Are the chemicals in your Acne Treatment okay?

If you are a user of acne treatment products that use BENZOYL PEROXIDE (BPO), you may find the linens in your linen closet riddled with white spots, or bleached areas. I have heard many complain about the ruining of towels, pillowcases, sheets, from benzoyl peroxide.

Food for thought for today - if a chemical in skin care bleaches your fabrics, do you feel it is safe for your skin and body?  Personally, I am not saying it is dangerous, but think about that for a moment....

For my own family, we have found a product line of which the active ingredient is salisylic acid, formulated with other botanicals, for an effective, non irritating treatment of facial acne. Abbi, above is one person who has benefited from the product line and saw visible results within a few weeks.

Benzoyl Peroxide, found in the most popular acne treatment product line advertised on television today, can irritate the skin of many - leaving it very dry. I've talked to a number of teens who dread using their acne treatment products because it makes their skin feel so dry and itchy, yet they don't want blemishes, or they are "threatened" by a parent who invested in the product, i.e. "use it or else..."

The top-selling brand, ProActive, when asked why they do not use BPO in their acne treatment products targeted for the body, state on their site why they utilize BPO only in the face products:
 "...Because BPO is known to bleach fabrics, while salicylic acid does not, we opted to leave it to our customers to decide whether they want to take the extra care required when using BPO products on the body. If you decide to take that route, we recommend that you wear white clothing, use white towels and sleep on white sheets; or at a minimum, wear a white T-shirt under your clothing and sleep in nightwear you don't care about bleaching so that the treated areas of your body don't make contact with your sheets." 

Now, I know people prefer studies about such ingredients, and I found one on BPO done way back in 2002. I am sure if I kept looking I would find some additional info uncovered by now. If you read the study, in general, you wouldn't get too concerned. (if you don't have concern for a chemical that bleaches your towels is ok for your body) ... http://www.chem.unep.ch/irptc/sids/oecdsids/BENZOYLPER.pdf

I did find this sentence on page 18 a bit disconcerting: "Benzoyl peroxide is not likely to be a complete carcinogen and/or initiator, but it seems to be a tumor promoter in mouse skin in an experimental two-stage model of carcinogenesis."

In my mind, an "INCOMPLETE carcinogen" is not okay...nor are tumor promoters. Obviously, doses of BPO at each application must be small, or people everywhere would have serious reactions to products using BPO. From the books and articles on endocrine disruptors that I have read, it is not the small amount in each "dose", but the build up of these chemicals in the body over a period of time, that contribute to problems down the line. I would venture a geuss that most people who use ProActive use if for more than a year, as they go through their hormonal change/teenage years.  As a parent, I am glad I can offer our son a safe approach to acne treatment.

A few other interesting google search finds on BPO - a hazardous material handling sheet on Benzoyl Peroxide from the US Department of Labor.
Holy cow Batman!  Why is this an okay ingredient to apply to our children's skin day in, day out?

When BPO was first scrutinized at its introduction to the market (whatever that may entail),  the FDA  classified Benzoyl Peroxide as a Category 1 chemical, in other words, safe to use.  However, in 1991 the FDA took another look at BPO and changed the chemical to a Category 3 "more data needed"  due to it's tumor promoting tendencies in more than one strain of mice, as well as in hamsters.  

This time of year, many are preparing for their wedding day, desperately trying to clear up blemishes and such prior to the big day when photos will be taken that will be with them the rest of their lives. As well, upcoming seniors often have their senior pictures taken during the summer prior to their last year of high school. I encourage parents to research the products they decide to purchase for their child, or encourage their young adult to be aware that ingredients in acne treatment products can and may:

1. turn your linens into a white dot design pattern

2. dry out and irritate skin, making them regret having to use it

3. can potentially be harmful with use

Safe and effective products are available, and some even come with a 45 day money back guarantee. As always, for the sake of your health, I hope you have found today's post informative and empowering to help you make smarter choices for smarter living, that can help you...

Feel better, look better, and live better!

Rita S.

Sunshine on My Shoulders Makes Me Happy (for a reason!)

This past weekend I was routed through the Denver, Colorado airport on the way to Vegas for an amazing and transforming weekend with the health and wellness company I consult for, through which I am building my dream life. While in the Deniver airport...John Denver could be heard in just about every store - "Rocky Mountain High", "Sunshine on My Shoulders"...and I got to thinking...

There is a biological reason that sunshine on one's shoulders "makes me happy" - sunshine provides the very necessary Vitamin D3 - which scientists are not recognizing as an actual hormone versus a "vitamin". Which in of itself is interesting...  

