Kids love to mimic their parents — at least until they figure out how incredibly lame we are. But during those early years, nothing seems more fascinating than whatever it is mom and dad do all day.
In fact, whether or not you realize it, your kid is probably watching you so closely, she could slip into your heels and be Mommy for a Day without skipping a beat. Much like this adorable 6-year-old girl, Lulu, who clearly knows exactly what her mom does all day and how to do it …
Lulu is especially precocious when it comes to such grown-up duties as groaning at her computer screen in exasperation, snapping at her assistant, and sitting down at the end of a long day in front of the TV with a reduced calorie frozen dinner and a glass of wine:
Avocados are rich in vitamins A, C, and E and are full of other nutrients like potassium. They contain folate, monosaturated fats and antioxidants. Regular consumption of avocados helps us in many ways. Here are just 10 of them.
1. The monosaturated fats in avocados not only help in reducing LDL cholesterol but are also good for the heart. Avocado also lowers the triglycerides in the blood and thus is useful for diabetic patients.
2. Avocado contains 30% more potassium than banana. The high potassium content helps in regulating blood pressure and prevents circulatory diseases.
3. Avocados are good for pregnant women since the high folate content in them helps in the development of brain and other tissues of the baby. The B6 vitamin in these fruits may help in reducing nausea that is associated with pregnancy.
4. Avocado contains carotenoid lutein. Lutein keeps the eyes safe from oxidative stress, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
5. Avocados have numerous phytonutrients which not only prevent prostate cancer but also repair the damaged cells.
6. Many studies have shown that avocado can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells without damaging the healthy cells. The oleic acid in this fruit is effective in preventing breast cancer.
7. It is a powerhouse of vitamin E which protects our skin from free radicals.
8. Avocado is very effective in stopping bad breath. It also reduces the risk of oral cancer.
9. Being rich in antioxidants, avocado is helpful in preventing aging symptoms. The glutathione in avocado boosts immune systems, slows the aging process, and encourages a healthy nervous system.
10. The nutrients and enzymes in avocado soothes the condition of inflamed mucous lining in the stomach and small intestines. It also improves the body’s ability to absorb carotenoids and nutrients.
Olive oil comes from olives. Sesame seed oil comes from sesame seeds.
But what is a canola? Canola is actually a made-up word for a genetically modified product.
Canola stands for “Canadian oil low acid.” It’s (sadly) a Canadian invention and subsidized by the government. The subsidies make it very cheap to use, so almost all processed or packaged foods contain canola oil. Be sure to read the ingredients. Here’s why you should:
THE SCOOP ON CANOLA
Canola oil is developed from the rapeseed plant, which is part of the mustard family of plants. These oils have long been used for industrial purposes (in candles, lipsticks, soaps, inks, lubricants, and biofuels). It’s an industrial oil, not a food.
Rapeseed oil is the source behind mustard gas, and on its own it causes emphysema, respiratory distress, anemia, constipation, irritability, and blindness. But through the beauty of genetic modification, we now sell it as an edible oil.
The claim is that canola is safe to use because through modification it is no longer rapeseed but “canola.” Except… canola is just genetically modified rapeseed. It has been marketed as a wonder oil that is low in saturated fats with a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid profile. It is recognized by the American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association based on the belief that the absence of saturated fats alone makes it healthy.
It is now believed that rapeseed has a cumulative effect, taking almost 10 years before symptoms begin to manifest. One possible effect of long-term use is the destruction of the protective coating surrounding nerves called the myelin sheath. This is like having raw, open wires in the body. Some symptoms include:
-tremors and shaking -uncoordination when walking or writing -slurred speech -deterioration of memory and thinking processes -fuzzy or low audio levels -difficulty urinating/incontinence -breathing problems/short of breath -nervous breakdown -numbness and tingling in extremities -heart problems/arrhythmia
From a nutritional perspective, canola oil has been found to deplete Vitamin E. It has a tendency to inhibit proper metabolism of foods and normal enzyme function. It also depresses the immune system.
THE SCOOP ON GMOs
Today, 72% of all products from the United States are genetically modified. The top 3 genetically modified foods are:
1. canola 2. corn 3. soy
Not too far behind them are potatoes, tomatoes, sweet peppers, peanuts, and sunflower.
