongue) “two sprays, three times a day.” AND it helps to prevent the occurrence of future breakouts!

So now you get to choose between these….or toothpaste.  Even so, there are a few new habits that you need to develop: (1) Eat healthy, (2) exercise regularly, (3) don’t sleep on your face and wash your pillow case frequently, (4) get enough sleep, (5) wash your hands regularly, (6) manage your stress, and (7) Do NOT pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples.

Best Health!

-J. Ricks, CHC, AADP

HEAT!!  OK, you’ve heard it again & again but, it’s worth repeating…Drink Plenty of Fluids, because you lose more water when you’re out in the heat and sun. Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue.

Is your skin getting a little over exposed?  Mild sunburn can cause redness, pain and slight swelling for about three to seven days. Skin may peel and be pretty itchy. But don’t worry!  We’ve got some great remedies that may provide relief from mild sunburn.

A useful natural sunburn treatment is Aloe Vera. The gel, which is found within the aloe vera plant, has been renowned for its healing properties for millennia. Ancient Egyptians used it regularly in healing and beauty treatments. Aloe Vera will have an immediate cooling and calming effect on the skin, and it forms protective layer that will seal valuable moisture into the skin, preventing dehydration and promoting faster healing. To use the gel directly from the plant, snap off a stalk from the plant and gently squeeze out the gel. Spread this gel in a thin layer over your sunburned skin. Because sunburn tends to affect a large area of skin, you might prefer to have a prepared Aloe Vera product to use and we’ve got you covered – literallywith Lily of the Desert’s Aloe Vera Gel currently on sale.  Also, take a look at our low price onJason’s Deodorant Roll-On Natural Aloe Vera which contains no Alcohol, no Aluminum Chlorohydrate or Propylene Glycol. Formulated with Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E, Lavender, Corn Starch and Chamomile this deodorant delivers soothing freshness.Try it!

Even if you don’t have sunburn, it’is important to care for your sun after sun exposure. After a day at the beach, re-hydrate skin with moisturizer, preferably one without alpha-hydroxy acids, which will cause your skin to peel. Something as simple as our Cocoa Butter stick can keep your skin hydrated and improve your tan!

If you do have a touch of sunburn, soak in a cool tub with an oatmeal-based soak (and Rainbow Research’s Oatmeal Soap Bar) to cool your skin.Consider takingthe herbWhite Willow Bark to reduce swelling (unless you have a sensitivity to aspirin products), and apply an aloe-based lotion to moisturize the skin. You can also use products containing LindenFlower to help speed healing & prevent peeling like the amazing preparation Burt’s Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother.

Oh, and don’t forget – Drink Plenty of Fluids!!

Best of Health!

-JR

Many people are aware of the toxins in some hair care products.  One of the brands I usually recommend Giovanni’s full Hair Care line.  They make specialty products  for all types of hair/hair problems.

If you search the web for paraben free shampoo — Giovanni is recommended.  Also, if you have ezcema — their Triple Tea Tree Treat Shampoo may help.  Many customers return to buy their products repeatedly.  They tell me they are very satisfied with the results.

Also, if you dye your hair their Organic Hair Care Magnetic Energizing or Smooth As Silk line are great.  Along with the shampoo & conditioner, you can use their serum, leave-in conditioner &/or hair spray.  The aforementioned products aren’t just for color-treated hair, they are for any type hair.