IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE TO BE HEALTHY, AT LEAST DO THESE 5 THINGS, BY LARA DALCH

Lara Dalch from MindBodyGreen.com had this to say about taking the time for yourself:

Okay. You're busy. I get it. Between work, friends, family, and life, taking care of YOU is at the absolute bottom of your priority list. I hear it every day, from friends, family, potential clients, and even from myself on occasion.

But let me ask you this: How much time is it costing you NOT to take care of yourself?

• How many minutes have you spent staring blankly at your computer screen because your energy crashed?
• How many hours are you a zombie during the day because you were up until 2am surfing the web?
• How much time is lost dealing with doctors' appointments because you get sick all the time and don't know why?

Add it all up and tell me in the comments what you come up with. If you're like most of my clients (before they work with me), it's not a pretty number.

Here's how to streamline your self-care so you can fit it in without bending over backwards: 

1. If you do nothing else, make sleep a priority. It's no coincidence that I made this number one. Sleep might be the single biggest missing piece to your health puzzle (and to your weight management puzzle, in fact). Being sleep deprived messes with our hunger and stress hormones, making us prone to binging on calorie-dense foods with lots of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and fat. The energy boost from these foods disappears quickly, leaving us depleted and more tired than before.

2. When you make food choices, think efficiency. Eating food that fuels you is your best defense against time wasters like low energy and frequent illness. Choosing foods that give you the most nutritional bang means you spend less time eating and more time doing. Nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and beans give your body what it needs on less. Make it a priority to choose them first, whenever possible, instead of wasting time on options that leave you hungry an hour later and searching for more food.

3. Even if you're slammed, get up for 10 minutes and take a walk around the block. Tune into your own personal "I need a break alarm" by noticing what happens in your body when you've hit a wall. Does your back ache? Do you stare at your computer screen for just a little too long (without actually doing any work)? Does your stomach feel a little funky? Once you identify your body's "alarm," start listening to it! Giving yourself these short little movement breaks when your body calls out for them is a quick way to avoid burnout and reduce stress.

4. Take 20 minutes a week to plan your meals. I know, I know: Who has time to plan? Two small things will make a huge difference in how well you eat and whether or not you move your body: (1) Using your calendar; and (2) Taking 20 minutes a week to plan your meals. Put workouts, meal planning time, and cooking time ON YOUR ACTUAL CALENDAR. It's a game changer, I promise; and will most definitely save you time on the back end.

5. Use the 4-7-8 breathing technique. There's nothing more healing than using a tool that you have with you at all times: your breath. A favorite of my clients, the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique (or "paced breathing") is an amazing way to refresh your body and mind wherever you are. Here's how it works: Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4. Hold the breath for a count of 7. Breathe out strongly through your mouth (like you're blowing up a balloon) for a count of 8. Repeat that cycle 3 to 4 times. That's it. It only takes a few minutes and will bring your stress level down, and your sense of wellbeing up, almost instantly.

Do these five things and you'll be the picture of health…in no time.

Let me know how if you try any of these techniques.  Danaface12@yahoo.com

WHAT ARE BLACKHEADS, WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND WHAT CAN YOU DO TO TREAT THEM?

Blackheads are said to be the first stage in acne. They can develop into a pimple and are formed before bacteria invade the pores of the patient's skin. Certain hormones can overstimulate the sebaceous glands causing an overproduction of sebum when some reach puberty.

Sebum is designed to lubricate the hair and skin and usually drains out of the pore opening on the surface. Each follicle contains one hair and a sebaceous gland that produces sebum. Sometimes the sebum becomes blocked with dead skin cells and bacteria begin to accumulate. If the buildup of bacteria and sebum has no opening to the surface of the skin it is called a whitehead.  A blackhead forms if the pore opens to the surface allowing air to enter.

Sebum contains melanin, a pigment. It is the same substance that gives skin its color. Melanin turns dark (oxidizes) when exposed to air. That is why blackheads are dark. The dark color does not mean they are dirty, and scrubbing does not remove them.

Several conditions and circumstances can cause blackheads, or make them worse, such as the use of topical oils and make up. Choose oil-free makeup, lotions and sunscreens to avoid making your problem worse.I recommend washing your face when you wake up and before you go to bed to remove oil buildup that can cause blackheads.  Even if you are oil, washing more than twice each ay can irritate your skin and make your skin produce more oil. You can use either a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic cleanser to wash your face.  These cleansers work by killing bacteria, drying excess oil and forcing the skin to shed dead skin cells. Leave on topical benzoyl peroxides and salicylic acid can also help.