Companies that commonly use genetic modification are:
When an attempt was made for new legislation to force the labeling of genetically modified products in grocery stores, the three companies of Kellogg’s, Monsanto, and DuPont spent $55 millions to fight it and eventually won. It is not mandatory for companies to let the consumers know when they have used genetic modification. Which is why today I refuse to use a Kellogg’s product (very corn-based). Produce that is genetically modified is sometimes identified by a 5-digit number on its sticker that starts with an 8. But not always.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF GMOs ON HUMANS
1. Toxicity
Apparently they have GMO Christmas trees that glow in the dark. Slightly cool, but kind of disturbing. They can also make pigs glow in the dark by injecting them with jellyfish.
2. Allergic reactions
Our bodies were not built to recognize and consume GMOs. They are foreign substances in our digestive system and in our bloodstream.
3. Antibiotic resistance
Many plants are engineered to become resistant. We consume those same toxins and may in turn develop resistances.
4. Cancer
GMOs are an offense to our cells. They depress our immune system and may allow for the onset of cancer.
5. Immuno-suppresion
Our immune system doesn’t recognize GMOs. It works to expel them from our bodies as soon as possible, and has less time to work towards our general well being.
Besides the above, GMOs have a negative effect on nature. It upsets the balance of the earth, harms wild plants, and disturbs the life cycle of wild animals.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Since learning the above, I’ve made some changes. They’re small, but I feel good about them.
I don’t buy or use anything that contains canola. I don’t buy or use any Kellogg’s products. I look at the produce stickers on my fruits and vegetables. Just in case. I stay away from processed foods, as they are most likely GMO. GMOs are a big scary topic. But even without labeling, most of us can incorporate small changes to eat more naturally.
New York Times reporter Benedict Carey referred to tears in a piece as “emotional perspiration.” Given that I sweat a lot and hate deodorant, I suppose it makes sense that I weep often. But I’m not going to apologize for that, because after a good cry, I always feel cleansed, like my heart and mind just rubbed each other’s backs in a warm bath.
In his intriguing article, “The Miracle of Tears”, from which I’ve borrowed some of the research for this post, author Jerry Bergman writes: “Tears are just one of many miracles which work so well that we taken them for granted every day.” Here, then, are seven ways tears and the phenomenon we call “crying” heal us physiologically, psychologically, and spiritually.
1. Tears help us see.
Starting with the most basic function of tears, they enable us to see. Literally. Tears not only lubricate our eyeballs and eyelids, they also prevent dehydration of our various mucous membranes. No lubrication, no eyesight. Writes Bergman: “Without tears, life would be drastically different for humans — in the short run enormously uncomfortable, and in the long run eyesight would be blocked out altogether.
2. Tears kill bacteria.
No need for Clorox wipes. We’ve got tears! Our own antibacterial and antiviral agent working for us, fighting off all the germs we pick up on community computers, shopping carts, public sinks, and all those places the nasty little guys make their homes and procreate. Tears contain lysozyme, a fluid that the germ-a-phobic dreams about in her sleep, because it can kill 90 to 95 percent of all bacteria in just five to 10 minutes! Which translates, I’m guessing, to three months’ worth of colds and stomach viruses.
3. Tears remove toxins.
Biochemist William Frey, who has been researching tears for as long as I’ve been searching for sanity, found in one study that emotional tears–those formed in distress or grief–contained more toxic byproducts than tears of irritation (think onion peeling). Are tears toxic then? No! They actually remove toxins from our body that build up courtesy of stress. They are like a natural therapy or massage session, but they cost a lot less!
4. Crying can elevate mood.
Do you know what your manganese level is? No, neither do I. But chances are that you will feel better if it’s lower because overexposure to manganese can cause bad stuff: anxiety, nervousness, irritability, fatigue, aggression, emotional disturbance and the rest of the feelings that live inside my happy head rent-free. The act of crying can lower a person’s manganese level. And just like with the toxins I mentioned in my last point, emotional tears contain 24 percent higher albumin protein concentration — responsible for transporting many small molecules (which has to be a good thing, right?) — than irritation tears.
