9 Signs of a Leaky Gut (and how to Heal it)

Dr. Amy Myers | eatlocalgrown.com

Image: EatLocalGrown.com

The gut is the gateway to health. If your gut is healthy, chances are that you’re in good health. However, there’s a condition called leaky gut that can lead to a host of health problems.

What is a leaky gut?
The gut is naturally permeable to very small molecules in order to absorb these vital nutrients. In fact, regulating intestinal permeability is one of the basic functions of the cells that line the intestinal wall. In sensitive people, gluten can cause the gut cells to release zonulin, a protein that can break apart tight junctions in the intestinal lining. Other factors — such as infections, toxins, stress and age — can also cause these tight junctions to break apart. Once these tight junctions get broken apart, you have a leaky gut. When your gut is leaky, things like toxins, microbes, undigested food particles, and more can escape from your intestines and travel throughout your body via your bloodstream. Your immune system marks these “foreign invaders” as pathogens and attacks them. The immune response to these invaders can appear in the form of any of the nine signs you have a leaky gut, which are listed below.

What causes leaky gut?
The main culprits are foods, infections, and toxins. Gluten is the number one cause of leaky gut. Other inflammatory foods like dairy or toxic foods, such sugar and excessive alcohol, are suspected as well. The most common infectious causes are candida overgrowth, intestinal parasites, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Toxins come in the form of medications, including NSAIDS like Motrin and Advil, steroids, antibiotics, and acid-reducing drugs. They can also present in the form of  environmental toxins like mercury, pesticides and BPA from plastics. Stress and age also contribute to a leaky gut. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, it’s likely that you have a leaky gut.

9 Signs You Have a Leaky Gut

1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2. Seasonal allergies or asthma.

3. Hormonal imbalances such as PMS or PCOS.

4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, psoriasis, or celiac disease.

5. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.

6. Mood and mind issues such as depression, anxiety, ADD or ADHD.

7. Skin issues such as acne, rosacea, or eczema.

8. Diagnosis of candida overgrowth.

9. Food allergies or food intolerances.



How do you heal a leaky gut?
In my practice, I have all of my patients follow The Myers Way comprehensive elimination diet, which removes the toxic and inflammatory foods for a certain period of time. In addition, I have them follow a 4R program to heal their gut. The 4R program is as follows.

1. Remove.
Remove the bad. The goal is to get rid of things that negatively affect the environment of the GI tract, such as inflammatory and toxic foods, and intestinal infections.

2. Replace.
Replace the good. Add back the essential ingredients for proper digestion and absorption, such as digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid and bile acids.

3. Reinoculate.
It’s critical to restore beneficial bacteria to reestablish a healthy balance of good bacteria.

4. Repair.
It’s essential to provide the nutrients necessary to help the gut repair itself. One of my favorite supplements is L-glutamine, an amino acid that helps to rejuvenate the lining of the gut wall. If you still have symptoms after following the above recommendations, I would recommend finding a Functional Medicine physician in your area to work with you and to order a comprehensive stool test.

Source: eatlocalgrown.com

What is Heavy Metal Toxicity and What Can you Do About It?

theholisticdirectory.co.uk

Image www.naturalnews.com

Heavy metal toxicity is something i think we don't talk enough about in the holistic industry. However, heavy metals are everywhere, surrounding us in our daily lives and activities.

First of all, i would like to give you a definition of what toxicity means:

-Toxins are proteins formed by bacteria, animals or plants. We talk about toxicity when we evaluate the property of a toxin of being poisonous. Toxicity spreads around the body, taking differents paths through the blood and tissues. When not flushed properly through natural excretion pathways like stolls, urine and sweat, build up and accumulation of toxins appears and usually get stored in our fatty tissues. This is what we call Toxaemia. Toxaemia results in the overall body malfunctions. The immune system is compromised, Ph of blood and tissues acidifies, depression symptoms appears, skin rashes, thyroid problems, chronic migraines, mental and neurological disorders like Alzheimer, Parkinson's, MS, ADD, metallic taste in mouth and chronic inflammation, low libido, PMS, prostate problems, impotence, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disease and many more might be the result of toxaemia.

