Category Archives: Health

3 Reasons The Vegan Diet Fails For Most People

These is a teaser for the much longer article I am writing on Veganism. This upcoming article discusses and dispels all myths, concerns, and questions I have ever heard come up around eating a Vegan diet.

I completely believe in Bio-Individuality. We are all very beautifully Different! We have different body types, blood types, constitutions, sensitivity levels, to name a few. AND, we are ALL designed to be Vegan.

Most people define their attachment to animal foods as a need. The fact is, we do not need animal products of any kind to survive, live, or thrive. In fact, humans are natural vegans! Animal foods actually became part of our diet long after we evolved into who we are today.

Dr. T. Colin Campbell, professor emeritus at Cornell University explains that:

“The birth of agriculture only started about 10,000 years ago at a time when it became considerably more convenient to herd animals. This is not nearly as long as the time [that] fashioned our basic biochemical functionality (at least tens of millions of years) and which functionality depends on the nutrient composition of plant-based foods.

In the book The Power of Your Plate, Dr. Neal Barnard, President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, states that:

“Early humans had diets very much like other great apes, which is to say a largely plant-based diet, drawing on foods we can pick with our hands. Research suggests that meat-eating probably began by scavenging–eating the leftovers that carnivores had left behind. However, our bodies have never adapted to it. To this day, meat-eaters have a higher incidence of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other problems.”

The premier authority on anthropological science, paleontologist Dr. Richard Leakey, explains that

“[y]ou can’t tear flesh by hand, you can’t tear hide by hand…. We wouldn’t have been able to deal with food source that required those large canines” (although we have teeth that are called “canines,” they bear little resemblance to the canines of carnivores). We lack sharp claws to seize and hold down prey. Our hands are actually perfectly designed for grabbing and picking fruits and vegetables. Also, we have the intestines like other herbivores, ours are very long (carnivores have short intestines so they can quickly get rid of all the rotting flesh they eat).”

We do not have instinct to chase, kill, and devour the raw carcasses of animals (at least most of us are, hopefully). Most of us also feel bonds with and love for animals. If we were only designed to hunt and kill them, we would have absolutely no feelings for animals.

There were times of great scarcity thousands of years ago when we were hunter-gatherers. At that time, we may have needed a little meat in our diets, but we don’t need it now! Especially when we are living in a time of severe Global Warming and 51% on the planet of all Greenhouse Gases are caused by the Meat and Dairy Industries (EVEN your Organic meat and dairy!). The UN has even published a public report  which says that Vegan diet is vital to save the world! http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/06/02-7

Download the full UN report here:http://www.unep.org/resourcepanel/documents/pdf/PriorityProductsAndMaterials_Report_Full.pdf

The 3 Reasons a Vegan diet EVER fails for ANY One

1) Lack of High Nutrient Density.

Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, etc are NOT enough! We need wild  and ancient, pre-hybridized food to thrive to our highest potential.

For example, Spirulina has 3.6 billion years of evolutionary wisdom coded in its DNA! A hybridized fruit you buy at the market, created to be more desirable to our over-sugared dulled taste buds (to be super sweet and often seedless), has some nutrients, but not enough to thrive on alone.

Protein is NEVER something to be concerned about when going Vegan! The most common question I receive as a Vegan is “what do you do for protein?” That’s SO easy, plant foods, such as algae, green-leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocado have plenty of bio-available protein to nourish our bodies, helps us thrive, feel amazing, and even be a body-builder or tri-athlete! Spirulina has more protein by weight than any other food on the planet! The high-protein diet is only an outdated fab and untruth! We only need ten percent protein maximum daily. Beileve, I was a non-believer too – I thought I needed animal protein to live or even feel okay, until I took the time to detoxify my addiction to it. And – I am an O+, Vata-type that feels better with more protein and fat than some others.

Taking the the time and patience to end my dependence on animal foods, is an expression that I am thinking about and feeling other beings and the health of the planet in my food and product choices, other than just myself and my own needs. And, I am infinitely healthier, happier, and more spiritually attuned to the planet and all beings!

2) Lack of Proper Detoxification Methods.

If you are ever transitioning to a more pure, plant-based diet – detox will and does happen! You body needs help discarding of the masses of toxins being dumped into your elimination organs as you detox from the less ppure diet you were eating before. Colon Hydrotherapy, Colon Cleansing, and other organ cleansing is a MUST!

Without additional cleansing, toxins are being dumped into the body faster than they are eliminated. This  results in ‘Feeling Bad and Weak’ – continual cravings, loss of energy, etc. This so often leads people to say that a ‘vegan diet just didn’t work for me or it isn’t for me’. This is understandable, because to few of us actually know what is happening inside our bodies when we make this kind of diet change.

3) Lack of Balance in what you are eating and drinking.

ALL processed and refined foods must be eliminated in order to ever be healthy and feel good. Many people on a new vegan diet, will stop consuming animal foods, but continue to eat these foods, even if occasionally at restaurants or from boxes and bags you buy at your natural foods store. Yes, most food at the natural/health food store is processed or refined and not optimal for a helping our bodies thrive! AND, even if you eat a 100% whole food diet -  fruits, veggies (and even additions of grains and nuts) alone will never lead to long-term success!

We need to be eating a VAST spectrum of different types of foods and always eat with the Seasons -  like herbs, roots, spices, Chinese herbs, Ayurvedic herbs, medicinal mushrooms, wild foods, etc.  which balance our body’s nourishment, temperature, constitution, etc. in addition to the typical foods we may eat (fruits, veggies, grains, etc.).

More to come. . .

Thank you! :)

Toxic Skincare Products And Unsafe Cosmetics That Are Lurking In Your Home and IN YOUR BODY (And How To Let Go Of Them!)

 
- Do you eat whole, organic, unprocessed foods, even massively powerful superfoods, yet still buy soap and shampoo at the drug store or department store?
- Do you believe that a commercial, chemical-based anti-aging product is the only EFFECTIVE way to protect yourself from wrinkles and aging?
- Do you read the labels on your skincare, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other body products as carefully as you read the ingredients on a box of food?
 
 

For many of us, all the products we use on a daily basis ‘slide under the radar’ when they come into our home! We never think to question what ingredients may be in our makeup, or a hand soap, or our facial cleanser.

It was a revelation when I woke up to the fact that every single product that touches my skin (or I inhale, in the case of cleaners, perfume, candles, anything that has ‘fragrance’) HAS AN EFFECT on my body and on my wellness!

Skin care has always been a great passion of mine. It is a heavenly way for me to deeply care for myself. I also lived most of my life with Psoriasis, Acne, Eczema, Rashes, and highly reactive skin. For many years, I was using a ‘normal’ regimen of cleansers, moisturizers, makeup, and eye serums from popular department stores, online stores, and even natural food stores. I always bought the ‘organic’ brands that promised beauty with beautiful labels. I kept trying new ones and spent hundreds of dollars a month in the hopes that something, anything ‘might help me get rid of my skin conditions and stop the breakouts!’