5. Crying lowers stress.
Tears really are like perspiration in that exercising and crying both relieve stress. For real. In his article, Bergman explains that tears remove some of the chemicals built up in the body from stress, like the endorphin leucine-enkaphalin and prolactin, the hormone I overproduce because of my pituitary tumor that affects my mood and stress tolerance. The opposite is true too. Bergman writes, “Suppressing tears increases stress levels, and contributes to diseases aggravated by stress, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and peptic ulcers.
6. Tears build community.
In her “Science Digest” article, writer Ashley Montagu argued that crying not only contributes to good health, but it also builds community. I know what you’re thinking: “Well, yeah, but not the right kind of community. I mean, I might ask the woman bawling her eyes out behind me in church what’s wrong or if I can help her, but I’m certainly not going to invite her to dinner.”
I beg to differ. As a prolific crier, especially on video, I always come away astounded by the comments … the resounding support of people I know all that well, and the level of intimacy exchanged among them. Read for yourselves some of the comments on both my self-esteem video and my recent death and dying video and you’ll appreciate my point. Tears help communication and foster community.
7. Tears release feelings.
Even if you haven’t just been through something traumatic or are severely depressed, the average Jo goes through his day accumulating conflicts and resentments. Sometimes they gather inside the limbic system of the brain and in certain corners of the heart. Crying is cathartic. It lets the devils out. Before they wreak all kind of havoc with the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Writes John Bradshaw in his bestseller Home Coming: “All these feelings need to be felt. We need to stomp and storm; to sob and cry; to perspire and tremble.” Amen, Brother Bradford!
About the Author
Therese J. Borchard is the author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes plus The Pocket Therapist: An Emotional Survival Kit.
Years ago, Jackie Silver, Agingbackwards.com was sort of the lone voice in the wilderness singing the praises of coconut oil and now finally, many scientists and physicians are joining the bandwagon realizing that coconut oil is absolutely sensational for many illnesses and ailments.
Offering a myriad of health benefits, coconut oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. I have completely fallen in love with coconut oil and use it for EVERYTHING. Literally. I buy it in 5 gallon increments and keep it all over my house. I even have some in the car. So here is a little information to inspire you to check out this amazing oil including 80 uses for it!
Daily Dosage: Here is a chart outlining the recommended daily dosage of virgin coconut oil for persons over the age of 12. Coconut oil may be consumed by children under 12 but it is advisable to check with a healthcare practitioner on the proper dosage. Any good naturopath will have the information at the ready.
Weight in pounds/kilograms Number of tablespoons of coconut oil daily - see attached chart.
Type to use: · Expeller pressed coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell of taste. · Virgin coconut oil tastes coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor. · Food grade should always be used.
80 Uses for Coconut Oil
Personal Hygiene/Body
1. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face. 2. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening. 3. Preshave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving. 4. Aftershave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores. 5. Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda! 6. Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment – use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight. 7. Hair Gel/Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair). 8. Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush. 9. Make up remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works! 10. Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection! 11. Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub! 12. Lubricant – it is an all natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex! 13. Sunscreen – see my post on natural sunscreen for more detailed information. 14. Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help. 15. Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings. 16. Diaper salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers. 17. Cradle cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily. 18. Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell. 19. Healing – when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy. 20. Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process. 21. Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. 22. Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.
General Health and Wellness
23. Stress Relief – relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level. 24. Digestion – the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around. 25. Fitness – coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle. 26. Nose bleeds – coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme hotness and extreme coldness. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding. 27. For breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich your milk supply. 28. Helps with weight loss & controlling cravings. 29. Helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings in those with diabetes.
Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when taken internally)
30. Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, some don’t 31. Skin problems 32. Toenail fungus 33. Hot flashes 34. Bleeding hemorrhoids (can also be applied externally twice a day) 35. HIV 36. Head lice 37. Improvements in menstruation regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow 38. Migraines (with regular use) 39. Mononucleosis 40. Parasites 41. Thrush 42. Relieve gallbladder pain 43. Has helped some people improve symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal 44. Energy boost 45. Flaky, dry skin 46. May relieve acid reflux and indigestion when taken with each meal 47. Adrenal fatigue 48. Alzheimers 49. H. pylori 50. Candida albicans 51. Asthma, even in children 52. Autism 53. Cholesterol – improves HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) to HDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol 54. Chronic fatigue 55. Circulation/feeling cold all the time 56. Stronger immune system 57. Mental Clarity 58. Depression 59. Helps with inflammation in Crohns
Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when applied topically)
60. Athletes foot 61. Back pain/sore muscles 62. Canker sores 63. Acne 64. Cellulite 65. Herpes (applied topically and taken internally) 66. Genital warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts) 67. Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.