I like to use exfoliating scrubs and masks to remove dead skin cells from my face to help reduce blackheads.  I love Apriori Beauty’s Pure Detox Clay Masque, www.aprioribeauty.com/bydana

 

If over-the-counter treatment doesn’t improve your acne, your doctor may suggest that you use stronger prescription medications. Medications that contain vitamin A, such as tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene keep plugs from forming in the hair follicles and promote more rapid turnover of skin cells. These medications are applied directly to your skin. Your doctor may also prescribe another type of topical medication that contains benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics. This type of medication may be particularly helpful if you have pimples or acne cysts in addition to blackheads.

An esthetician can help by removing the blackheads through extractions manually.  Many dermatologists office have an esthetician on staff, and some insurance companies pay for acne extractions.

Questions? Feel free to contact me at danaface12@yahoo.com.

READ WHY GOJI BERRIES ARE GREAT FOR YOUR SKIN!

Praised as the ultimate antioxidant superfruit, goji berries are known for their abundance of anti-aging properties.  Loaded with 11 essential dietary trace minerals (including calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and selenium) amino acids, vitamin C and carotenoids, goji berries help reduce inflammation, firm the skin, protect your skin against sun damage and reduce appearance of scars, gving your skin that healthy and youthful glow we all crave.

Goji berries are just one of the many beneficial botanicals found in Apriori Beauty's Nutrient Reservoir.  All of Apriori Beauty's product contain the anti-aging benefit of the Nutrient Reservoir, from their skin care products, their elixir, their hair care products and their makeup.

The Nutrient Reservoir is also part of the Celloxylin Pure Detox Masque, on SALE for 20% off during the month of  May when you purchase it with the Activating Tonic.  Read my archive blogs on why I like using toners.



 The Pure Detox Masque exfoliates with pumice, and detoxifies and purifies skin by drawing out impurities with a potent combination of cleansing clays, nourishing and protecting NutrientReservoir™ ingredients, plus the natural Enviro-Extract Blend™ which helps to remove additional heavy metals from the skin and aids in guarding against oxidative environmental pollutants. Followed by the ultra-cooling Activating Tonic that visibly transforms skin and prepares surface cells to receive and optimize the benefits from the NutrientReservoir™. Skin’s appearance immediately improved, refreshed, and luminous.

 SAVE 20% ALL MONTH – Detox and Tone your face with Apriori Beauty’s favorite Detox Masque and Activating Tonic. Specifically priced together in this limited-time set, enjoy the full-size Celloxylin Pure Detox, Purifying Masque (4oz | 113 g) and Activating Tonic (4 fl oz|120 mL) all month long. (BV 28) Reg. $80 Your Price: $64.00


To purchase Click Here:  Pure Detox Masque and Activating Tonic

Questions? Contact me at danaface12@yahoo.com

HERE'S AN ALTERNATIVE EXFOLIATING TREATMENT YOUR SKIN WILL LOVE

Looking for an alternative way to exfoliate your  skin with a tool that does not break capillaries and can be used on everyone's skin, except active cystic, pustular acne. You will want to have a treatment done with the Dermafile Exfoliating Tool from your esthetician. Your esthetician can combine the treatment with an enzyme or mild chemical peel depending on your skin type for further exfoliation.

Exfoliating your skin is one of the most important steps in a regular skin care routine.  Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and can help with clogged pores, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Your skin will feel smoother and your makeup will go on easier.

These files help flatten out sebaceous hyperplasia and smooth out keratosis pilaris. I have had great success on myself with some sebaceous hyperplasia on my face.  I have treated a young girl with a very stubborn case of keratosis pilaris using the Dermafile and some homecare products and had tremendous results.

The Dermafile is a skin polishing and resurfacing tool made of stainless steel and finely crushed cosmetic diamonds and looks like the mirror that the dentist uses to see the backs of your teeth.

Watch this video: https://youtu.be/Oe-cy4c2Mpw

Need help with what skincare products to use on your skin?  Contact me at danaface12@yahoo.com

MAY IS NATIONAL SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Did you know that 1 in 5 men and women will be diagnosed with melanoma of the skin during their lifetime with an estimated 74,000 new United States cases diagnosed in 2015?  Skin cancer is on the rise.

A common area for women to be diagnosed with melanoma was the legs.  However, the chest has recently taken become the most common area for melanoma.  In men, the back is the most common place.  However, melanoma can be found anywhere.