Your body is clever and know how to flush those toxins, but sometimes overload might occurs and this is when trouble comes. Overlaod is most of the time the result of poor lifestyle choices and nutrition. Daily heavy metal poisoning can be due to many factors like cigarettes smoking, high alcohol intake, acidic diet made of too much meat, refined product, inflammatory foods and not enough alkaline forming foods, drinking tap water, conventional dental fillings, lack of physical exercise and recreational drug intake, non-organic foods.

Now there are different types of Heavy metals:

-Arsenic affects neurological functions and can lead to chronic migraines, apathy, confusion. Ways to find out if you are toxic in arsenic is to see if your breath smells like garlic even though you didn't eat any garlic lately. White spots on the nails can also be a high toxicity in arsenic (as well as deficiency in zinc and iron).

-Lead affects hormonal functions and memory. High toxicity can lead to insomnia, tingling of the limb, depression, unusual taste in mouth, light blue pigmentation on the skin might appear in severe cases. Lead is found in water pipes, canned fruits, car batteries.

-Cadmium affects the kidneys, respiratory and squeletal system. High toxicity can lead to bone fragility, gout, loss of smell, hair loss, zinc deficiency, raise in blood pressure. Cadmium is heavily absorb by the lungs. It used in fertilisers, industrial beers production, cigarettes, sodas. So if someone for example drinks too many beers and sodas and smokes too much, a accumulation of cadmuim might occurs and lower zinc levels which could be a result of prostate problems as prostate needs a lot of zinc to maintain proper functions.

-Mercury affect many things like coordination, gums problems, excessive salivation, neuropathy, depression, irritability, fibromyalgia, fear, apathy, abnormal heartbeat. Mercury is all over the place, from longer fish, to vaccines, passing by tap water and conventional dental fillings, it is hard to avoid mercury.

-Aluminium is a neurotoxin which lead to hypersensitivity, migraines, lower kidney functions, sleep disorders and neuro-muscular disease. It is found everywhere too and especially in vaccines.

-Copper affects mainly the emotions. Mood swing, depression, agitation, ADD, anxiety, chronic stress, insomnia, fibromyalgia, raise of blood pressure and hair loss can all be results of high copper toxicity. Copper can also accumulate in the thyroid leading to hyperthyroism. The pill increase the accumulation and retention of copper in the kidneys. It is mainly found in hot water tabs as the hot water pipes are made of copper.

There are many ways to remove and facilitate the excretion of those nasty little things.

My favorite is fresh crushed garlic, everyday with a green salad, with turmeric and cayenne pepper or just the way you like it the most. (avoid on a first date ;) ) Then Coriander is excellent is the removal of heavy metal, take it as a tea, infuse for 5 to 10 minutes with fresh orange peal, 3 times daily for 2 months minimum. Then there is Chlorophyl, fresh juice of it, around 50ml everyday, in the morning before breakfast is absolutely amazing in the general detox of the body and removal of heavy metals. Then, there is the Glutathione-skin brushing-epsom salt-exercise combo which works very well too.

In all cases, keep a balance lifestyle, exercise, eat fresh and organic as much as possible, have fun, be happy, dream a lot, explore your limits, do regular mini detox, socialise and don't be a purist, just be realistic and live your life the way you think is best for you and gives you the motivation to get up every morning and looking forward to a new day.

Source: theholisticdirectory.co.uk

About the author

Brandon from Brighton
I am a Holistic Health practitioner. I am all about take it easy, keep things simple and balanced and enjoy what Life, World and Nature have to offer. Check my Facebook page out : The Holistic Dude

Most "AD/HD" Symptoms Can Be Cured By Eating Better

Please do not give your child (or take as an adult) a drug such as Ritalin, which has a similar affect on the brain as cocaine, until you have read this information. You do have alternatives.

We found a fantastic E-book from EndADHD.com for 9.95$ that you can download, buy from amazon or print. 

We support this book because it is the all natural approach to treating "a.d.d. and a.d.h.d". As it turns out, this is a highly over diagnosed disease. Many symptoms are just conditions from other causes that can be treated or changed from the diet to eliminate the symptoms almost immediately.

Most "AD/HD" Symptoms Can Be Cured By Eating Better (raw, organic diet) and Simple Life Changes, like LESS TV, more reading!

In the book:

• What are the 8 Biomedical Risk Factors for AD/HD 

         Two of these are :         1) Heavy and Toxic Metal Toxicity and
         2) Food and Additive Allergies
      
         Learn what the other important 6 factors are.