Cooking
68. Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil. 69. Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc. 70. Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc. 71. Nutritional supplement – melt and add to smoothies.
Other Uses
72. Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with Deet! Tons safer too. 73. Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily. 74. Goo Gone – just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge. 75. Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out! 76. Polish Furniture – coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like. 77. Polishing Bronze – all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze. 78. Seasoning animal hide drums 79. Seasoning cookware 80. Moisturizing and cleaning leather products
Did I miss any? Do you use coconut oil for something not on my list? Please add it in the comments. I am always excited to find new ways to implement coconut oil!
This woman’s bright smile makes her appear much younger than her age. Credits: AACD
Does work or personal stress make you look older than your real age? A new study says smiling can help you appear younger, but cosmetic dentists say damaged or yellow teeth could have the opposite effect.
The study, conducted at the Max Planck Institute in Berlin, showed that people are most likely to underestimate the age of a person if he or she is smiling. We tend to find smiling faces more attractive, youthful and upbeat. A smile or laugh’s age-defying power may lay in the fact that smile lines make it challenging for an observer to correctly predict a person’s true age, according to Dr. Ed Lowe, editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s (AACD) Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Many people start to see their smile deteriorate during their 30s and early 40s due to lifestyle and health habits that wear teeth and damage skin over time. The AACD shares these tips on how to reverse the effects of aging on your smile.
Tooth contouring and reshaping
Dentists can often tell a patient’s age by checking the wear patterns of their teeth. Teeth naturally wear down, crack or chip as people get older.
Common procedures cosmetic dentists use to rejuvenate smiles include:
Tooth contouring and reshaping. This procedure can correct minor imperfections by simply polishing the worn edges and sharp angles of your teeth, making them appear more aligned and symmetrical.
Porcelain veneers and crowns can restore and enhance a portion or nearly all of a tooth’s original structure, function and esthetics.
Dental bonding conceals gaps, chips and stains by sculpting a tooth colored resin composite to give the appearance of more attractive teeth.
Wrinkle, wrinkle go away
Wrinkles around the mouth are a definite sign of aging. Try these tips:
Use moisturizer around your lips and wear a lipstick or gloss with a SPF of at least 15, preferably higher. This will help prevent further development of new wrinkles.
Stop smoking and try to avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible.
Prevent premature aging and wrinkles by eating foods rich in antioxidants like berries, beans and even dark chocolate.
Replace silver mercury amalgam fillings
Black silver mercury amalgam, which has been used for decades to repair cavities, expands and contracts, causing tiny cracks in teeth that can possibly be a concern over time. Replacing that material with a new tooth-colored composite resin filling may be a prudent approach to both brighten and alleviate any further breakdown of the tooth. For the same reason that tooth decay looks bad, black mercury fillings show your age as well.
Whiten teeth
Teeth become discolored over time from drinking, smoking and neglect. Whitening advice:
Don’t overdo it. A youthful smile is not overly white, but healthfully white. Cosmetic dentists are trained to select the appropriate, natural shade of white.
Once teeth are whitened, avoid staining drinks such as grape juice, red wine, tea and coffee, and definitely don’t smoke.
Dr. Lowe also says that one simple preventative measure is to rinse with water after you eat or drink anything to proactively prevent stains from developing in the first place.
About the AACD
The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics and function. Comprised of more than 6,300 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.
While many foods taste great, they are also powerful healers in a vibrant multicolor disguise. The best healing remedies also taste fabulous (I can’t say that about any prescription medications). Plus, foods won’t cause the nasty common side effects that most drugs cause.