There is a new FDA approved medical device for skin cancer detection called the MelaFind.  It is an optical imaging analysis painless tool that analyzes irregular growth patterns under the surface of a mole. It is used to obtain additional information to help the doctor's decision to biopsy a suspicious lesion.  Dermatologists have to be specifically trained to use this device. For more information on melanoma and the importance of skin protection, visit skincancer.org.

To help your skin defend itself against the sun, make sure you wear a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 25 or 30.  Anything higher than a SPF 30 is only adding more chemicals to your skin without much more protection.  The key is to reapply every 2 hours if you are outside.

I recommend the Celloyxlin Day Defense Plus, Broad Spectrum SPF 25 for the face, neck and chest by Apriori Beauty.  This ultralight anti-aging moisturizer doubles as a sunscreen and moistruzier.  It is hydrating and reduces wrinkles while defending against the harsh effects of the sun at the same time.

As with all of Apriori Beauty's anti-aging products, the Celloyxlin Day Defense Plus is on the safecosmetics.org list.  Apriori Beauty's products are free of parabens and are gluten-free.  They have an advanced anti-aging Nutrient Reservoir in their products, including their makeup and haircare products.

To purchase, click here:  aprioribeauty.com/bydana

Apriori Beauty would love to have you come on board as a beauty consultant.  For a nominal fee of $5 plus the purchase of their Detox Purifying Masque at $44.00,  you are automatically able to get Apriori Beauty products at a discount.

Interest? Contact me at danaface12@yahoo.com.

CAN EATING COCONUT OIL REALLY IMPROVE YOUR BAD CHOLESTEROL?

Coconut Oil Can Save Your Life

10 Supported Reasons Why Coconut Oil Can Improve or Heal Your Body and Mind

By Jorge Noboa in Health+Fitness

 

Does coconut oil have proven properties to treat and cure disease? Although clinical evidence is still limited, there is increasing literature available from sites such as the US National Library of Medicine and other health communities, with supporting research to flip the scale on this debate.
Just like any natural alternative, we must be open minded and understand progress is being made to clearly understand the clinical effects of coconut oil on the human organism. A lot of past opposing arguments have been disproved. The benefits of coconut oil do hold weight and if there is a good chance its properties can save or improve your body then it must be presented.
The following are some benefits of coconut oil. Some are clinically backed and some are based on testimonials. Just remember, to achieve health benefits, the importance is on your overall food intake rather than on the specific nutrients. Please use the information and facts presented here to make your own assumptions on the relationship between coconut oil and wellness. If you have any experiences you would like to share on the subject please be sure to comment.

1. Improves cholesterol levels

Coconut oil is rich in saturated medium chain fats. Half of these saturated fats are known as lauric acids. According to research found in the US National Library of Medicine, “TC:HDL-C ratio…is significantly decreased by lauric acid.”
To sum it up, the good ‘HDL’ cholesterol is raised. The bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol is lowered.

2. Helps Burn Fat

According to Conrado S. Dayrit, MD, coconut oil consists of about 65% medium chain fatty acids (aka MCFA). These fatty acids are metabolized rapidly. They do not turn into transport or biosynthesize into cholesterol.
Dr. Dayrit says, “Coco oil is not deposited in adipose tissues and therefore does not lead to obesity. It is primarily an energy supplier and as fast a supplier of energy as sugar. MCFAs therefore differ in their metabolism from all the long chain fatty acids, whether saturated or unsaturated.”

 

3. Heart Health – Reduces The Risk of Coronary Complications

The Coconut Research Center states that the risk of heart disease is lowered because of the dominant good HDL’s. As mentioned before, coconut oil’s medium chain fats increase good HDL cholesterol and decrease bad LDL cholesterol.
A second supporting argument is the fact that heart disease can be caused by damage of the arterial lining, “According to current thought atherosclerosis initially develops as a result of injury to the inner lining of the arterial wall. The injury can be the result of a number of factors such as toxins, free radicals, viruses, or bacteria. If the cause of the injury is not removed further damage may result.” Coconut Research Center further states that this leads to blood clots. Virgin coconut oil contains antioxidants, which can serve as an anti-inflammatory, fight against infections and heal wounds much faster.

