Women's Health

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

According to recent research taking over 400 mcg. (micrograms) of folic acid can increase risk of colon, lung, and prostate cancers.  This doesn’t include the natural form, which is folate — found in whole foods and whole food vitamins.

According to an article in Prevention Magazine dated April 2010, the cereal we eat can actually hurt us.  For more than a decade, the government has required enriched grains —most notably white flour and white rice — to be fortified with folic acid, the synthetic form of the B vitamin folate.  Many food manfacturers take it further, giving breakfast cereals, nutrition bars, and  beverages a folic acid boost too.

This extra nutrient isn’t meant for you, though, it’s added to protect fetuses from developing rare but tragic birth defects (i.e., spina bifada).   Also, many doctors know it protects against elevated CRP  & Homocysteine levels, protein markers measuring inflammation in the blood (see my blog dated 3/5/10 on Cardiovascular Health).  Unfortunately, most people don’t know the difference between folate and synthetic folic acid.

According to David Smith, PhD, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Oxford in England, “the more we learn about folic acid, the more it’s clear that giving it to everyone has very real risks”.  It’s very easy to overdose on folic acid.

In lieu, continue to eat as many foods as you want containing natural folate (leafy greens, citrus fruits, lentils and dried beans).  However, read labels before buying boxed foods, such as cereals, pancake mixes, breads, flour, health bars, juices, power drinks, etc.  If you stay away from boxed/processed foods, as I’ve talked about in prior blogs, you’ll be better off.  Eat as natural as possible and only supplement with natural vitamins, if needed.

My favorites are Designs for Health or  Mega Foods vitamins.

-Carol Lombardo

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

You can have your vacation AND eat it too!

Relaxation is essential for optimal health, especially a wonderful vacation during this final summer month. Vacation, however, doesn’t mean you have to step away from your eating lifestyle. I commonly hear, “Oh, I’m on vacation, it’s impossible to eat healthily,” or “I’ll get back to my healthy eating habits when vacation is over.” No, it is possible to eat healthily while on vacation and let’s hope that vacation doesn’t take you out of your healthy eating groove.

When you’re at home you have to plan and prepare for your dieting. You have to buy the right foods, you have to have those healthy options in the house and keep those tempting foods far away. So why should vacation be any different? Yes, I understand that it is hard to avoid those deep-fried Oreo’s on the boardwalk. Yes, those $15, all you can eat buffets, are a great bang for your buck, but they’re definitely ways to beat these food demons.

As you plan to leave for your vacation, if possible, bring a bag full of fruits. Apples, pears, peaches, strawberries are all excellent fruits to bring. When you find yourself in the hotel room, and the munchies hit, it would be best to grab an apple instead of heading for the vending machine or room service.

Water is your friend, and it’s always easy to find. Before heading out to that buffet or the boardwalk, drink an ice-cold bottle of water. It will help keep your appetite down and prevent going up for seconds or dare I say, thirds.

What do cheesesteaks, cheese fries, chicken wings, fish and chips all have in common? They’re vacation favorites, and they’ll gladly increase your blood sugar. One way to help control your blood sugar is through fiber. The aforementioned foods all have zero fiber, and fiber is key into controlling your blood sugar and keeping cravings down. Fiber capsules are an easy and convenient way to maintain a healthy fiber intake and to keep those cravings away and keep the belly full. Glucomannan (also know as Konjac on the Dr. Oz Show), a soluble fiber, is a great fiber to cut hunger. This fiber, acts like a sponge in the digestive track. It absorbs water and takes up space in the stomach making you feel like you ate more than you did.

Drinking your calories is the easiest way to a big belly. Alcohol, contrary to common belief, is more calorically dense than protein and carbs. A gram of alcohol gives your 7 calories, whereas protein and carbs give you 4, only to leave at 9 calories per gram. Thus, it is very easy to drink a meal of beer or liquor. Those happy hours can be fun, but try sticking to light beer or avoid calorically-dense mixers like soda or fruit cocktails.

I am not a food saint; I do overeat or splurge at times, so I understand that we like to enjoy ourselves on vacation, but it is a good idea to know how often and when to enjoy your meals.

We all, consciously or not, try to prepare for the beach body, but let’s try to continue the plan even after the beach.

P.S: I highly recommend bringing digestive enzymes with you on vacation. If you’re not used to eating out a lot, it might be wise to bring those enzymes to lessen the stress on your digestive system.

Here are a few products that may make your vacation much easier:

• Nature’s Way Glucomannan: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/gluc2.html
• Yerba Prima’s Soluble Fiber: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/046352001869.html
• Nature’s Plus Acti-Zyme: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/097467044548.html

The most common discouragement to sitting outside enjoying the evening with your friends and family is BUGS!  Many people’s response to theannoyance of mosquito bites is to slather on the insect repellent -especially on their children. Most folks reach for a DEET based repellent – reportedly a whopping ⅓ of the US population, but DEET based repellents arenot just hazardous to mosquitoes. From a human health point of view, mosquito bites are just a tinynuisance when compared to thevery serious health threat which DEET presents.Choosing a botanical based repellentfrom House of Nutritionsimply makes more sense, but let’s take a closer look.