As I began eating a healthy, natural diet many years ago, I also started using natural skin and body care. My evolution toward purity in my diet grew hand-in-hand with the purity I sought in skin and body care products. As my diet became more pure, it also felt intuitive to me to use more pure skin and body care products. It wasn’t until I began living a 100% Raw Vegan lifestyle, that I realized the degree to which purity is not only important, but also essential for our bodies and spirits to thrive!

With my new way of eating came increased sensitivity – I simply couldn’t use any of the ‘Organic’ and ‘Natural’ skin and body care products I was using before without feeling sick or getting worse breakouts. I was also in a place where I no longer was willing to accept having bad skin. I desired beautiful, healthy skin so much that I studied and researched endlessly, and constantly experimented with different products for skin and different ways of healing my body and my skin. I did this for years. And also for years, I searched for skin and body care that would be both radically healing and effective

‘Why would I eat chemical-free food, yet use any chemicals on my skin?!’

(even the chemicals in supposed ‘natural’ skin care’)

This became not only a question for me to ask, but to answer and live that answer. That was a life-changing decision! My skin immediately started clearing up! And it is not only clear, but also radiantly beautiful now! I was so used to having bad skin for so long that when I receive compliments on my skin, which is a very frequent occurrence now, I am still surprised!

I healed multiple chronic diseases in my body and have beautified my skin by removing chemicals from my life and choosing food and skin care that are as close to nature as possible.

I knew that the Purity I found through toxin-free organic skincare, shampoo, and body products was my gift to share with the world!


That’s why I’ve created Purify My Life!

This is a FREE downloadable .pdf report that will teach you:

  • WHY Purity is an essential secret to Beauty
  • And WHAT you can do to take your body from toxic to Pure!

That’s it – I am giving away this program to you today, because I care! No catches! I strongly encourage you to download it immediately! (Link is at the bottom of this post.)

Now – I’ve got a SURPRISE for you!

In addition to creating a free .pdf report, I am going to COACH you through the 10 days of purifying YOUR life.

This is called the Purify My Life 10-Day Coaching Program!


Enjoying my Clear, Radiant Skin!

Enjoying my Clear, Radiant Skin!

 

A 10-Day Coaching Program for FREE! Available INSTANTLY!

(Now, if you just want to download Purify My Life, go ahead and scroll to the bottom of this post. You’ll see the link there.)

Enter your name and email right here, and I will immediately start you on the coaching process to Purify YOUR Life!

(Again, there’s no catch, it’s totally free and we DO NOT share your email with anyone else. Integrity always. Spreading the Love only.)

Purify My Life 10-Day Coaching Program
* indicates required

Thank You for joining me on this transformational journey! Here’s to Purity!
 

WITH LOVE,

Jill SignaturePlusPicthumb

***

Click Here To Download Purify My Life

Dangerous Beauty: Poison Lips

Photo Credit: Auntie P
I am perpetually flabbergasted by the amount and type of toxins found in beauty products. It is quite a challenge finding skin care products, even “natural” and “organic” ones that are free of toxic chemicals and substances. It is even more challenging to find makeup that is toxin free, especially mascara andick. I cannot tell you how many makeup brands I have researched or tried in an attempt to find a product free from substances that I don’t want to use on my body. I offer wonder “why in the world do they need this ingredient in here?” Many chemical ingredients are used for fragrance, texture, color, and as preservatives – all of which can be substitutes for natural, plant or mineral ingredients. Well, one of the most troubling ingredients found in cosmetics is lead. Yes, lead! Lead in Lipstick. Why? Good question, because it serves absolutely no purpose towards the manufacturing or the end product.

There are strict law prohibiting the use of lead in house paint and the federal government requires home sellers and landlords to provide information to buyers and tenants regarding their knowledge of lead paint in residences built prior to 1978.

People can get lead in their body if they: put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths, eat paint chips or soil that contain lead, or breathe in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces).

Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults because children’s growing bodies absorb more lead and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from: damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity), slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches. Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from difficulties during pregnancy and other reproductive problems (in both men and women). Other effects are high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain. Lead can affect the body in many ways.

~ Consumer Product Safety Commission

This is why it is so bizarre and befuddling that lead is found in many commercial lipsticks! Anything that we use on our lips enters our mouth and then the inside of our body in small amounts all day long. We also might kiss others, including children, and they in turn will have the ingredients of your lipstick entering their bodies, through oral ingestion and skin absorption.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, www.safecosmetics.org, has done a great service in researching the issue and in working towards making a change. Here they answer pressing questions about this significant health concern:

From: A Poison Kiss: The Problem of Lead in Lipstick
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
October 2007
www.safecosmetics.org

Q: Does lipstick really contain lead?

A: According to independent lab tests initiated by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, some lipsticks available for sale in 2007 contained lead. The report, “A Poison Kiss,” names the brands tested and the levels of lead found in them (see page 10 of the report). More than half of 33 top-brand lipsticks tested (61%) contained detectable levels of lead, with levels ranging from 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm). One-third of the lipsticks exceeded the 0.1 ppm FDA lead limit for candy – a standard established to protect children from directly ingesting lead. Among the brands tested found to have the highest lead levels were L’Oreal, Cover Girl and Christian Dior – showing that the more expensive brands are no safer than drugstore brands.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration followed up on our report with its own tests of lead in lipstick, released in 2009 (see next question for more details).

Q: What did the 2009 FDA study of lead in lipstick find?

A: FDA used a new analytical method to look for lead in lipstick, and found that the lead levels in lipstick are much higher than previously reported. FDA found that three manufacturers had much higher lead levels in their lipsticks than other manufacturers, but FDA did not name those brands.

In a study of 20 samples of red lipstick, FDA found lead levels ranging from 0.09 to 3.06 parts per million. The highest lead level found by FDA was more than four times higher than the highest lead level found by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in the 2007 study (0.65 ppm).

FDA’s study found an average level of lead in lipsticks of 1.07 ppm – more than 10 times higher than the FDA’s limit for lead in candy of 0.1 ppm, a limit set by FDA to protect children from lead exposure. The candy limit is based on the reasoning that 0.1 ppm is the lowest lead level that can be achieved in candy. Using the same logic, FDA should immediately set standards to require manufacturers to minimize lead in lipstick to the lowest possible levels.

Q: Which lipsticks contain the most lead?

A: We don’t know. FDA noted that three manufacturers had the highest lead levels in their study, but they did not name the brands. Lipstick by “Manufacturer A” in the FDA study contained 11 times more lead than the average lead found in the 10 lowest samples.

In the 2007 study, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics also found that a few brands had consistently higher lead levels compared to other companies. The worst offender in the CSC study was L’Oreal, which made three of the top five highest lead-containing brands. Cover Girl and Maybelline NY (made by L’Oreal) also had higher lead levels.
Q: The FDA Web site states that the lead found in lipstick samples by the agency is not a safety concern. What is this assessment based on?

A: FDA said it has assessed potential harm to consumers from use of lipstick containing lead at the levels found in its testing. However, the new FDA study does not consider or address the safety of lead in lipstick – it is only about detection of lead levels. FDA does not provide any studies or method of review to explain its conclusion about safety. The agency says only that, “[l]ipstick, as a product intended for topical use, is only ingested incidentally and in very small quantities.” However, we know of no studies that investigate how much lipstick is absorbed into the body. Such studies are not required of industry, and have not been conducted by FDA.