Dr. Russell Blaylock has written extensively, in  recent issues of his wellness newsletter, on the topic of anxiety and depression. A commonality, per Blaylock, is a deficiency in Vitamin D.  Therefore, if one has enough Vitamin D3 - the opposite of depression would be "happy". The sunshine vitamin = a dose of happy vitamin.

Here in Wisconsin, winter is cold, lacks sunshine, and the gray skies take a toll on people - S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) becomes more common. This past winter I heard stories from at least 6 people I know whom developed this. I knew my company was likely formulating a Vitamin D spray - I only wished I had it in my hands for those dear to me who were affected - and we had such a LONG winter, too. You can learn more about S.A.D. here.

Dr. Joe Mercola wrote an article, "Vitamin D is VITAL for You - and Your Family", in which he goes into great detail on the benefits of Vitamin D. I will sum it up with his key bullet pointed benefits:

- Heart Health

- Cell formation and longevity

- Skin health

- Pancreatic health

- Aging process

- Sleep patterns

- hearing

- Reproductive Health

- Eye health

- Athletic heatlh

- Vascular System health

- Respiratory Health

- Immune health

- healthy mood and feeling of well being

- Weight management, including carb and fat metabolism

- hair and hair follicles

- Strong healthy bones, as D encourages cacium uptake

- Muscles (check out this article)

Are you surprised to see muscles on the list? I admit I did not realize Vit. D3 was so important for so many biological functions.

Vitamin B12 should go hand in hand with D for maximum benefits. B12 is necessary for red blood cell formation, and helps alleviate chronic fatigue.

I hope this sheds some LIGHT on the topic of the necesisty for Vitamin D., and B12, too!  If you can't get a little sunshine on your shoulders for 15-20 min. per day (no sunscreen, no clothing to cover), you may want to have your levels checked and determine if supplementation may be to your benefit. According to Dr. Gominak, and his report found here, we would need to drink 100 cups of milk per day to get the Vitamin D we need. In fact, after reading that article, I do believe I need to go spray a bit of Essnetial Vitamin D/B12 into my mouth. It will be absorbed quickly, and I just may have the best night's sleep ever!

To your health!

Rita S. 

Cabbage Soup - Health Benefits for Pancreatic Disease

While sitting around the hospital recently, I was reading several nutrition/health books researching the best foods to help fight pancreaitis and sepesis infection. Cruciferous vegetables are heralded once again, as I am seeing a pattern, it seems, no matter what ailment one may have.

The cabbage, carrot and cauliflower are particularly good for helping a pancreas to heal and detoxify.  For detoxification purposes, choosing organic is important.  Healthwithfood.org reports on cabbage:

Glucosinolates are anti-carcinogenic compounds that have been shown to limit the amount of DNA damage and cell mutation as well as to inhibit the processes that prevent programmed cell death and promote uncontrolled cell growth. In order to get the most benefit from cabbage, eat it raw or short-cooked; cooking destroys vitamin C and denatures the enzyme that is responsible for the production of glucosinolates. It is also advisable to buy organically grown cabbage as organically grown produce has been shown to contain significantly higher amounts of glucosinolates than its conventionally grown counterpart.

Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene and vitamin C. In addition, they contain falcarinol, a natural compound that has been shown to be able to inhibit the development of cancer. Researchers found that rats that had pre-cancerous tumors and that were fed carrots were one third less likely to develop full-scale tumors than the animals in the control group. To get the most falcarinol, eat your carrots raw or steamed. 

The original recipe called for canned stewed tomatoes and paste, but we prefer acidic tomato products from a glass jar vs. an aluminum can to avoid aluminum leaching into the food product.  This is up to you - however, we substituted with marinera sauce and salsa already in our frig and and it turned out to be an awesome soup. 

For vegetarians, simply do not add turkey.

Our kids gave this soup two thumbs up. Our 15 yr. old had seconds...and he doesn't like tomatoes!

Russian Cabbage Soup  

Ground Turkey, 1 1/2 lbs.

1 onion (saute with turmeric spice for flavor and health benefits)

3-5 garlic cloves, minced

Simmer above on stove top until meat is browned. Place into large soup kettle with next four ingredients.