1. Cherries Muraleedharan Nair, PhD, professor of natural products and chemistry at Michigan State University, found that tart cherry extract is ten times more effective than aspirin at relieving inflammation. Only two tablespoons of the concentrated juice need to be taken daily for effective results. Sweet cherries have also been found to be effective.
2. Blackberries 3. Raspberries 4. Blueberries and 5. Strawberries Dr. Nair later found the same anti-pain compound in berries like blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries
6. Celery and Celery Seeds James Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy, found more than 20 anti-inflammatory compounds in celery and celery seeds, including a substance called apigenin, which is powerful in its anti-inflammatory action. Add celery seeds to soups, stews or as a salt substitute in many recipes.
7. Ginger Ginger reduces pain-causing prostaglandin levels in the body and has been widely used in India to treat pain and inflammation. A study by Indian researchers found that when people who were suffering from muscular pain were given ginger, they all experienced improvement. The recommended dosage of ginger is between 500 and 1,000 milligrams per day. If you’re taking medications, check with your health practitioner for possible herb-drug interactions.
8. Turmeric Turmeric (curcuma longa) is the yellow spice commonly used in Indian curries. In research it has been shown to be a more effective anti-inflammatory than steroid medications when dealing with acute inflammation. Its main therapeutic ingredient is curcumin. Research shows that curcumin suppresses pain through a similar mechanism as drugs like COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors (without the harmful side effects). Choose a standardized extract with 1500 mg of curcumin content per day.
9. Salmon 10. Mackerel and 11. Herring Many fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and herring also contain these valuable oils. Omega-3s convert in the body into hormone-like substances that decrease inflammation and pain. According to Dr. Alfred D. Steinberg, an arthritis expert at the National Institute of Health, fish oil is an anti-inflammatory agent. Fish oil acts directly on the immune system by suppressing 40 to 55 percent of the release of cytokines, compounds known to destroy joints. Many other studies also demonstrate that eating moderate amounts of fish or taking fish oil reduces pain and inflammation, particularly for arthritis sufferers.
12. Flax Seeds and Flax Oil Freshly-ground flax seeds and cold-pressed flax oil, contain plentiful amounts of fatty acids known as Omega-3s. Do not cook with flax oil otherwise it will have the opposite effect-irritating the body’s tissues and causing pain.
13. Raw Walnuts and Walnut Oil Raw walnuts and walnut oil also contain the same powerful Omega-3 fatty acids that fight pain and inflammation in the body.
When it comes to pain, food really is the best medicine.
Thank you Nancy Mills for your brilliant idea of bringing so many Spirited Women into the forefront together in such a special way. I am very happy to be associated with leaders from all over the world and look forward to meeting many more fabulous women throughout this new year.
I am so excited and delighted to be in the first-ever Spirited Woman 2012 Directory: Resources for an Inspired Life! The magazine-style Directory features Women Visionaries from six countries and over 25 states, who are changing the world one Spirited Woman step at a time. It is filled with inspirational stories and an array of uplifting resources.
You can find my feature on Page 19.
I love it when my Ageless Sister, Jackie Silver, writes articles because they are on-target for beauty, wellness and overall better health. Here’s her take on gorgeous skin!
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that your skin is your “largest organ” because it just doesn’t seem like an “organ.” Typically we think of organs as heart, liver, kidneys, etc. Ninety five percent of the cells in the epidermis (top layer of skin) work to make new cells and five percent of the cells make melanin, which gives skin its color.
In fact, though you can’t see it happening, every minute of the day we lose about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells off the surface of our skin to make room for the new skin cells. As we age, dead skin cells don’t shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly.
So, what does this have to do with beautiful skin? Pretty much everything. Young skin is considered beautiful skin, which is why the market for anti-aging products for appearance enhancement in the United States is expected to be more than $5.0 billion by 2015, according to Global Industry Analysts.
Here are a few tips for beautiful skin on the outside, with many of them starting on the inside:
Certain vitamins can help improve skin health.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology has reported that researchers saw a reduction of factors linked to DNA damage within skin cells of people who take vitamins C and E, leading them to conclude that antioxidant vitamins help protect against DNA damage. For vitamin C, eat citrus fruit and vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower and leafy greens.
Take the vitamin E you’ve never heard of – tocotrienol.