FDA also notes that the lead levels it found are lower than limits recommended by other public health authorities for lead in cosmetics. The agency mentions a draft recommendation in Canada, and a ruling from California’s Proposition 65 law, which does not consider science on neurotoxicity in its assessments. FDA does not mention that lead is banned from cosmetics sold in the European Union.

There are additional problems with the FDA Web site Q&A on lead in lipstick: FDA incorrectly states the average amount of lead found in lipstick in its tests (the average value was 1.07 not .97), and incorrectly states the number of products tested by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (we tested 33 products, not 25).

Q: Are the FDA findings consistent with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ 2007 study of lead in lipstick?

A: Yes, although the levels of lead found by FDA are much higher than the levels found by the CSC. CSC found lead levels (in 33 samples) ranging from zero to 0.65 parts per million. FDA found lead levels (in 20 samples) ranging from 0.09 to 3.06 ppm. All lipstick samples in both studies were red.

The FDA used a new analytical method to look for lead in lipstick, and determined that earlier methods, including the method used by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, may have underestimated the amount of lead in lipstick.

FDA noted that three manufacturers had the highest lead levels in their lipstick, although they would not name those brands. In the CSC tests, L’Oreal, Maybelline and Cover Girl lipsticks consistently had the highest amounts of lead, compared to other manufacturers.

Q: How can I find the FDA study?

A: After two years of correspondence between FDA and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the FDA study was finally released in the July/August issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Science, and made available at a cost of $35. The study must be purchased from the journal’s Web site.

The FDA did not publish the full data set, including the names of brands tested matched with the levels of lead found in those products. The public deserves to know which lipsticks contain the most lead. FDA used taxpayer money to conduct this study and the results should be fully and readily available to the public.

Q: What are the health concerns of lead in lipstick? Is just a little bit of lead really harmful?

A: Health experts argue that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children or pregnant women.

“Since recent science suggests that there is truly no safe lead exposure for children and pregnant women, it is disturbing that manufacturers are allowed to continue to sell lead-containing lipsticks,” according to Dr. Sean Palfrey, a professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston University and the medical director of Boston’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. “Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development.”

In a review of recent science published in the April 2008 Current Opinion in Pediatrics, David C. Bellinger, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School concluded: “No level of lead exposure appears to be ‘safe’ and even the current ‘low’ levels of exposure in children are associated with neurodevelopmental deficits.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states: “No safe blood lead level has been identified.” The agency suggests avoiding all sources of lead exposure.

Q: If lead is dangerous primarily for children, why do we have to worry if it’s in products marketed to women?

A: In order to protect children from unnecessary lead exposures, it is necessary to protect pregnant women, and all women of childbearing age. Teenagers and young girls using lipstick are exposing themselves to lead, which builds up in the body and stays in their bodies for years.

“Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels. The latest studies show there is no safe level of lead exposure,” according to Mark Mitchell, M.D., MPH, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice.

Lead is also linked to infertility and miscarriage.

Q: Why does lipstick contain lead?

A: Lead is a considered to be a contaminant in lipstick, and therefore it is not listed on labels. Lipstick can become contaminated with lead in two ways: raw materials used in the lipstick may be contaminated with lead, or the pigments (paints) used in the lipstick contain lead.

FDA noted that the lipsticks containing the most lead came from three manufacturers. The CSC study also found that a few manufacturers consistently had the highest lead levels. This indicates that some companies are using better manufacturing practices than others.

Q: What can people do to avoid lead in lipstick?

A: Unfortunately, there is no way to know how much lead is in your favorite lipstick. We must call on FDA to immediately set standards to require manufacturers to reduce lead to the lowest achievable levels, and call on FDA to make public the full results of its study, including the brands tested and how much lead they contained.

Q: Are there government standards regulating lead in lipstick?

A: There are no standards in the United States limiting lead in lipstick. It is legal for lipsticks sold in the U.S. to contain any amount of lead, without any notice to consumers.

Lead is banned from all cosmetics sold in the European Union.

Lead is listed under California’s Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects, meaning that manufacturers of products containing certain levels of lead must notify consumers of risk. The state has said 5 ppm is the actionable lead level in lipstick. However, the Prop 65 calculations do not include the latest science on neurotoxicity, which shows that lead can cause brain damage in children and fetuses at extremely low levels.

Canada has a draft recommendation to allow up to 10 ppm lead in lipstick. This level, which is only a draft and has not been finalized, is much too high. Obviously, manufacturers can do much better than that, and government standards should require manufacturers to make lipstick with the lowest achievable levels of lead.

Q: Do other makeup products contain lead (e.g. foundation or eye shadow)?

A: Possibly. Lead could be a contaminant (and therefore not appear on ingredient labels) or an ingredient in other cosmetics products, like hair dyes (where it shows up as lead acetate), but since it is not illegal to use lead in cosmetics in the U.S. and since no government body requires pre-market testing for cosmetics products it’s tough to say. We do know that there are plenty of ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects, reproductive problems, obesity and other serious health problems in cosmetics.

The Good News
You can have beautifully colored luscious lips without worrying about affecting your health! At Living Earth Beauty, we disclose ALL ingredients. Why? Because we are proud of them. Our only purpose is to nourish and heal. We carry lip color that is pure, natural, and never ever has or will contain anything that could harm you or your loved ones. Check out our moisture lip colors here. You can also mix the any of the mineral makeup blush or eyeshadow colors with the uncolored lip balms to custom create any lip color you desire.

If you would like to have more lip color options and types available, we have several more we could add to our store – let us know in the comments below or send us an email.

The Dirty Thirty

 

Photo Credit: OrangeCounty_Girl

Photo Credit: OrangeCounty_Girl

If you see any of the following ingredients in skin, hair, oral, and body care products, NEVER purchase them. Or, if you already have the products, THROW THEM OUT immediately (please try to dump out the contents, and wash, then recycle the container). Remember, even many so-called ‘natural’ products contain these ingredients.

This list was compiled by Teens for Safe Cosmetics (www.TeensforSafeCosmetics.org).

1.      ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM and OTHER ALUMINUM COMPOUNDS

Function: Used to control sweat and odor in the underarms by slowing down the production of sweat.

Present in: Antiperspirants. Banned by EU.

Health concerns: Linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease; may be linked to breast cancer; probable neurotoxin; possible nervous system, respiratory, and developmental toxin.

2.       BENZYL ACETATE

Function: Solvent; hidden within “fragrance.”

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Linked to pancreatic cancer; easily absorbs into skin causing quick systemic effects; animal studies show hyperemia of the lungs; possible gastrointestinal, liver, and respiratory toxicant; possible neurotoxin.

3.       BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE and BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE

Function: Antimicrobial agent, deodorant, preservative, biocide.

Present in: Moisturizer, sunscreen, facial cleanser, acne treatment, pain relief. Restricted in Japan and Canada.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; may trigger asthma; possible organ system toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and brain, nervous system, respiratory and blood effects; possible carcinogen.