Why You Want to Avoid DEET: DEET is short for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and member of the toluene chemical family, which is asolvent used in rubber and plastic cements and paint removers. Ask yourself – “Is that really something that I want to put regularly on my skin?” 

       DEET doesn’t appear to affect the insect’s ability to smell carbon dioxide, as had been falsely suspected earlier. DEET serves as a true repellent in that mosquitoes intensely dislike the smell of the chemical repellent.  A type of olfactory receptor neuron in special antennal sensilla of mosquitoes that is activated by DEET, as well as other known insect repellents such as eucalyptolhas been identified.

       The most serious concerns about DEET are its effects on your central nervoussystem. Dr. Mohamed Abou-Donia of Duke University studied lab animals’performance of neurobehavioral tasks requiring muscle co-ordination, and found that lab animals exposed to the equivalent of average human doses of DEET performed far worse than untreated animals. Abou-Doniawho has speny 30 years in the study of pesticides, also found that combined exposure to DEET and permethrin, a mosquito spray ingredient, can lead to motor deficits and learning and memory dysfunction.Still wanna slather this on your kids?

       DEET is especially dangerous for small children. Even insect repellent manufacturers’ warn – Seizures may occur in small children that are consistently exposed to DEET on their skin for long periods of time.

       DEET is absorbed through the skin and passes into your blood and directly past the blood/brain barrier. The Medical Sciences Bulletin, published by Pharmaceutical Information Associates Ltd. reports, “Up to 56% of DEET applied topically penetrates intact human skin and 17% is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.” Blood concentrations of about 3 mg per liter have been reported several hours after DEET repellent was applied to skin in themanufacturers prescribed fashion. DEET is also absorbed by your stomach lining which is why side effects from prolonged exposure include: moderate-to-severe stomach irritation; nausea and vomiting.

       For adults, Health Canada has now banned products with DEET concentrations over 30%, citing health risks and evidence that increasing the percentage does not do much more to repel insects. Health Canada has also banned two in one products which combine sunscreen and DEET, saying they create the potential for people to be exposed to too much DEET.So why should we be less safe than Canadians?!

       Which brings us neatly back to safe – effective – natural botanical based insect repellents from House of Nutrition for yourself, your kids AND your pets!

For example: Kiss My Face’s Sun Care SwyFlotter Insect Repellent 4ozwhich contains Lemon Eucalyptus. In a recent study, Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent provided 120 minutes of mosquito protection, while a repellent with 4.75% DEET (Off ‘Skintastic’ for Kids) provided only 88 minutes of protection.  And try: All Terrain’s Herbal Armor Spray.

And for quick relief from the inflammation, itching, swelling and soreness of your insect bites try:

Liddell’s Insect BitesORNewton Rx Insect Bites #38

How about your pet’s comfort?! All Terrain’s Pet Herbal Armor Insect SprayClinically proven to be 100% effective for over two hours, 95.8% effective for three hours and 77.1% effective for four hours. Unique formula w/five natural essential oils recognized by the EPA as repellent

Best Health,

-J. Ricks

Think of the word muscles. What comes to mind, maybe big biceps, tone legs, six pack abs? What about your heart? Given that the heart is the only muscle that is working constantly, it deserves its fair shareof nutrients and attention. With heart disease being the number one leading cause of death in America, it is never too soon to live a heart healthy life.

            A heart healthy lifestyle first starts with eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. These fruits provide tons of fiber, minerals, nutrients and phytonutrients. Fiber will help lower your cholesterol, but sometimes it may be difficult to get enough fiber. Flax seed meal is an excellent source of fiber that you can add to your oatmeal, smoothies or even atop your salad. Flax also provides omega-3 fatty acids that your heart will thank you for. Omega-3s are only a few of the healthy fats that help protect your heart, Omega-6 GLA and fats from fruits and vegetables like avocado, coconut and tree nuts are all there to make that heart pump like new.

            If you are currently dealing with heart disease or perhaps there is a familial history of heart disease, there is an extra step that you can take to make sure your hardest working muscle gets the attention it deserves. Here are three main nutrients that have been shown to assist with heart health:

1. Co-Enzyme Q10: CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone and ubiquinol. CoQ10 is a co-enzyme that is used in the production of ATP in the mitochondria. Basically, this co-enzyme is used to produce energy, which the heart benefits from directly. However, when taking CoQ10 it is important to get the correct type. In the body, CoQ10 ubiquinone is converted to its reduced form, ubiquinol, yet after the age of 40, adults have difficulty with this conversion. Thus, it is best to take a reduced CoQ10 as ubiquinol.
2. D-Ribose: This 5-carbon sugar is not your average table sugar. D-Ribose is a sugar that is readily available for ATP energy production. This is another fuel source for the heart.
3. L-Carnitine: This amino acid is naturally occurring in the body, yet commonly people with heart disease may be lacking with this amino acid. Carnitine is used by the liver to turn fat into energy, which then the heart takes advantage of.