Vitamin E is actually a group of eight nutrients, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The vitamin E you can buy at the store is usually only the alpha-tocopherol. Tocotrienols have more antioxidant activity than tocopherols and are anti-inflammatory, which has an effect on your skin as well as your “insides.” Look for supplements that list tocotrienol on the label.
Make a mask using Mother Nature’s own Ingredients.
“Mother Nature’s skin softener” (coconut oil) and “Mother Nature’s skin moisturizer” (avocado). About once a week, mash half of a ripe avocado in a bowl and add in a half teaspoon of raw, organic coconut oil (either in its solid or liquid state). Apply a thin layer to face, neck, chest and hands. Leave on for ten minutes. Wash off very thoroughly and pat dry.
Treat your face to an avocado mask once a week.
Make zinc your new best friend.
This trace mineral helps maintain collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its firmness, helping to prevent sagging and wrinkles. It also links together amino acids that are needed for the formation of collagen. Best sources of zinc include turkey, pork, seafood and mushrooms.
Having only egg whites robs you of the essential vitamin A in the yolks that helps to maintain and heal epithelial tissues, with skin being the largest expanse of epithelial tissues you’ve got.
Jackie Silver is the author of Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young. She’s a dynamic and beautiful 50-something bombshell who looks half her age. She created “Aging Backwards” in 2006 to help empower women to look and feel younger than their actual age. Keep reading Ageless Beauty Secrets for more of Jackie’s best tips, tricks and secret weapons for stopping the effects of aging and improving the whole self – mind, body and spirit.
My good friend, Connie Bennett, author of Sugar Shock and soon to be released, Beyond Sugar Shock has repeatedly stated that sugar ages not only your face but the inside of your body as well.
Start now, make a concentrated effort to eliminate sugar from your diet so you’ll look great and feel better about yourself.
Scientists have recently found that people with high blood sugar levels look older than their actual age – one year to be exact.
Announced last week, the joint study carried out by Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands and Unilever R&D has discovered, for the first time according to a press release, a relationship between people’s blood sugar levels and their perceived facial age.
The study found that for people ages 50-70, those who had high blood sugar levels, either due to a poor diet or diabetes, consistently looked older than those with lower blood sugar levels. The findings revealed that for every 1 mmol/liter increase in blood sugar levels, subjects looked about five months older than their actual age.
“The higher glucose people had, they started looking older,” said lead researcher David Gunn in the release. “Diabetics looked older again, and they have had the worst exposure to high glucose levels.”
“This adds extra evidence that there is another reason to have a healthy lifestyle,” he added, “because it is going to affect your appearance as well as your health.”
Scientists believe this aging effect might be due to a buildup of sugar sticking to collagen, which helps keep skin supple. Others believe that glucose hampers insulin production, which may play a role in aging.
Keys to glowing skin and looking younger include adopting a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and that means eating a healthy diet, getting regular sleep, exercising, and reducing stress. Good sleep optimizes the natural secretion of human growth hormone to promote cell turnover, according to WebMD, while exercise increases circulation and the flow of nutrients to your skin.
The handwriting is on the wall, folks! Again, Mike Adams from Naturalnews.com has alerted us to a serious issue that will affect all of us.
(NaturalNews) The God-given human right to freely cultivate food is under attack in New Zealand (NZ) as special interest groups and others are currently attempting to push a “food security” bill through the nation’s parliament that will strip individuals of their right to grow food, save seeds, and even share the fruits of their labor with friends and family members.
In accordance with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Codex Alimentarius scheme for global food control, the NZ Food Bill, if passed, will essentially transfer primary control of food from individuals to corporations under the guise of food safety. And unless massive public outcry and awakened consciences within the NZ government are able to put a stop to it, the bill could become law very soon.
According to NZ Food Security, a group working to protect the food freedom of New Zealanders, the bill will turn growing and sharing food into a government-granted privilege rather than a human right. It will also make it illegal to distribute any type of food based on the bill’s language. This includes seeds, nutrients, natural medicines, minerals, and even water — without expressed government permission.