4.       BRONOPOL

Function: Preservative.

Present in: Moisturizer, body wash, facial cleanser, makeup remover, anti-aging products. Restricted in Canada.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; lung and skin toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and gastrointestinal, brain and nervous system effects; irritant.

5.       BUTYL ACETATE

Function: Solvent in polishes and treatments, prevents chipping.

Present in: Nail polish and nail treatments.

Health concerns: Repeated exposure causes skin dryness and cracking; vapors may induce drowsiness or dizziness; flammable.

6.       BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT)/ BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE (BHA)

Function: Anti-Oxidant; slows down the rate at which product ingredients change in color.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Banned by EU.

Health Concerns: Immune system toxicant; endocrine disruptor; probable human carcinogen; animal studies show brain, liver, neurotoxin, reproductive and respiratory toxicant.

7.       ETHOXYLATED INGREDIENTS:CETEARETH/PEG COMPOUNDS

Function: Surfactant, emulsifying or cleansing agent, penetration enhancer.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Animal studies show brain, nervous system and sense organ effects; irritant; reproductive and skin toxin, alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin and increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; may contain harmful impurities.

8.       COAL TAR

Function: Controls itching and eczema, softens and promotes the dissolution of hard, scaly, rough skin, also used in hair dyes.

Present in: Shampoo and Hair Dye. Banned by Canada and EU.

Health concerns: Known human carcinogen; skin and respiratory toxicant.

9.       COCAMIDE DEA/ LAURAMIDE DEA

Function: used as foaming agents in shampoos and bath products, and as emulsifying agents in cosmetics; foaming and cleansing agents for “mouth feel.”

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Human immune system toxicant; forms carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds if mixed with nitrosating agents; animal studies show sense organ effects and skin irritation; may contain harmful impurities.

10.   DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)

Function: pH adjuster.

Present in: Sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, hair color.

Health concerns: Skin and immune system toxicant; possible carcinogen; irritant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and neuro developmental, brain and nervous system effects; may trigger asthma.

11.   ETHYL ACETATE

Function: Solvent.

Present in: Nail polish products, mascara, tooth whitening, perfume.

Health concerns: Probable neurotoxin; possible nervous system toxin; possible carcinogen; irritant; highly flammable

12.   FORMALDEHYDE

Function: Disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, preservative.

Present in: Deodorant, nail polish, soap, shampoo, shaving cream. Restricted in Canada. Banned by EU.

Health concerns: Immune system, repertory, hematological, and skin toxicant; probable carcinogen and cardiovascular toxicant; can damage DNA; may trigger asthma; animal studies show sense organ, brain, and nervous system effects; possible human development toxicant.

13.   FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING PRESERVATIVES ( QUATERNIUM-15, DMDM HYDANTOIN, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA AND  IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, DEA, MEA, TEA)

Function: Anti-microbial preservative.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Forms nitrosamines when in the presence of amines such as MEA, DEA and TEA; probable immune system, blood, cardiovascular and skin toxicant; possible carcinogen; animal studies show endocrine disruption, nervous system and organ system effects; may contain harmful impurities.

14.   FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)

Function: Deodorant, masking, perfuming

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; possible neurotoxin; can contain between 10 and 300 different chemicals, many of which have never been tested for safety; see phthalates. Labeling can be confusing. If uncertain, check with manufacture.

15.   HYDROQUINONE

Function: Antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, skin bleaching agent, hair colorant.

Present in: Skin fading/lightener, facial moisturizer, anti-aging, sunscreen, hair color, facial cleanser and moisturizer. Restricted in Canada.

Health concerns: Immune system and respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; possible carcinogen; irritant; animal studies show endocrine disruption.

16.   IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE

Function: Preservative.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Restricted in Japan.

Health concerns: Human toxicant; possible liver immune system toxin; allergenic.

17.   LEAD and LEAD COMPOUNDS

Function: Colorant.

Present in: Hair dye, hair products. Traces found in some red lipstick. Restricted in Canada.

Health concerns: Probable carcinogen; developmental, respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive toxicant; reduced fertility; animal studies show metabolic, brain and nervous system effects; suspected nano-scale ingredients with potential to absorb into the skin

18.   METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE (MI/MCI) and METHYLCHLOROISOTHAIZOLINONE

Function: Preservative.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Restricted in Canada and Japan.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; animal studies show restricted growth of the axons and dendrites of immature nerves, neurotoxicity and positive mutation results; can lead to a malfunction in the way neurons communicate with each other; especially detrimental to  a developing nervous system.

19.   OXYBENZONE (BENZPENONE-3)

Function: Sunscreen Agent; Ultraviolet Light Absorber, UV Absorber; UV Filter.

Present in: Sunscreens and makeup

Health concerns: Associated with photoallergic reactions and immunotoxicity.  Probable carcinogen and endocrine disrupter; Enhanced skin absorption and bioaccumulates to dangerous levels; biochemical cellular changes.  Developmental and reproductive toxicity.

20.   PARABENS (METHYL, ETHYL, PROPYL AND BUTYL)

Function: Preservative and anti-bacterial agent.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: May alter hormone levels, possibly increasing risk for certain types of cancer, impaired fertility, or alteration of the development of a fetus or young child; studies have found parabens in breast tumors; probable skin toxicant; animal studies show brain and nervous system effects.

21.   PETROLATUM (PETROLEUM)

Function: Forms barrier on skin; makes lipsticks shine and creams smoother; inexpensive skin softener.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Banned by EU.

Health concerns: May be contaminated with impurities, linked to cancer or other significant health problems.

22.   PHTHALATES (DIBUTYL PHTHALATES)

Function: Fragrance ingredient, plasticizer, solvent.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Banned in EU.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; developmental and reproductive toxin; respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor; bio-accumulative in wildlife.

23.   P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE (PPD)

Function: Hair colorant.

Present in: Hair dye, shampoo, hair spray. Restricted in Canada.

Health concerns: Immune system and respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; eczema; possible nervous system, skin, kidney and liver toxicant; irritant; may trigger asthma and gastritis; shown to cause cancer in animal studies.

24.   PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Function: Solvent, penetration enhancer, conditions skin, controls viscosity and keeps products from melting in high or freezing when it is cold.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin and increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; animal studies show reproductive effects, positive mutation results, brain and nervous system effects and endocrine disruption.

25.   SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

Function: Surfactant, penetration enhancer.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; Irritant; animal studies show sense organ effects.

26.   TALC

Function: Absorbs moisture, anti-caking agent, bulking agent.

Present in: Blush, powder, eye shadow, baby powder, deodorant.

Health concerns:  Carcinogen; link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer; talc particles are similar to asbestos particles and data suggests that it can cause tumors in the lungs; probable respiratory toxin;

27.   TOLUENE

Function: Antioxidant, solvent to improve adhesion and gloss.

Present in: Nail polish and hair dye.

Health concerns: Liver toxin; probable developmental, nervous system and respiratory toxin; possible cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, renal and sense organ toxin; possible carcinogen and reproductive toxin; irritant; highly flammable;

28.   TRICLOSAN

Function: Anti-bacterial agent, deodorant, preservative, biocide. Reduces and controls bacterial contamination on the hands and on treated products.