Whether you are currently fighting heart disease or fighting to keep it away it is important to keep your fiber, fruit and vegetable intake up and your fat intake down. If you are dealing with heart failure, high cholesterol or any other heart issues, it is important to take the condition seriously. Don’t forget your omega-3s, D-Ribose, L-Carnitine and CoQ10 for optimal heart health.

Here are a few supplements that may help you:

Jarrow D-Ribose poweder: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/790011010258.html

JarrowQh-Absorb Ubiquinol: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/jaqh1060.html

Now’s L-Carnitine: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/733739000651.html

Health From The Sun’s Super Sprouted Fipro Flax: http://www.houseofnutrition.com/010043050399.html

Referens:

1. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/lcod.htm
2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL00002
3. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/coenzyme-q10-000295.htm
4. http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/jan2007_report_coq10_01.htm
5. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-827-RIBOSE.aspx?activeIngredientId=827&activeIngredientName=RIBOSE
6. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm

Weight-loss made a little easier.  What would you say to a supplement proven to Reduce Carbohydrate Absorption and Inhibit Fat Converting Enzymes – a miracle?!

       Well not quite. It’s commonly calledAfrican Mango but, its botanical name is IrvingiaGabonensis and House of Nutrition carries it in a supplement calledIntegra-Lean™ Irvingia by Life Extension.It was recommended recently on the Dr. Oz show.  There’s an enzyme with the very long name glycerol-3-phosphatedehydrogenase, which is critical for synthesizing fatty acids in our bodies. Irvingia, by suppressing this enzyme helps to reduce the amount of glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream from being converted into fatty acids. A great weight-loss tool!

       Did you knowthat in order for the carbohydrates you eat to be fully absorbed, they must be broken down in your digestive tract by the amylase enzyme?Another benefit to Irvingiais that it inhibits amylase and reducing the amount of ingested starches that your body will absorb as sugar.

       Several studies demonstrate the weight loss properties of Irvingia. In the largest placebo controlled human study, those taking Irvingia lost 28 pounds over a 10-week period compared to only up to 3 pounds in the placebo group. Amazingly, the study participants did not alter their diet.

       But that’s just one of the weight loss tools that you will find at House of Nutrition.

       Your metabolism is responsible for using 60% of the calories that you take-in with the remainder being used or burnt by your movements such as the exercise that you do – daily.

       A high metabolism is where calories are burned by the body at a higher or faster rate than normal and less fat is stored. In contrast, a low metabolism is where the body burns calories at a lower or slower rate than usual and more fat is stored, this generally means that people with a slow metabolism put weight on faster where as people with a high metabolism may eat and eat and eat yet never put on any weight (annoying).

       A great metabolism booster is Green Teawhich actually has properties that go beyond those that would be explained by the caffeine. In a study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a measure of metabolism), plus also had a significant effect on fat oxidation. The same amount of caffeine as was in the green tea, administered alone, failed to change energy expenditure in other studies. The researchers indicated that their findings have substantial implications for weight control. A 4% overall increase in 24-hour energy expenditure was attributed to the green tea extract.  How about that for raising your metabolism! 

       At House of Nutrition we’re not just looking after your waist-line we’re looking after your bottom line – Check-out our low price for Natural Factors Green Tea Phytosome 

Best of Health!

-JR

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

Studies show the importance of a healthy diet — no kidding.  Alzheimer Patients given a Meditarrean Diet showed a significant change/improvement in the cerebrum.  Refer to my archive “Cognitive Health” dated Feb. 9th 2010.

For those who refuse to add good fats to their diet, supplement with Nordic Natural’s ProOmega’s or Designs for Health OmegAvail Hi-Po with Lipase.  Also, include nuts &/or nut butters to your diet.  Use whole grains like black or brown rice, ezekiel bread, kamut, quinoa & tempeh should be included.  Don’t use margarine regardless what commercials say — they are not good for you.  Choose coconut oil, nut spreads or virgin olive oil instead.

Remember to keep active & challenge your brain.

CAL

DHEA is being used more and more today for both men and women as we age.  Make sure you add DIM along with it to protect against estrogen toxicity.   Some companies worn men not to use DHEA if there’s a history of prostate cancer in your family. 

I also recommend BroccoProtect by Designs for Health along with it for extra protection against cancer.  Nature’s Way Promeva with DIM, Calcium D-Glucarate, D   is also an excellent choice.   Although, this product is for breast health it also helps protect against other cancers.  Excess estrogen is the cause for other problems in both sexes.

To be more specific the elevation of BPH in men is caused by bad estrogen.   Also, men can get breast cancer — especially if they have used steroids or other hormone enhancers. 

Women who suffer from excess bleeding, as in endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts, will also benefit from this product.