4. Helps With Damaged Skin and Wrinkles

Coconut oil has the “ability to accelerate re-epithelialization, improve antioxidant enzyme activity, and stimulate higher collagen cross-linking within the tissue being repaired” according to Greenmedinfo.com. It also shows to sooth and speed up the recovery of burn wounds.
Research on the subject of virgin coconut oil has shown the following results in rats: “VCO-treated wounds healed much faster, as indicated by a decreased time of complete epithelization and higher levels of various skin components. Pepsin-soluble collagen showed a significant increase in VCO- treated wounds, indicating a higher collagen cross-linking. Glycohydrolase activities were also found to be increased due to a higher turnover of collagen. Antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde levels were found to be increased…returned to normal levels on day 14 in the treated wounds. The lipid peroxide levels were found to be lower in the treated wounds. A histopathological study showed an increase in fibroblast proliferation and neovascularization in VCO-treated wounds compared to controls.”
According to Mygreendiet.com, “it is easily absorbed by the skin and helps prevent and lighten stretch marks. Its antiseptic quality keeps skin young and healthy and relatively free from infections.”

5. Helps Keep Bones and Teeth Healthy

Yep you heard it. Virgin coconut oil can reduce oxidative stress within the bone. This can prevent structural bone damage for patients with osteoporosis.
Research featured in the US National Library of Medicine shows that the antioxidant activity of the oil and the inhibition in lipid peroxidation (degradation), caused fibroblast proliferation (synthesis of the extracellular matrix and collagen), neovascularization(imperative stage in wound healing), and healing recovery.

The paper quotes,” VCO can prevent lipid peroxidation and increase the antioxidant enzymes in the osteoporotic rat model. Therefore, supplementation of antioxidant-enriched diet as virgin coconut oil may shed light on the development of new alternative therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis and prevention of fractures.”

6. Nervous System Function – Can Improve or Reverse Alzheimer’s Disease

Sayer Ji , founder of Greenmedinfo.com, references a study published in 2006 in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, in which results shows that administering medium chain triglycerides, which is highly found in coconut oil, resulted in an increase in ketone bodies. The subjects in this study were all suffering from Alzheimer’s and those with less severe cognitive dysfunction showed cognitive improvement.

7. Improves Lung Function and Protects against bronchial infections

Lauric acid, found in abundance in coconut oil, is used to treat viral infections including the bronchitis, the flu and the common cold, according to WebMD. Coconut oil with its antioxidant tissue healing properties aids in reducing the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. A boosted immune system also contributes in regulating oxygen intake and breathing.

By Jorge Noboa in Health+Fitness

8. Colon and Breast Cancer Prevention

Makecoconutnotfat.com has some great info and studies backing this claim. It’s great to see that the same properties in coconut oil can work across the board, to aid several organs and diseases.
According to their research, “coconut oil in its raw state is anti-carcinogenic, which means its own properties fight the agents responsible for causing and spreading cancer. Carcinogens potentially increase a person’s cancer risk by altering the way in which cells metabolize or by damaging the DNA of cells. The Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA) found in coconut oil is also anti-microbrial, which prevents cancer cells from spreading and boost the immune system.”

9. Helps Increase Testosterone

Dr Mike Hart told the Huffington Post that dietary factors and a low-fat diet can be attributed to low testosterone. Medium chain triglyceride oils, as found in coconut do the opposite for testosterone levels.
According to Sayer Ji , founder of Greenmedinfo.com, “Coconut oil was found to reduce oxidative stress in the testes of rats, resulting in significantly higher levels of testosterone.”

10. Improve Metabolism and Thyroid Function

Referring back to the properties of lauric acid and all of its functions as detailed in this article, it is clear that it serves its purpose. A low immune system increases inflammation and this is turn affects the thyroid metabolism negatively. Enters coconut oil, to regulate the immune system and fight the inflammation.
Healthimpactnews.com states,”50 percent of the fat content in coconut oil is a fat rarely found in nature called lauric acid. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties. Lauric acid is a powerful virus and gram-negative bacteria destroyer, and coconut oil contains the most lauric acid of any substance on earth!”
In Mygreendiet.com, Mary Jolley, mentions a book by David Wolfe, Eating For Beauty, in which he says, “Young coconut water is identical to human blood plasma, making it the universal donor. Plasma makes up 55% of human blood. The remaining 45% of our blood consists of hemoglobin, which is essentially transformed plant blood (chlorophyll). When we consume a drink consisting of 55% fresh coconut water and 45% fresh green-leaf juice, we give ourselves and instant blood transfusion.”

Ok.  Good to know these 10 benefits of coconut oil because I like to cook with it and to do oil pulling for my my teeth in the morning.  Many benefits to doing this first thing in the morning.  You can google how to do this.  

