Skin & Nails

Straight from the docks – fresh evidence that Fish Oil is absolutely essential to your health – especially for cognitive brain function, as well as aging.

Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital’s Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Disorders Center have found positive associations between Fish Oil supplements and cognitive functioning as well as differences in brain structure between users and non-users of Fish Oil supplements. The findings suggest possible benefits of Fish Oil supplements on brain health and aging.

       The results were reported at the recent International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, in Paris, France that just wrapped-up on July 21^st; and truly provide new hope for anybody concerned about the long-range health of their brain.hmmmm, are you taking Fish Oil?

       The study included 819 individuals, 117 of them reported regular use of Fish Oil supplements before entry and during study follow-up. The researchers compared cognitive functioning and brain degeneration for patients who reported routinely using these supplements to those who were not using Fish Oil supplements.

       Lori Daiello, PharmD, lead researcher, reports that compared to non-users, use of Fish Oil supplements was associated with better cognitive functioning. However, this association was significant only in those individuals who had a normal baseline cognitive function and in individuals who tested negative for a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease known as APOE4. This is consistent with previous research.

       The unique finding, however, is that there was a clear association between Fish Oil supplements and brain volume.In other words, Fish Oil use was associated with less brain shrinkage in patients taking these supplements during the study compared to those who didn’t use them.

Hey, but before you click over to House of Nutrition to get your brain healthy product – you should probably ask – How do I chose a Fish Oil supplement? 

Glad you asked!  Here are some easy tips.

• Look for the seal. Companies including USP and NSF analyze supplements for the real vitamin level and for any impurities. The seal on the label tells you an independent company has reviewed the supplement.Also, a reputable company will also ensure that the purity, quality and your safety are guaranteed.
• Look for oil which is molecularly distilled, a process that takes place in a vacuum to avoid oxidation of Fish Oil. This is the only process that successfully removes impurities and contaminants from Fish Oil. This process also produces a more concentrated form of Fish Oil supplement with high potencies of EPA and DHA.
• Look for a product that’s “species specific,” with fish like wild Salmon, Anchovies and Sardines on the label (btw these are the specific varieties which have the highest levels and the best Fish Oil for Omega-3). This is the only way to know where the oil came from. When a supplement label just says “fish oil” or “marine lipids,” they’re hiding something and the product should NOT be considered.
• Look for supplements that have a balanced ratio of all eight Omega-3 fatty acids. Research has proven that all eight members of the Omega-3 family are vitally important to your health. The Omega-3 nutrients need to be complete and balanced, just like they are in nature, in order to be beneficial. Many people have heard of ALA, DHA and EPA – they’re the Omega-3 ‘all-stars’. But DPA, HPA, ETA, ETA and SDA are all just as important. And when the whole Fish Oil family is present, they’re much more powerful than any individual fatty acid.
• Lastly, make sure there are no unlabeled oils or strange ingredients hidden in the product. How? Take a moment to add up the individual Omega-3 fatty acids listed on the label. They should equal the total amount of oil in the product. Otherwise, you’re getting ripped off!

So now that you know what to look for come by and check out some great prices on some really superior Fish Oil products like:

Futurebiotics Omega-3 Fish Oil

Schiff’s Omega-3 Fish Oil Enteric Coated

Natrol’s Omega-3 Fish Oil

Carlson’s Very Finest Norwegian Fish Oil

Best Health,

Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

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

A simple drink that can keep skin healthy, erase sun damage AND reverse the signs of aging!

While there’s no shortage of products on the market that help you look younger, you can also drink nutritious Green Drinks that have scientifically documented anti-aging benefits.

It’s true: Consuming Green Drinks on a regular basis can repair damage, prevent premature aging and keep your skin taut and wrinkle-free. Green Drinks like Vibrant Health’s Green Vibranceare a specially formulated mega-concentration of grasses, green vegetables and natural fibers. They are some of the lowest-calorie, lowest-sugar and most nutrient rich foods on the planet! The power of the nutrients in deep green leafy vegetables to heal and rejuvenate a body is unmatched by any combination of synthetic medicines or supplements.Green Drinks have been credited with everything from cures for cancer to super weight loss enhancers.