2 carton's (32 oz) each organic vegetable broth

8 oz. salsa* (we used mild)

16 oz. marinera sauce*  

2 T. vinegar 

2 T. raw agave nectar (you could cut back on this, or omit)

32 oz. water

****(when buying foods in jars watch for high fructose corn syrup, MSG)

Spices/Herbs - add to above ingredients in a large kettle.
1 T. Herbamare spice

1/2 tsp. Celtic Sea Salt (iodized salt,ground fine)

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp black ground pepper

Organic produce:

1 head of cabbage (purple  has more mild flavor than green)

1 head of cauliflower

4 large carrots 

Core and quarter the cabbage and cauliflower heads and soak in water with freshly squeezed lemon juice and white vinegar to clean. Rinse. Let air dry for a bit on toweling or put chunks in a salad spinner to spin dry.

Coarsley chop cabbage  into bite sized pieces. If cabbage head is large use only half.

Use 1/2 head cauliflower. Break cauliflower into chunks and pulse in food processor until small, resembling crumbled ground turkey. Process carrots as well, until small pieces. Or if you prefer, grate carrots.

Add cauliflower and carrot to kettle, allow to simmer 30 minutes. Add cabbage about 30 minutes before serving, although you can add it earlier if you do not wish to maintain a slightly crunchy texture.

Remaining cauliflower and cabbage can be used to make a healthy cole slaw. Or use remaining cauliflower as a rice replacement in a favorite rice based recipe.

The soup abvoe has many healing properties because of its nutritional benefits. For those with cancer, agave nectar should be avoided as sugar fuels cancer cells.

ENJOY this soup and enjoy your health!!

Rita S.

Cauliflower Rice - Yes, You Can Get Your Kids to Eat This Vegetable

Tonight I made cauliflower rice!  The kids did not know it wasn't rice - it was different, they had commented, but thought it was the spice I used. Our daughter said her dad's fried rice, with bacon pieces, was better; however, my rice was okay. I replied that my rice had more health benefits.  Our kids are used to that, coming from me. 

The dish came together quickly.  I sauteed a half chopped onion (garlic optional - I was in a hurry and did not grab the garlic) in a skillet with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkled turmeric spice (just a bit) on top. Cook the onions until translucent, about 10 minutes. I sprinkled some celery seed in as well (as the recipe called for celery and I didnt have any). 

I used the food processor to pulse my fresh cauliflower florets fine - like little bits of rice.  I had washed the cauliflower two days earlier and it was remaining from another recipe. I added  the cauliflower to the skillet, and put in a couple tablespoons of water, put the lid on to allow the cauliflower to steam, for about 10 min. total.

On a whim I threw in two handfuls of spinach to wilt about 5 min. before serving. That was it! A great "elimination diet" friendly dish!

If I had had tomatoes on hand I would have added chopped tomatoes. I can see adding cooked ground turkey and making a version of Spanish Un-rice using cauliflower.  Maybe it was the turmeric I used, but the kids never caught on that the "rice" really was not. It did not taste like cauliflower. We served the dish with chicken.

I was hoping to have leftovers for lunch, however, our teenage son decided to get seconds and emptied the skiller of what remained. I guess we need to make more next time!

If you are struggling to get  your kids to eat the very healthy cruciferous vegetables - try making a cauliflower rice dish. Another thought, if you are not eating dairy free, is that freshly grated parmesan might have been pretty tasty on top of this dish as well. 

I will say I took a picture with my phone before we consumed all of it, however, I seem to have some trouble uploading to blogger this evening.

Eat your veggies and LIVE with vitality!

To your health,
Rita S.

Toxic Overload - It Can Kill You

On this eve of Easter I am thankful that my mother is still with us, as it was just over a week ago that we feared we might lose her to a sepesis infection caused by a blocked bile duct. The stone blocking her duct is still causing issue and toxins are being drained by catheter until the infection is gone and surgery can be done. It was not her time and God performed a miracle - bringing her body back through answered prayer and meds that could bring her blood pressure back up towards life. 
How does one get to such a point that the body becomes toxic? I did a lot of reading on those trips to the hospital.  I am not sure if pancreatitis was actually part of my mother's diagnosis, but it had been mentioned, and I read up on that as well as other disease of the lower GI tract.
One of my most recent posts provided insight in to how what we consume today, or even ten years ago, affects our health a few years, or even 40 years, down the line.  Toxins store up in our bodies, and for a number of bio-logical reasons, are not excreted. If you would like specifics, I encourage a book titled "Health & Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life - Harness Your Body's Natural Healing Powers" by Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.  If you are looking for a "light read" this book is NOT it.  It is more of a textbook - there are very few illustrations, pages are filled with 10 point font type. It is a book that requires an alert mind, or one with a purpose - for me, it was to find out what caused my mother's dire situation.