Present in: Antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, mouthwashes, face wash and cleaning supplies. Restricted in Japan and Canada.

Health concerns: Probable endocrine disrupter and carcinogen; easily bio-accumulates to dangerous levels; irritant; animal studies show reproductive and other broad systematic effects; potentially contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other significant health problems; studies have shown it can actually induce cell death when used in mouth washes.

29.   TREITHANOLAMINE (TEA)

Function: Fragrance ingredient, pH adjuster, surfactant.

Present in: Hand & body lotion, shaving creams, soap, shampoo, bath powders and moisturizer.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; possible carcinogen; animal studies show endocrine disruption; may trigger asthma; forms carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds if mixed with nitrosating agents.

30.    1,4 DIOXANE

Function: Penetration enhancer

Present in: Body lotion, moisturizers, sunless tanning products, baby soap, anti-aging products..

Health concerns: EPA classifies it as a probable carcinogen found in 46 of 100 personal care products marketed as organic or natural, and the National Toxicology Program considers it a known animal carcinogen.  Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to high levels of 1,4 dioxane has caused vertigo, drowsiness, headache, anorexia and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs of humans.  It may also irritate the skin.

How to Travel in Health, Vibrancy, and Gratitude

Baby Coconut Tree



Traveling within the country

I always plan in advance when I am going to be away from home for several hours and when traveling for a longer period of time. I bring snacks like veggies, fruit, nuts, etc. when away from home or traveling. When on a road trip or camping, I bring a cooler full of fresh food and veggie juice I make just beforehand. I also bring a green food powder, like Billy’s Infinity Greens, so that when the veggie juice runs out I have an easy dose of energy and nutrients – just add water. When traveling by airplane, I also always bring my own snacks. The food at airports should be avoided at all costs. Never get stuck there hungry and unprepared. Also, I find out ahead of time where natural foods markets and sometimes where raw and vegan restaurants are at every destination. Always plan to nourish yourself with healthy, fresh food where ever you are! You’ll find yourself more energized, relaxed, and content.

Traveling Internationally

Traveling from a place of gratitude and abundance is so essential for having an enjoyable, expansive experience, and for being a gift to the places and people you are around wherever go you (rather than being a burden or bringing negativity). Be at peace with and have no expectations of having access to the same types of foods that you have at home. For instance in South and especially Central America, there are very few vegetables available. There are veggies like carrots, zucchini, cucumber, cabbage, and onion in many local markets, but for the most part they are imported from Mexico. If you are used to receiving your veggies organic and fresh from the garden or farm, like I am, it is best to see these foods as blessings and infuse them with blessings, as they are not fresh, pretty, or organic. In most countries, there is no Organic Certification and in fact the same meaning of the word ‘organic’ does not exist. There is a plethora of fresh tropical fruit: Papaya, Watermelon, Pineapple, Banana, and Plantain. Most of the fruit is not organic either. There is the potential that some fruit from very small orchards could be, but there just is no way of knowing.

Tip: Most nourishing, highest quality food to eat while in a tropical place: wild coconuts right from the tree.

Bring along what you can

I brought along Billy’s Infinity Greens, as I always do when I travel. I also brought Raw Organic Royal Jelly Powder. For solid food, I brought seeds and nuts. Dried fruit, like Goji Berries, are also great. Any food that is not immediately perishable, and is simple and full of nutrients is ideal. Jed and I only brought very small backpacks with us, so I had a minimal amount of space for food. I fairly quickly went through my solid food, as  adjusted to the smaller amount of food that was available. By the time I ran out, my body adjusted to the smaller amount of food, and the coconut and fruit became more satisfying.

Know food names in the language of the country you are visiting

This is essential for receiving what you want and avoiding what you don’t want.

Blessing the Food

I am someone who would much rather fast than eat low quality food. I would prefer to live on water rather than eat non-organic food. But, while traveling, it just was not possible to do a long-term fast without have a nourishing structure to be part of. I also am not a proponent of long-term water fasting. Therefore, I had to surrender to the fact that I was going to be eating non-organic food and rather than focus on that fact, I focused on being grateful for that food. I have a practice of saying a prayer of gratitude for food before I eat it. When the quality is questionable, I also add a blessing to the food by placing my hands over it or just by speaking silent words to infuse it with love, health, and increase its vibrational energy.

Eating Raw while traveling

Eating raw while traveling in the US, or other countries where fresh, organic food is available is the easiest thing in the world! We are SO blessed! Here’s what I do: for the most part, except from time to time when there a tantalizing raw restaurant nearby or I feel a desire for more complex flavor, I eat as simply as possible. I do not require “meals” and really no preparation. I primarily mono-eat, or eat one type of food at time, for ease of digestion, assimilation of nutrients, for the pure joy of simplicity and of taste of pure foods just as they have been gifted to us. This makes traveling so free, easy, and delightful. All you have to do is bring organic veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, sprouts, (and dehydrated snacks if you wish) with you. Fresh fruits and veggies that are easy to travel with are: all fruits, avocado, sprouts, cucumber, sugar snap peas, carrots, celery, etc. I also shamelessly stuff handfuls of mixed greens and lettuces in my mouth. If I am traveling in a car or have access to a car, I also am always visiting the local natural foods markets, or even check for raw food restaurants if I am near an area that I suspect could have one.

While traveling internationally, especially to third world countries, it can be very challenging to eat raw, especially if food quality is essential to you. Eating raw in certain areas of the world, like South America, Asia, and Africa can also create health challenges due to bad water for washing the veggies.

Find a trusted source of food

In Ecuador, I researched and guided myself to places where the food came from an organic garden, as much as I possibly could. There are a few inns and resorts throughout the country that do have their own organic gardens where much of their produce comes from. I did not eat anywhere but three trusted places the entire time we were there, and yet I still managed to pick up unwanted friends – parasites and bacteria.

Deciding whether to travel raw or not

I have been eating purely 100% raw vegan organic food for nearly two years now and even just eating one meal of cooked food would be a huge shock to my body. I felt that trying my absolute best to minimize risk of food contamination while maintaining my diet for the sake of my body, my beliefs, and my consciousness outweighed the perceived ‘safety’ of eating cooked foods with or without unhealthy refined oils, refined salt and seasonings. etc. HOWEVER, if you do not eat raw, or eat a percentage of raw, I do suggest that you avoid eating uncooked vegetables. Only eat fruit that has a thick peel-able skin. Do not drink anything made with ice. (Sometimes you can watch them make smooties, which is the best option for me – especially when I saw the cook dumping spoonfuls of white sugar into it!) Fresh Juice without ice or water is okay. And of course, only drink bottled water directly out of the bottle or that you have seen come from a sealed bottle.

You don’t have to eat only raw to travel healthily

Prepare several cooked meals ahead of time and pack them in glass containers or BPA-free plastic storage containers. Prepare items are good to eat cold. Bring plenty of your favorite healthy snacks with you. Stop at natural food markets, instead of eating out, if possible.