How?

Green Drinks infuse your body with easily absorbed vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids,chlorophyll, micro-nutrients and antioxidants in a way that is extremely easy for your body to immediately absorb and put to use. Being highly alkaline which will reduce any physicalacidosis, they also help to boost your body’s energy levels and remove toxins from yourlymph system while encouraging new cell growth.

What’s in them?

Spirulina an amazing blue-green algae, is just one ingredient commonly found in high quality Green Drinks.  According to New York University Langone Medical Center, Spirulina is high in B Vitamins, carotenoids and essential minerals and is loaded with protein. Your skin consists primarily of proteins collagen and elastin, which break down as we age. Spirulina is one of the richest sources of protein and selenium is essential for protein synthesis, states the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Several factors contribute to aging, such as inflammation, sun exposure and free-radical oxidation that damages cells and tissues. There is even some evidence that Spirulina may help fibromyalgia and there are even reports that it aids in weight loss.

At House of Nutrition we carry an assortment of high quality Green Drinks which are as refreshing as they are nutritious:

Here are a couple of Green Drinks that you can carry with you anywhere!

Nature’s Plus Source of Life Green Lightning Energy Drink (20Pkts)

Allergy Research’s ProgreensStickpack(15 packs)

Mix these with your favorite juices!

Kyolic’sKyo-Green Drink Powder

Crystal Star’s Energy Green Renewal Drink Mix

Or try a flavored Green Drink:

Garden Greens SpiruGreens Drink Vanilla

Garden Greens SpiruGreens Drink Chocolate

       You can easily pack-in a lot of nutrition with Green Drinks, but you won’t be getting any of the natural fiber, and the sugars in them will go directly into your bloodstream – so carefully check the label to make sure that you choose one with minimal amounts of sugar. Green Drinks are an extremely beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle – although it’s not a substitute for a balanced diet. So eat well and Drink Green!

Best Health

-J. Ricks

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

Several days ago a customer came in to thank me for my recommendation. I recommended Alvita Chamomile tea to soak in or make a wrap with the cooled down tea several times a day.   Take Barleans Flax Lignan Oil Capsules or liquid orally at least two times a day.  To his 16 years old daughter’s surprise she is seeing results after only about two (2) weeks.

She has suffered years of embarrassment and now she’s smiling again. Even the scarring is disappearing. 

I usually go over a person’s diet and ask if they are on any medication.  Then I also recommend the following meal plan:

BREAKFAST

• 1/2 cup cottage, handful of chopped almonds or walnuts, 1/2 cup blueberries
• or  1 – 2  eggs any style, 1/2 cantaloupe
• or oatmeal, cinnamon,  1 cup (8 ounces) almond or hemp milk, 2-3 tbsp. ground flaxmeal
• or almond or cashew butter on spelt toast
• or 8 oz. organic Greek Yogurt, handful of nuts and 1/2 cup raspberries

SNACKS

Apple with tbsp. of nut butter of choice, Protein Bar without hydrogenated fats or

Protein Shake    

LUNCH & DINNER

• Large fresh salad of Organic Greens, sliced beets, and assorted veggies with 6 ounces of broiled fish
• or Organic Chicken salad with olives, assorted raw veggies
• or Grilled Wild salmon, snapper, or any seafood, roasted veggies
• or 4-6 oz. Free Range Steak/filet mignon, baked sweet potatoes, lg. green salad with organic virgin oive oil &/or flax oil dressing with Organic Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar
• or 4-6 oz. Roasted turkey, steamed broccoli, small pat real whipped butter or coconut oil (organic)
• or Sardines in water or oil, 1 Tbsp. mayo, green salad

Stories like the aforementioned make it a pleasure doing my line of work — it’s so rewarding.