While reading Blaylocks's book, chapters dealing specifically with the pancreas and toxicity - I was pleased to read  that certain flavonoids, ellagic acid and such found the in the AB Anti Oxidant & Immunity Booster are specifically beneficial to pancreatic healing. Amen for that!  I had gone to the hospital armed with AB Anti-oxidant & Immunity Booster, a 3 oz. powerhshot, 40 calories that supplies nutrients equivalent to 5000 calories of vegetables and fruit. God's natural medicine cabinet is always number one in my book of healing treatment. My mother had had such a miraculous turn around overnight that I was able to give her 3 power shots, or 15,000 calories of anti-oxidants to help fight the infection, in one day.  I knew God would have His hand in removing the infection from her body and  use the booster drinks as His tool.
My mother is on the mend, infection remains and surgery awaits, but lets look at...

The Cause of Pancreatic Disease

Dr. Russell Blaylock states diseases of the lower GI are all directly related to diet.  Pancreatic cancer is increasing in the United States by leaps and bounds in the past 10, 20 years and Blaylock attributes much of this to processed meats. Nitrates, nitrites are heavily used to preserve hotdogs, sausages and brats, BACON, deli meats, and well.... processed foods period are laden with chemicals. Pancreatic cancer is one cancer that Blaylock states can be avoided.
Hey bacon lovers....a tip from Blaylock, himself a bacon lover, rinse your bacon off in lukewarm water and it will help remove the nitrates and nitrate preservatives; pat dry before frying.

From other publications I have also learned that the pancreas is your "overflow" system. The liver is the filter for toxins consumed, but when we give the liver more than it can handle, or it is not detoxified (think of this as putting in a new, clean filter as you would for your furnace twice a year) - the excess toxins find their way to the pancreas.  This is why it is so important to detoxify your body several times a year. Not to be confused with  a colon cleanse, a body detoxification supports all major organs of the body. Detoxification systems are not the same. I am not an advocate of fasting for detoxification.  A healthy detox should include CLEAN eating so your body has fuel for energy, as one can actually  become fatigued when the body is in process of shedding toxins.

A key ingredient that many detoxification solutions are missing is chlorella. A sea algae based cleanse, per Dr. Joe Mercola, chlorella is the only ingredient that can help flush mercury from the body. Mercury is consumed by most of us, without realizing it. Mercury is found in many OTC and prescription drug medications. Vaccinations also inject mercury into our body. AND unbeknownst to most of us, including myself until a few years ago, the silver amalgam fillings from the dentist contain mercury. Each time I chew, I am releasing mercury into my system. I don't have the money to have them removed and replaced with ceramic fillings, and for now, must keep in mind the importance of detoxing every 3 or 4 months. Fortunately, the 7 day body cleanse I use does contain chlorella to help eliminate mercury from the body.
Medications add toxicity to your body. Being of a synthetic nature, the body cannot excrete all traces of medicine. Synthetic substances, whether it be artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or medications - build up. The liver cannot filter an overload of these substances. If you drink diet soda or energy drinks with artificial ingredients, and take medications in addition - it's a double whammy against your liver. Artificial ingredients, per my chiropractor, often manifest as kidney or gall stones. When you have no gall bladder, such as my mother whose gall bladder was removed a number of years ago, you can still get a gall stone. Problem is, there is no gall bladder to contain it.  For my mother, a large stone parking itself on top her bile duct caused a life threatening situation. 

Getting Past A Toxic GI System

Vegetables. And lots of them!  Eating raw, blenderized vegetables is the best way to restore a healthy GI tract. Vegetables high in curcumin, quercetin and hesperadin are highly desirable to restore and detoxify the pancreatic system. Top choices should include broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. While recovering from a serious bacterial infection meats should be avoided, especially processed.
Cabbage is a top choice to help fight bacterial infections, and carrots make for a great blood cleanser. Lemons are known for having antibiotic and anti bacterial properties.

As I have said in previous posts, food is either fuel or poison.  Live food provides energy and is fuel for the body, with vegetables being the greatest fuel you can consume for your body.  If you are in need of more energy - eat in living color, and it can detoxify and change your life!

To your health,

Rita

"Hungry For Change" - We All Should Be!

Our children, today's young people, is the first generation that is expected to have a shorter life span expectancy than their parents/ancestors. Does this bother you? It certainly does me!

Earlier this month I received a link to a trailer for a new documentary called "Hungry for Change".  It is yet another film about the food industry and how it is making us sick as a nation. I say "yet another" not because I think there are too many of these types of films, but because it is an indication that there is an urgent need to educate the public so that we make smarter choices for our own health, and that of our children. 