What are the crucial nutrients you must have to overcome the symptoms

There are 11 kinds of "good stuff" (nutrients).
Some specific B vitamins are very important. Learn what other nutrients are essential. 

What is the Ideal Protocol for Diagnosis and Treatment.

This protocol is almost never   conducted by conventional doctors.
Take this and give it to your doctor and demand that s/he follow it!

• The Gut-Brain Connection and the 5 "R's".
  
  The GI tract can be a critical factor in the recovery process. The GI tract is easily damaged, usually from an overgrowth of unhealthy organisms or "bad critters" (bacteria, yeast, viruses and parasites). When damage or inflammation occurs, the extraction of nutrients can be hindered (called malabsorption  ) and the barrier to toxins may break down, a condition called leaky gut. Find out what you can do using the 5 "R's".
• What is the role for psychotherapy  ?
  When is it used? And what type is best for AD/HD
• The 8 causes of psychological stress
  
  What role does stress play and how do you manage it in AD/HD
• The Mind/Body Connection 
  
  You might be surprised what you learn.
• The affect on the brain and body using prescription drugs * Ritalin (cocaine-like drug)
   * Adderall (amphetamine-like drug)
• Sample case studies
• Sample tests and test results
  
  
  Important Facts

  FDA News

  Feb 21, 2007

  FDA Directs ADHD Drug Manufacturers to Notify Patients aboutCardiovascular Adverse Events and Psychiatric Adverse Events

  
  "An FDA review of reports of serious cardiovascular adverse events in patients taking usual doses of ADHD products revealed reports of sudden death in patients with underlying serious heart problems or defects, and reports of stroke and heart attack in adults with certain risk factors."

  "Another FDA review of ADHD medicines revealed an increased risk  for drug-related psychiatric adverse events, such as hearing voices, becoming suspicious for no reason, or becoming manic, even in patients who did not have previous psychiatric problems. "

  The medicines that are the focus of the revised labeling and new Patient Medication Guides include the following 15 products:

  • Adderall (mixed salts of a single entity amphetamine product) Tablets 
  • Adderall XR (mixed salts of a single entity amphetamine product) Extended-Release Capsules 
  • Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets 
  • Daytrana (methylphenidate) Transdermal System 
  • Desoxyn (methamphetamine HCl) Tablets 
  • Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate) Spansule Capsules and Tablets 
  • Focalin (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) Tablets 
  • Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) Extended-Release Capsules 
  • Metadate CD (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Extended-Release Capsules 
  • Methylin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Oral Solution 
  • Methylin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Chewable Tablets 
  • Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Tablets 
  • Ritalin SR (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Sustained-Release Tablets 
  • Ritalin LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Extended-Release Capsules 
  • Strattera (atomoxetine HCl) Capsules 

  
  

  
  

  More Facts . . .

  "AD/HD" or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder does not exist as a physically definitive diagnosis in the sense that real diseases and disorders exist such as cancer or heart disease. "AD/HD" is only a descriptive term used to describe a bunch of annoying and sometimes dysfunctional behaviors that some kids (or adults) have.

  Overwhelming scientific evidence shows that most of the symptoms of "AD/HD", distractibility, intrusiveness and restlessness, are in fact caused by brain poisoning and brain starvation! If you want to buy this E-book you can download, get from amazon or even print it by paying 9.95$ at www.endADHD.com If you really want this information and you can not afford it please message our facebook page starting with "ADD/ADHD"

Glutathione: The Most Powerful Antioxidant

Natural Cures Not Medicine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalcuresnotmedicine

Did you know that glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants utilized by the human body? It is a tripeptide (3 amino acids bonded together) made by our bodies for protection against free radical damage, to eliminate toxins, to support energy production and help enhance our immune system.

This antioxidant is actually made by our bodies, however, things like toxins, medications, stress, pollution, poor diet, trauma, infections and radiation deplete our glutathione stores, leaving us susceptible to developing a host of diseases. Without enough glutathione, your liver becomes overworked, and it makes it hard for it to properly detox chemicals and toxins from your environment and food.

Even aging depletes our glutathione levels. By the age of 45, our glutathione levels begin to drop, and they can drop as much as 50% below optimal as we get older. This is one reason why we must consume fresh plant foods that are high in this antioxidant to ensure our GSH stores don’t drop below optimal.