PHYSIOLOGY OF ESSENTIAL OILS by doTERRA

Written by Dr. David Hill, Chief Medical Officer; an industry expert on wellness and essential oils, Dr. Hill is the chairman of the dōTERRA Scientific Advisory Board.

The beneficial effects of essential oils are easily perceived through examination of their history of use and ever expanding acceptation throughout westernized health care. There are a number of adorning descriptors used to describe essential oils, primarily because their effects on the human body are so pronounced and, at times, appear to be truly miraculous. At dōTERRA, we often refer to essential oils as “gifts of the Earth.” However, when viewed through a scientific perspective, the explanation behind their biological activity becomes easily understood. One can simply say that essential oils are physiologically active, or in other words, essential oils work by stimulating change and specific function within the body.

Physiologically Active

A well-understood principle directly related to the benefits of essential oils is that they directly influence the body’s cells. In fact, all functionality seen with essential oils is elicited at the cellular level. Two structural features of volatile aromatic compounds allow them to so potently influence cellular function:

1. Lipid solubility

2. Low molecular size

Cells are enclosed in a protective membrane of lipid (fat) molecules that serves as a selective barrier to separate their delicate internal system from the external environment. However, all living cells must exchange materials (nutrients, waste products, etc.) to remain alive. Because essential oils are both lipid soluble and offer small molecular size, they quickly and easily gain access to cells. Few other types of molecules can transverse cellular membranes so easily. Molecules that are larger or are not lipid soluble require specialized active or assisted transport methods to get into the cell (cofactors, transportation vesicles, etc.)

When a cell becomes compromised for any reason, it becomes dependent on additional systems and functions within the body to repair itself. The primary causes of cellular compromise include poor nutrition, inflammation, toxicity, and exposure to pathogenic microbes. When cells are compromised, their ability to respond properly is limited; for example, active and facilitated transport mechanisms across the membrane may be lost until the cell is repaired.

The unique structural characteristics of essential oils give them the independence to influence cellular activity without dependence on the health of the body or the availability of cellular transport systems. There are potentially no tissue barriers to essential oils within the body. For example, there is sufficient scientific evidence to demonstrate the capability of essential oils to cross the blood brain barrier, the most highly selective barrier in the body. This is significant and demonstrates the ubiquitous nature of aromatic compounds.

It is important to know that ubiquity does not mean that essential oils directly affect every cell in the body, but rather, they are selective at targeting specific cells, which in turn triggers systemic responses. We can see one powerful example of this phenomenon by simply investigating limbic responses stimulated through the aroma of an essential oil. When inhaled, the oil directly influences the hypothalamus in the brain. Through its additional connections to the rest of the body, the hypothalamus is capable of triggering neurochemical response in selected tissues. This region of the brain controls many aspects of physiologic functioning including endocrine secretion, blood pressure, temperature, sleep cycles, weight, etc. This is a logical explanation of how systemic, whole body outcomes can occur through even the simplest methods of use.

Therapeutic Range 

To receive the full advantage of these miraculous therapeutic agents, it is important to use essential oils appropriately. The term “therapeutic range” refers to the optimal dosage of essential oils to produce maximum benefits. This range is affected by a number of variables including age, nutritional status, and body composition, so it is important to be aware of your own unique health circumstances and adjust accordingly. For example, a young child will likely require less oil to see a therapeutic effect than an adult.

Although we cannot control every variable governing therapeutic use, we can more appropriately moderate individual benefit though consistency of application. Consistent use involves lower, more frequent doses rather than single large doses. Using a model of consistency is important and is one way to increase sustainable benefit and minimize any risk of reactivity.

How dōTERRA Is Different

The physiology discussed here is specific to aromatic compounds, which are the chemical makeup of essential oils. While this physiology is universal, it does not give consideration to the importance of proper sourcing, harvesting, and extraction methods. What sets dōTERRA apart is not the molecular size or lipid solubility of the constituents in our oils, but rather our commitment to what we refer to as “Co-Impact Sourcing™.” This unique model of sourcing allows us to handselect only the most potent chemistry profiles from around the world while simultaneously refining our multi-faceted production processes to better ensure optimal therapeutic profiling and quality. Essential oils are truly unique and provide consistent healthy outcomes. In extolling their remarkable benefits it is hard not to suggest they are gifts of the Earth.

Interested in learning more about doTERRA essential oils?  Go to mydoterra.com/skincaresolutions