It's a trailer preview of a documentary that is not yet released - you can view the trailer until March 31.

  http://www.hungryforchange.tv/free-worldwide-online-screening

I saw the trailer two weeks ago and it just came in my email again today as a reminder to preview before the end of the month. I don't know if there would be anything new for me in the full length film when released - but perhaps. It's a good reminder for our children to see these documentaries as well so they understand why our house is void of so many foods that their friends may have in their home. When our daughter asked for a snack the other day and all we had was apples, she wasn't thrilled. However, we did get to the store and restocked with organic carrots, and orange and red bell peppers washed and sliced into strips - one of her favorite snacks.

If you have not yet seen "Food Matters"   or "Forks Over Knives" you can check out trailers on YouTube. 

I know the South Central Library System has both documentaries as well as others. Watching these videos could be catalysts that help turn around your health, OR help prevent you from a future of Rx, disease, or cancer. Food Matters was a free download for one time watching from amazon.com  some time ago, but I am not sure if it still is.

God did not design us to get old and diseased.  But the foods in our grocery stores are doing just that to our bodies, and the drug companies are reaping the benefits. Disease, toxicity, lack of functioning immune system - and cancer rates are climbing, especially in our children. It's not coincidence. The foods God designed for us to eat can reverse symptoms and disease.

For your health - and for those that love you, I pray you check out these documentary trailers and consider checking the full version out of the library.

I thank everyone for the  birthday wishes, and like me, if you are not happy with your health, you CAN put it in reverse and turn back time and the affects of aging on your body! Nutrition based on whole foods vs. boxed and canned foods is key; and hormone balance is also a part of the equation. 

Love you all!

To your health - it is my goal to help you feel great, look great and live great!

Rita S.

What You Eat Today Affects Your Life Years Down the Road

"In 1997, a report from Columbia University School of Public Health, New York, stated that 95% of all cancer is caused by diet and environment. Cancer doesn't just happen!...By learning how and why cancer develops, you can learn how to support your cells to prevent and reverse cancer. Even if cancer is highly advanced in your body, it is never too late to start the process of restoring health"  - an excerpt from the book, "Never Fear Cancer Again  - How to Prevent and Reverse Cancer" - by Raymond Frances, M.Sc

If you already have cancer - never give up hope! It is amazing what God has provided in nature for our use as healing foods. If you don't already, learn to LOVE broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, garlic, onions and ginger. Rich in flavonoids, which are critical for apoptosis (programmed cell death - critical in eliminating cancer cells from the body), anti-oxidants to control inflammation. Flavanoids suppress a cell-signaling molecule that generates inflammation and promotes cell growth - something you DO NOT WANT if you have cancer.  The cruciferous vegetables named above provide high doses of quercetin, curcumin and ellagic acid - so eat your brussel sprouts!  My family tried growing them last year and we had beautiful, bushy plants -but no sprouts.  Perhaps it was the drought, even though my husband diligently watered, but we are doubling the plants this year and we are going to learn how to prepare them to LOVE them. I should try juicing them as well, as cauliflower and brussel sprouts are best eaten raw, broccoli can be light steamed - for the most nutritional benefit.

But today, rather than focus on what one SHOULD put in their body - I want to share a topic that has come to forefront lately quite a bit in the various health newsletters, books and articles I am reading.  There is quite a bit of in depth information available, and I will go into further detail another time...but for now, I really want to make my friends aware that ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS in our foods is NOT A GOOD THING. I don't care how it is marketed, why it was created in a lab, what the supposed benefits are....the end result is the side effects are not worth it.

Artificial ingredients are not metabolised by our body as real foods are. In fact, the body has a hard time recognizing synthetic foods, and cannot break them down entirely. These food additives are stored up inside our body. These "frankenfoods" foreign substances build up - it is higly conducive to inflammation, numerous diseases and symptoms, including the manifestation of cancer cell growth.

You can be perfectly healthy, eat well, perhaps your only vice is diet soda.  Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners, and most likely, artificial coloring. Over the years these foreign ingredients take a toll.  We are so used to "chalking it up as old age" when in reality, we don't have to become old and achy.

I encourage you to read labels, avoid artificial ingredients and take care of your self for the many days ahead.  Consuming products with aspartame, Splenda (sucralose), processed fructose, hydrogenated oils, etc. - all contribute to a toxic environment within your body...and eventually, a day will come ...granted it could be 50 years later, but a day will come when you attribute all your aches, pains, disease, and maybe even cancer - to getting old. When in reality our disease has been building through the years when we started ingesting ingredients we can't even pronounce.

To your health,
Rita S