On the bright side, GSH helps prevent aging, cancer, heart disease, dementia, and can be used to treat things from autism to Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, individuals with the least amount of glutathione in their blood are 30% more likely to suffer from a heart attack and stroke than individuals with high glutathione levels, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

Glutathione functions in a number of ways:

- It functions in the metabolism of iron

- It is used in a variety of biochemical reactions like DNA synthesis & repair, protein synthesis, prostaglandin synthesis, amino acid transport and enzyme activation. Thus, it affects a large chunk of the immune system, nervous system, gastrointestinal system and lungs

- Regulates the nitric oxide cycle

- Maintains antioxidants like vitamins C and E (gives them a “second life”)

- Neutralizes free radicals and reactive oxygen compounds which, if not tended to, can lead to a host of diseases and illnesses

Long Life Span

Most antioxidants have short life spans (for each free radical molecule, 1 molecule of antioxidant is completely wiped out – they sacrifice their lives). Not glutathione! This antioxidant has the power to recharge not only itself, but other antioxidants as well (like vitamins C and E, mentioned above).

Free Radicals and Detox

Free radical damage to our tissues and DNA is one of the main causes for chronic illness. The cumulative overload of free radicals (from the environment, stress, foods we eat, water supply, etc.) is called oxidative stress, and this is what slowly deteriorates our health. It is important that we maintain a constant store of GSH (and other antioxidants) because this is what protects our cells from oxidation. In addition, the fact that GSH helps restore other antioxidants in our body, it is particularly important that we do not deplete these stores.

The highest concentration of glutathione is located in the liver, the body’s primary detox organ. The liver undergoes two stages of detoxification:

1) Liver enzymes convert toxins into flushable compounds and,

2) Glutathione escorts these toxins out of the body via urine or bile

If glutathione levels are low, our liver becomes overloaded with toxins and this leads to many unexplained sicknesses and health issues we see today.

Glutathione and Aging

The Journal of Age and Aging reported that glutathione levels are highest in seniors who are in good health. These seniors actually had higher glutathione levels than individuals 20-40 years younger. This could be one reason as to why some individuals make it to 90 and 100 years old, versus individuals who make it to 70 or 80.

Boost Your Glutathione Levels! 

Plant Foods High In Glutathione

Some plant foods contain the full version of glutathione like asparagus, spinach, avocado, melon, grapefruit, peaches and squash. Try to consume these foods raw and without heat to allow for greatest absorption and to prevent the destruction of the antioxidant.

Eat Raw

Consuming a high raw, plant based diet will ensure that you get an array of antioxidants into your diet which helps to relieve the stress on glutathione and give it a break. The more antioxidants you have in your body, the less your body will need to depend on its glutathione reserves.

Consume Foods High in Cysteine

In addition, eat more foods high in cysteine like garlic and onions. This sulfur-rich amino acid is a key building block for the antioxidant glutathione.

Eat Cruciferous Vegetables

Also include foods in your diet like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and kale which enhance glutathione production!

Limit Toxic Exposure

Switching to a whole foods natural lifestyle will reduce your exposure to toxins. Cleaning your home with natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon, and switching to chemical free beauty and skin care products will minimize how many chemicals you are exposed to day in day out. Filtering your water, reducing the amount of refined and processed foods you eat (or cutting them out all together), as well as consuming lots of organic, non-GMO produce minimizes potential toxic burdens. This will help preserve your body’s glutathione producing ability, and prevents it from becoming depleted at an early age.

Exercise

Exercise actually boosts the production of glutathione and helps improve the functioning of your immune and detoxification systems. Any form of exercise will work – whichever you have fun at most. Go outside and play, breathe the fresh air, and move your body for at least 30-60 minutes a day!

Sources:

http://experiencelife.com/article/glutathione-the-great-protector/

Water Is Life For The Human Body

Natural Cures Not Medicine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalcuresnotmedicine

The majority of us are chronically dehydrated and don't even know it. Did you know that when you are chronically dehydrated your body actually stops feeling thirsty? Also, often times when you feel hungry, it is just another way your body is trying to tell you it is thirsty.