Being Different

Living in the United States and especially California is a very unique experience. There really aren’t any other places in the world that are remotely similar, in a vast number of ways. One such way is food. From my experience traveling through most of our beautiful country, California is the capitol of conscious eating and especially Living Foods. I have felt so embraced, included, and (almost :) ‘normal’ in California. I had the exact opposite experience while traveling in Belize and Ecuador. There was absolutely no comprehension what was eating ‘organic’, ‘vegan’, or ‘raw’ meant, and why one would do that. Some people treated me as an alien out of curiosity, but primarily as alien for being completely crazy, strange, and silly! I always do my absolute best to be in total respect and honor of people and their culture. Therefore, I was in full respect of any feelings around my way of living. My personal tendency is that I do not like attention. I try to be under the radar as much as possible. However, since eating is something that we all do regularly, and I either had to ask for what I needed (since I was entirely reliant on other people for food most of the time), or I was eating around other people and they were curious about me. Oh my, this was quite a learning and practice of awareness, surrender, and patience for me. I do not like attention, and yet I received around the clock attention. I prefer not to defend my choices around food or my way of being in general conversation, and yet I was asked what I was eating and why I eat that way for nearly every meal of every day. Phew . . . that was truly a challenge for me . . . and really positive growth.

Surrender

Surrender to what is, AND ask gracefully and respectfully for what you need if it is available and reasonable. Keep it simple. In Belize, I started out by just asking for veggie sticks, of whatever they had. It ended being carrots, zucchini, and cucumber, eventually. It took about a week (from the same people) to receive what I intended. At first I did not understand, I believed that I was asking for the simplest thing in the world. When it truth, it was more complicated for them than to make the cooked Belizean dishes that were on the menu. Most vegetables, and there are only a small few, are imported into Belize. Truly, vegetables are not a part of the Belizean diet. I stopped asking for vegetables after I understood this and discovered that these foods were imported, despite what I had been told at first. Fruits are grown in Belize, especially Papaya, which is native to Belize, but most Belizean to do not eat much fruit either. I only saw tourists eating fruit. Fruit (Papaya, Pineapple, Watermelon, Banana, occasional Mango, and very green, bitter oranges) are the fruits that are primarily available. Markets, street carts, and most restaurants will have these fruits available. It is ‘normal’ to order a fruit plate. I also happened to be staying on an island for two weeks, so I primarily subsisted on coconuts directly from the trees, and fruit. Both were relatively easy obtain without causing too much of a scene.

In Ecuador, vegetables are much more widely available. Ecuador is vastly more developed than Belize is. However, it still is the case that apart from corn, root vegetables, and legumes, vegetables (especially green ones) are only a small part of the standard diet. There are a variety of vegetables available at markets, and there are a few more places that you can stay that have their own gardens.

Keep bugs at bay

When traveling nationally, take Immune Illume, Digest The Best, and an essential oil based insect repellant with you. When traveling internationally, take the aforementioned products and a product like Miracle Mineral Solution or Adya Clear with you for purifying water and as a very potent way to ensure that no microbes or parasites are able to flourish inside your body. Miracle Mineral Solution is a very intense product, so use with care.

Easy intestinal parasite remedy

I began trying this remedy while in Ecuador, because if there was one thing I could get fairly easily it was Papaya. I did not have all of the products I mentioned above, so this was my best option. A gentle and easy option for parasites. I have not heard that it will work for bacteria, though. One-quarter of a Papaya seed consists of a highly digestible protein, which can be used to eliminate parasites. The seeds are soft enough to chew; yet they are spicy (horseradish-like). You might try blending them with juice or water & raw organic honey. Try at least twenty seeds per day for about five days.

Other acute intestinal bug remedies and cleansing assistance

(All of which I have utilized since leaving South America)

  • Colon Hydrotherapy, Home Enema, Colosan, or other all-natural, herbal, non-stimulant based laxative
  • Garlic (if you prefer to do without the odor of fresh garlic, Kyolic is a good product)
  • Miracle Mineral Solution
  • Probiotics

My most important tip

Be grateful for what is, what you have, where you are, and who you are with. Feel abundant and blessed no matter what the circumstance. You are always and will always be provided for. Right here right now is always a time to live in Love.


Click here to see photos of our incredible travel journey.

Ode to the Miraculous COCONUT

Photo Credit: pielad

Photo Credit: pielad

The Endless Health Benefits of the Coconut

Known as the “tree of life” in tropical cultures the wonderful fruit of the coconut palm has possibly the most health, skin, and functional benefits of any food on Earth. In recent years the incredible coconut has finally begun escaping the myths that had tarnished its name. Many still believe that it is fattening and will clog arteries because of its high saturated fat content, while in fact the opposite is true! Processed coconut products, such as sweet coconut cream, coconut sweets, and anything that has added sugar, trans fats, and chemicals will hurt your body and your waistline. Yet, fresh, pure Coconut is one of the most health-giving plants on the planet!

The following is from the Coconut Research Center
, www.coconutresearchcenter.org/:

For thousands of years in traditional medicine around the world coconut has been used to treat a wide variety of health problems including: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.

Published medical and scientific research also shows the following benefits:

* Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
* Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
* The caprylic acid found in coconut kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
* Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
* Provides a nutritional source of quick and lasting energy.
* Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
* Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
* Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
* Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
* Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
* Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
* Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
* Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
* Helps protect against osteoporosis.
* Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
* Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
* Improves digestion and bowel function.
* Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
* Reduces inflammation.
* Supports tissue healing and repair.
* Supports and aids immune system function.
* Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
* Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
* Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
* Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
* Functions as a protective antioxidant.
* Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
* Does not deplete the body’s antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
* Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
* Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
* Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
* Reduces epileptic seizures.
* Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
* Dissolves kidney stones.
* Helps prevent liver disease.
* Is lower in calories than all other fats.
* Supports thyroid function.
* Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
* Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
* Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
* Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
* Protects from the UV Rays of the sun
* Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
* Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
* Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
* Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
* Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
* Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.
* Helps control dandruff.
* Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
* Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

Coconut Oil: The “Healthiest Oil on Earth”
What makes coconut oil so amazing?
“The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. Fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. In this system you have short-chain fatty acids, medium-chain fatty acids, and long-chain fatty acids. Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids, also known as medium-chain triglycerides. The vast majority of commercial fats and oils, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids.” – Coconut Research Center
All animal fats are extremely damaging to health. Refined Vegetable oils should also be avoided. Only use oils that are cold-pressed, unrefined, and FRESH.

“Our bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending on its size. So the physiological effects of medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are distinctly different from those of long-chain fatty acids more commonly found in unhealthy foods. They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. Medium-chain fatty acids help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease.” – Coconut Research Center

Isn’t Coconut Oil Fattening?
Absolutely not! Coconut oil promotes weight LOSS. Long-chain fatty acids nearly always go to fat storage, while the medium-chain fatty acids are burned for energy. It is a high energy, long-lasting energy superfood! Coconut oil also helps to stimulate metabolism, so you burn more calories each day, which helps with weight loss and energy levels.

Coconut Oil is a Potent Immune Booster
Coconut Oil is overflowing with powerful Lauric Acid. 