You see, agribusiness giants like Monsanto want full control of the food supply, which means putting an end to small-scale agriculture systems that operate “off the grid,” so to speak. This is why they have worked so hard in places like the US to convert conventional, staple crop systems to genetically-modified (GM) ones that are continually reliant upon new seeds and chemical interventions.
As far as enforcement, the NZ bill also authorizes private companies to deploy “Food Safety Officers” that can raid private property without warrant. Not only will these “Food Safety Officers” be permitted to draw weapons against those they are pursuing, but they will also be immune from criminal and civil prosecution for their illegal actions.
What all this means, of course, is that the NZ government may soon be able to arbitrarily decide at any time to restrict individual freedom to plant vegetable gardens and share the produce with their neighbors, for instance. Even “cottage industries,” which include at-home food artisans, could be restricted under the new law.
ThirdAge went to a holiday party the other night, partly to take a look at what other ThirdAgers were wearing, and we came away with some basic do’s and don’ts that you probably know, but we thought we would just remind you of:
Do realize that the little black dress with some interesting jewelry may be a safe choice, but it is always a flattering one. Look for LBDs with unusual necklines (square instead of V) or skirts (drapey instead of pencil).
Don’t wear a dress that’s out of date, no matter how much you think it flatters you. The LBD you loved a while back is now too short, or the shoulder pads look enormous. Yes, we know the shoulder pads make your hips look smaller, but they are still the shoulder pads of Christmas past.
Do dress like you are going to a party. A white pants suit is impractical for every day, but it sure can make a great entrance. Just don’t drink red wine. Or go for a glittery black sequin skirt paired with a white satin shirt.
Don’t forget the extra little things that can put you in a party mood, like having a mani-pedi or a professional blow dry. It’s a holiday, after all.
Do wear some great earrings if you have them — or get a pair as your personal Christmas gift to yourself. We love statement chandelier-style earrings, sort of like the earrings Liz Taylor might have worn. And, we must remember, Liz certainly knew how to party.
Don’t wear those plain black pumps. Great sexy shoes will add a touch of glamour to every outfit. Go to less expensive stores like Payless and check out their satin pumps. Some are less than $20, and so what if you only wear them once, ho-ho-ho. As for your handbag, think small, metallic clutches in festive gold or silver.
Do put your outfit together in advance, including everything from your Spanx to what you will be carrying in your clutch — tissues, mints, keys — so you won’t have to start looking for things when you are getting ready. And when you get to the party don’t think about what you are wearing. Just have a good time
Shopping long hours requires comfortable shoes. When your feet hurt, the pain shows on your face making you look tired, irritable and maybe frumpy. Keep low-heeled comfortable shoes in your car and wear them when you’re dashing around the mall looking for that hard-to-find compote Aunt Helen requested.
2.) Recharge your energy levels
The holidays are supposed to be fun-filled events that create long-lasting memories but if you’re too tired to care, why not fortify your energy reserves with a potent vitamin combination of Vitamin C and potassium. Grab a glass of orange juice and a banana before you head out and feel positively super-charged for hours.
3.) Stop thinking sugar
Sugary foods will sap your facial beauty causing you to look withdrawn and gray. Cookies, cakes and candy are in plentiful supply every holiday season and if you give in to these temptations, not only will unwanted pounds linger on your hips, you may not look as sensational in that expensive dress you splurged on months ago.
4.) Grab your mate instead of your plate
Marathon parties equal too many calories and rather than chowing down at every event, grab your sweetie and get away from the food. Hit the dance floor, engage others in conversation, or try a sing-along; any activity that will keep your fingers out of the food will keep your figure in check come January 2nd.
5.) Not another glass of holiday cheer!
Overindulging in adult beverages can really pack on the pounds not to mention when you look in the mirror, your face spells d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r. A whirlwind round of parties can make your face puffy and older looking so a good rule of thumb this holiday season: For every glass of wine, drink two glasses of water to flush out those simple carbs.
6.) Keep up your exercise routine
Madly dashing around the mall may add steps to your pedometer but are you slacking off much needed cardio and resistance training that positively shapes your hips, tummy, waist and thighs? And, what about facial exercises that keep your double chin and hooded eyes from showing? By exercising from head to toe, you won’t have to add “Start an exercise routine” to your New Year’s Resolutions.
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