It is impossible for your body to function properly while dehydrated.
You may have problems concentrating
Your blood slows down creating high blood pressure
Muscles can ache, cramp or you may even wake in the night with a Charlie Horse
Your liver does not function up to par which slows down your body's detoxification creating illness and diseases. Cancer occurs when your body cannot eliminate the toxins faster than you put them in. This is why the liver is vital for healing cancer
Your skin becomes dry and crusty. If you are looking to look younger, drinking plenty of water will help.
There are a lot of figures out there which will tell you how much water to drink but I'm going to say that if you don't drink at least 100 oz a day, your body is paying for it. Also, almost everything else you drink such as soda, coffee and alcohol all dehydrate you. This figure may sound high but your body will help you. The more water you drink the more your body tells you that it is thirsty. Build up to this number slowly if you need to. Just keep improving.

Sources: Dave Sommers, Herculean Health

Other articles you may enjoy:

3 Natural Ways to Increase Personal Wellbeing

Lower cholesterol naturally

Health Risks of Energy drinks

10 Best Natural Moisturizers

Natural Cures Not Medicine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalcuresnotmedicine

Many moisturizers on the market contain harmful chemicals that get absorbed into the skin and enter the bloodstream. About one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals which include carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors. When you think that your skin is the largest organ in your body, and you spread these products on your skin day by day, you can start to imagine the harm that you are putting your body through, as well as the environment. Some products may also include plasticizers, degreasers and surfactants, things that are found in concrete, auto shops and paint tubs.

What I want you to do right now is grab any one of your moisturizers and read through the ingredients. If it contains any of the following, I would suggest you throw it out immediately:

1. BHA & BHT: Used in makeup and moisturizers as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disruptor and may cause cancer.

2. Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as “CI” followed by a five digit number: May also be listed as FD&C Blue No. 1 or Blue 1. Potential to cause cancer and heavy metal toxicity to the brain.

3. DEA-related ingredients: Used in moisturizers and shampoo. Can react to form nitrosamines which cause cancer.

4. Dibutyl phthalate: Suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.

5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15. Slowly releases small amounts of formaldehyde which cause cancer.

6. Parabens: Suspected endocrine disruptors and interferes with male reproductive functions.

7. Parfum (a.k.a fragrance): Can trigger allergies and asthma. Some are linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.

8. PEG compounds: Used in many cream bases. Can cause cancer.

9. Petrolatum: Petroleum product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.

10. Siloxanes: Suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.

11. Sodium laureth sulfate: May cause cancer. Also called SLS. Related chemicals called sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients ending with letters “eth”.

12. Triclosan: Suspected endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Instead, opt for nature-made oils that will help repair your skin, and make it glow! Below is a list of 10 natural oils that are wonderful for all types of skin care such as moisturizing, helping get rid of wrinkles and fine lines, clearing up acne and blemishes, treating dry and/or oily skin. I personally love to use jojoba oil mixed with some rose hip seed oil on my face, as well as hemp oil on my face. For my body I typically use jojoba and grapeseed oil.

10 Natural Skin Care Oils:

1. Coconut Oil: has high moisture retaining capacity so it acts as an excellent moisturizer for your skin. It melts into your skin and increases the levels of skin surface lipids which helps soften it. Small wounds (caused by acne or pimples) also soften and heal quickly. Also has added benefits of protecting your skin from microbes, and treating various skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and many other skin infections. Do you suffer from acne? Coconut oil has the ability to cure acne by killing the bacteria that cause the problem (acne vulgaris).

2. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is technically not an oil but a wax ester. In fact, the jojoba wax ester is most similar to human skin oil (sebum). Applying jojoba oil to the skin will actually make the skin think it is producing enough oil and thus balances oil production. Jojoba oil helps to moisturize the skin all day long – it does not evaporate like commercial moisturizers (which are water based), and can be used for the face and body (only need a couple drops – it spreads well!). This oil is also a good make-up remover (doesn’t irritate the eyes), and can act as a wonderful lip balm and hair conditioner (add a few drops to your hair after shampooing – helps combat dandruff).

3. Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid which helps strengthen cell membranes and improve skin health. There are also many antioxidants in this oil type, which can help prevent pores from clogging (clogged pores normally trigger acne breakouts, so regular application of this oil can help prevent problems associated with acne). Grapeseed oil is medically useful for reducing swelling because of its wonderful anti-inflammatory properties and can help tighten and tone the skin. This oil is very light, and thus it is easily absorbed by the skin and will not leave any oil residue. It also helps stimulate skin tissue regeneration, and can quicken the healing process of wounds.