Lauric Acid boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria and viruses. Coconut oil is actually one of the closest foods on Earth to human breast milk.
And Coconut water is the closet thing found in nature to human blood plasma. Drinking it is like receiving a blood transfusion! The water of the coconut is also beneficial to the detoxifying organs, such as the kidneys and liver, it recharges you full of electrolytes, and it is the perfect thirst quencher.

“Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is converted by the body into monolaurin. The action attributed to monolaurin is that of solubilizing the lipids, in the envelope of the virus, causing the disintegration of the virus envelope.” – Tom Mountford, The Health Benefits of Coconuts

“Scientists in the Philippines researched the effects of coconut oil and lauric acid on patients with the HIV virus that causes AIDS. Most of the AIDS patients showed a dramatic drop in the HIV virus count, in some cases to “undetectable” levels.” -Sheryl Walters, citizen journalist

 (NaturalNews) Hopefully, more research will further substantiate these findings.

P.S. Good News: If you are allergic to coconuts, you may use coconut oil. Proteins in the coconut meat, not the oil extracted from it, cause the allergy.

Coconut: One of the most perfect Skin and Hair Beautifiers on the planet

The following except for ‘Coconut Oil for Hair and Scalp’ is from http://www.coconut-connections.com, Adapted from The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil by Bruce Fife

Conventional body care products that are made with refined vegetable oils and animal oils generate free radicals both in and outside the body. If you use a lotion or cream with refined oil in it you are in fact causing your skin to age faster. Though it may seem to bring temporary improvement, the product will actually accelerate the aging of the skin and even promote skin cancer through the free radicals that are formed from the refined vegetable oils.

The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption through the skin. It prevents destructive free-radical formation and provides protection against them. It can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots, and other blemishes caused by aging and over-exposure to sunlight. It helps to keep connective tissues strong and supple so that the skin doesn’t sag and wrinkle. In some cases it might even restore damaged or diseased skin. The oil is absorbed into the skin and into the cell structure of the connective tissues, limiting the damage excessive sun exposure can cause. Coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it will aid in healing and repairing long-term damage.

Coconut oil for Hair and Scalp
Saturating the hair and scalp with coconut oil and leaving in for 30 minutes or even overnight for greatest benefit will condition and soften the hair and scalp and help clear dandruff and other scalp conditions.

How Coconut Oil Protects the Skin in total Harmony
Healthy skin has a pH of about 5, making it slightly acidic. Natural skin oils, also known as Sebum, also contain medium chain fatty acids, in the form of medium chain triglycerides. The combination of slightly acid pH and medium chain fatty acids in Sebum provides a protective chemical layer on the skin that prevents infection from disease-causing organisms. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of medium chain fatty acids. Coconut also has about the same pH as the skin, supporting its natural chemical balance.

When bathing or showering, soap washes the protective layer of oil and acid off our skin. By using a coconut oil product you can quickly help reestablish the skin’s natural antimicrobial and acid barrier.

Gorgeous Products Featuring Beautiful COCONUT OIL!

Radiant Love Butter
Delectable edible love lotion for moisture, massage, and play. For body, hands, lips – everywhere. A body or massage oil that glides, slides, smoothes and soothes skin. An organic orange swirl of vanilla and cinnamon dipped into raw oils of cococreme, jojoba and cacao butter for body, hands and lips.

Jai Baby Joy
Fresh infused vanilla beans dipped in coconut crème, jojoba and marula creating a loving oil to glide over a baby’s Jubilant skin. A beautiful libation for the whole family: beauty and baby massage oil for all faces to tiny toes, a blessing for pregnant tummies, for soft supple skin after bathing, and a very kissable men’s aftershave. Babies and bellies get yummier!

Everybody Loves the Sunshine
Let the sunshine in! Nourishment for sun-soaking and sun-soaked skin. Rich oils of the desert: jojoba plant, virgin coco-crème, red raspberry, seabuckthorn, schizandra berry, immortelle, carrot, rose, cape-chamomile, lavender, turmeric, lemon, palmarosa are a cooling canopy to restore and adore your heavenly body. So nourishing it is, the deep drink your whole body has been thirsting for. This Beautiful formula harmonizes your time in the sun.

Best Skin Ever and Ultra Restore & Ultra Sapphire also feature Coconut Oil


Enjoy the Coconut Love!

Eating for Beauty and Health: My first RAW TRAVEL Report: TROPICAL ISLANDS

Photo Credit: KhayaL

Photo Credit: KhayaL

At home I am used to eating a great abundance of Organic vegetables all of the time – in the form of juices, salads, just out of the ground. When I first arrived in on the island in Belize, I was trying to get my hands on as many fresh veggies as I could. After I few days, the vegetables stopped feeling good and right in my body. Even though I was told they were organically grown, I researched with locals and found that they likely were not pesticide free. (‘Organic’ and especially organic certification are non-existent terms here, and pesticides are nearly ubiquitous.) Also, because many of the vegetables do not grow here in Belize they felt wrong in my body while staying on a tropical island!

I never eat tropical fruit at home, even though some grow locally during the spring and summer. Why? Because after several years, even though I have healed myself from many conditions, I still consider myself in the process of healing from a lifetime of damage resulting in Insulin Resistance, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and Hypothyroidism. In order to heal these particular conditions, I was eating a very low glycemic diet with no fruit or sweeteners. I gradually moved to a low glycemic diet, then a low to moderate glycemic diet, which is where I have leveled out and what feels good to my body. I still do not use sweeteners at all except for my beloved unrefined Stevia. I do not eat fruits sweeter than apples and I do not eat dried fruits.

Here, far away from home, it took what felt like a huge amount of surrender to trust that eating what was available, plentiful, and grew naturally right here was the best way to serve my body! There was a time where I almost developed a fear of very sweet fruits (dates, bananas, etc.) because of the damage refined sweet foods had done to my body. Well, after I had my first plate or two of beautiful local fruits – Papaya, Banana, and Pineapple – I felt wonderful! I eat intuitively, based on what I feel I need and what feels good physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – during and after I eat it. Now that I have been here for nearly two weeks and my body has adapted, I have been eating tropical fruits several times a day and that is what feels best to my spirit and body here in this tropical land.

I have a spiritual philosophy on food and nature. I believe that everything is nature was created to be the perfect nourishing, healing, loving gift to all beings. I have loved experiencing this even more fully and apparently as I have begun traveling to new parts of the world. The foods that feel nourishing, balancing, and happy in my body and spirit wherever I am are foods that grow right around me! The food that has been my greatest savior and joy here, and the food that grows wild, entirely without human intervention in total abundance . . . is the divine Coconut!

Surprisingly, few locals drink the coconut water or eat the fresh meat here. There are a few dishes, including the Caribbean variety (such as coconut curry shrimp) or the American variety (such as coconut pancakes or smoothies) that use coconut shreds and canned coconut milk. With locals and travelers alike, carrying a coconut in my arms, drinking the coconut water, and eating the meat has drawn lots of attention – both out of curiosity and oddity. Opening the coconut first to get to the water and then to meat takes some effort! My husband Jed has gallantly, generously, and most lovingly been getting the coconuts for me and uses a machete to quickly open them for water and then for meat, just like a local expert.

An aside – I have always relished the amazing water and meat of the coconut, but do not eat fresh coconuts very often in California because importing them from Thailand takes a toll on the environment and the nutritional value of the coconut. Also, there are few sources for Organic young coconuts in California, unless you live in the vicinity of coconut palms and can get them directly from the tree. There are two resources online that I found – but you have to order in bulk. The sites are: www.genefitnutrition.com and www.rawguru.com Also, you can find these organic young coconuts at Erewhon in Los Angeles. TAKE NOTE: The Young Thai Coconuts you find at your local health food store or Asian Market are NOT organic. (Easily identified – they are white and dome-shaped, not like the older coconuts while have a stringy, brown husk.) ALL of these are dipped in a preservative and pesticide, usually Formaldehyde – ick! Also, never drink the coconut water in boxes and especially aluminum cans! It is not organic and has little nutrient value, if any, left and you’ll be drinking aluminum when you drink it from the cans. You can taste the aluminum very strongly. The only fresh, organic bottled version of coconut water is made by Body Ecology and can be found in the freezer section of your health food store.

Traveling here was a challenge at first. I have become so accustomed to being the one in charge of what I eat and having such an endless abundance of food options! Being in the tropics with very little food options and receiving food from others rather than preparing it myself has been a process of progressing openness, flexibility, and surrender. My surrender to the food and the blessings that are here has allowed even greater joy and gratitude.

Oral Health from the Inside Out

Photo Credit: sweetbeetandgreenbean

Photo Credit: sweetbeetandgreenbean

Proper oral care is extremely important, but the health of your teeth and gums is also primarily determined by how healthy your body is on the inside. Using the best oral care products possible and brushing 10 times a day will not protect against decay if your diet is high in refined foods. The further away a food is from it’s natural state, the more harm it can bring your teeth. Refined foods lead to higher acidic levels in your body. This damages teeth and gums. When the body is acidic, it borrows the calcium and other minerals it is depleted of from teeth and bones.

A diet high in vitamins and minerals is essential for oral health – particularly calcium and vitamins A and D. Vitamins A and C are needed for the absorption of calcium, and calcium is an important element in our teeth.

Choose these foods that are abundant in vitamins and minerals and foods that naturally fight bacteria, remove plaque, strengthen enamel, and freshen breath:

1. Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables are very rich in calcium and they also contain large amounts of vitamin C. They also has contain Fluorine, which fights tooth decay.

2. Vegetables
Green plants have large amounts of chlorophyll, phosphorous, and vitamins A and C, all of which are needed for calcium absorption. Chlorophyll helps build enamel and prevents tooth decay. Vitamin C helps reduce plaque from building up. Broccoli, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin are all vegetables that contain large amounts of vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for the formation of tooth enamel. Crunchy vegetables also bring health to gums by cleansing and stimulating them.

3. Fruits
Most fruits contain good amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C creates the cement that holds all of our cells together. It is vital for beautiful skin, and for the health of your gum tissue. If you don’t get enough vitamin C, the collagen network in your gums can break down, making your gums tender and more susceptible to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Kiwis are particularly high in vitamin C. Berries such as Goji Berries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Camu Camu berry, and Cloudberry are bursting with large amounts of vitamin C.

Be sure to rinse your mouth out with water or brush immediately after eating fruit, so that the sugars and acids are not sitting on your teeth. If you eat citrus fruit, rinse with water, but wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging enamel.

4. Onions
Onions contain powerful sulfur compounds, which kill various types of bacteria. Their antibacterial compounds are most potent when eaten freshly peeled and raw. p.s. There are some tips below for natural breath fresheners.

5. Celery
Celery protects your teeth in two ways: The extra chewing it requires produces plenty of saliva, which neutralizes the bacteria that causes cavities. Additionally, chewing on naturally abrasive foods massages gums and cleans between teeth.

6. Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are high in calcium, which helps preserve the bone around your teeth and gums. Eating Seeds (in their whole form) also slough off plaque and help build tooth enamel.

7. Shiitake Mushrooms
Lentinan, a sugar found in shiitake mushrooms, prevents mouth bacteria from creating plaque.

8. Water
Water cleanses the mouth, allowing the saliva to work wonders depositing essential minerals back into the weakened teeth. Drinking water keeps your gums hydrated and is the best way to stimulate saliva–your body’s greatest defense against the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Rinsing your mouth with water also helps wash away trapped food particles that decompose in the mouth and cause bad breath. If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, be sure to rinse your mouth with water.

Sources:

  1. Berry, Lynn, Beyond Non-Toxic Toothpaste: Tips for Healthy Teeth, NaturalNews.com, December 8, 2007
  2. 10 Most Healthy Foods for Teeth, Dental Health Magazine, April 16th, 2009
  3. Knittel, Linda, 10 Foods for a healthy, beautiful smile: protect your teeth and gums with these stellar foods – Diet and nutrition: how to eat right, Natural Health, Dec, 2002, Weider Publications, Gale Group

My Tips for Oral Beauty

Photo credit: FotoosVanRobin

Photo credit: FotoosVanRobin


Stop Stains
My teeth have started to become stained for the first time in my life because I drink so much green juice. The two best tips for avoiding stains after a drink or meal are to use a straw (I use glass straws) and to brush afterward. If you are unable to brush afterward, at least swish with plenty of water.

Prevent Cavities
Brush your teeth or rinse with water after each meal, snack, or juice, particularly if you eat fruit or something sticky that stays stuck on the teeth like dried fruit.

Freshen Breath
Chewing gum or candy (mints) between meals feeds plaque, which can cause cavities. Instead chew on a cinnamon bark pieces, cloves, peeled cardamom pods, or fennel seeds, which kill bad bacteria and give you a sultry and fresh breath.

Eating parsley or mint leaves not only provides excellent nutrients, but also will help you maintain fresh breath. They both contain monoterpenes, substances that travel quickly from your bloodstream to your lungs, where their odor is released via your breath.*
Keep Bacteria in Balance
We need to encourage healthy bacteria to live in our mouth to prevent harmful bacteria from affecting our teeth. Control unhealthy bacteria with healthy bacteria. Take probiotics and eat lacto-fermented vegetables (such as sauerkraut, kimchee, pickles, and sauerkraut). Make your own or look for the brand Rejuvenative Foods at your health food store. You can also wash your mouth with a mixture of probiotic powder and water to prevent plaque build up.

*Linda Knittel, 2002 Weider Publications, 2002 Gale Group

Secrets of Nature-Empowered Oral Care

Nadine, Oral Care Goddess

Nadine, Oral Care Goddess

Nadine Artemis is the gifted beauty visionary behind Living Libations. She handcrafts essential oils, elixirs, serums and perfumed poetry. She gathers the purest ingredients found in nature, working with the intelligence embodied in plants. Her famous oral care elixirs offer the most pure and effective oral care available.

In these recordings, she reveals her immense knowledge of oral care, and teaches how to take care of teeth, gums, and mouth with her revolutionary products, including Yogi Tooth Serum, Health Gum Drops, and Neem Enamelizer. Enjoy!

Successful Oral Care (28 minutes)

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Successful Self Dentistry (53 minutes)

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