4. Macadamia Nut Oil: This oil contains the highest amount of palmitoleic acid (omega 7 fatty acid) of any plant. Palmitoleic acid is plentiful in our skin when we are young, but decreases with aging. This acid helps mature skin retain suppleness and replaces naturally occurring skin on the lips, allowing the skin to remain looking younger. This oil reduces wrinkles and dryness and is light and non-greasy. It also contains proteins and plenty of vitamin E which contributes to healthy, supple looking skin.

5. Hempseed Oil: Contains agents (linoleic and linolenic acids) that give it anti-inflammatory properties, as well as natural antioxidant properties. It helps to clean and detoxify your skin and to even out skin tone. This oil does not stick to your skin and clog your pores, so it is a wonderful way to moisturize without feeling overly greasy. Hempseed oil is also beneficial for healing skin lesions and balancing dry skin and fighting skin inflammations. It has antioxidants in the form of vitamin E and carotene, as well as phytosterols, phospholipids, as well as a variety of skin beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, and phosphorous.

6. Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides strong antioxidants like vitamins A and E that help repair and renew skin that have been damaged from overexposure to sun, air pollution and other modern-day environmental hazards. These antioxidants naturally keep the skin firm, smooth and healthy. Olive oil deeply penetrates the skin and provides a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and supple.

7. Argan Oil: Argan oil has been claimed as “liquid gold” for the skin. It is credited with helping repair damaged hair, reducing wrinkles and acne, diminishing the appearance of age spots and healing dry scalp and diaper rash. Argan oil is naturally rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, ferulic acid, sterols, polyphenols, vitamin E and squalene, which help heal the skin, reduce inflammation and fight off free radicals.

8. Almond Oil: Almonds oil is more of an emollient because it softens skin rather than hydrates it. However, it acts as a humectant to help prevent the loss of moisture. Almond oil is great for relieving dry, flaking, and itchy skin due to eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. It can also be applied to the scalp to relieve dryness and to condition hair roots. It is readily absorbed into the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. Apply one to two drops of almond oil on each side of your skin and with clean warm hands, massage the oil on your face in upward strokes. Be sure to include the area around your eyes, gently patting. This oil also has anti-aging properties, like reducing fine lines and crow’s feet, as well as reducing dark circles and puffy eyes.

9. Avocado Oil: This oil is very rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as healthy amino acids and lecithin. It has strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties and mono-unsaturated fatty acids which help revitalize dry and dull skin. It is one of the most effective natural skin care remedies around and penetrates the skin much more deeply than oils like jojoba. It is great for people suffering from dark circles, crow’s feet and sagging skin, and can help firm up the skin, leaving it youthful and toned. The sugars found in avocado also boost collagen production in the skin, making the skin wrinkle free, and helping to fade any scars or other skin blemishes.

10. Rosehip Oil: Contains vitamin C to help boost tissue repair, as well as vitamin A (otherwise known as Retinol) which is a staple in most skin products. Rosehip oil helps to rehydrate the skin because of the high content of essential fatty acids, and can help the skin hold moisture and reduce dryness. It can also be used to bring a shine to the skin which resembles a lively glow. This oil is very well known for helping reduce the appearance of scars from stretch marks or acne. Over time, this oil can help shrink, and in some cases even eliminate stretch marks completely. Scars caused from chicken pox are also excellent candidates for pure rosehip oil treatment. Rosehip oil is a wonderful toner too! It can help with problems of premature aging.

Source : Live Love Fruit

Related Articles: 

Why you should have peppermint oil

Essential Oils For Eczema and Recipe

Using Essential Oils For Arthritis

Health Benefits of Kiwi

Natural Cures Not Medicine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalcuresnotmedicine

                                                              What’s in a Name?

The kiwi, originally called the Chinese gooseberry and later the “sunny peach”, was renamed the kiwi by New Zealand natives after their national bird. There are over 400 varieties of this fuzzy fruit, which grows off of vines on a trellis, much like grapes are cultivated.

                                                            KIWI BENEFITS! 

People are attracted to kiwi fruit because of its brilliant green color and exotic taste. But, the real uniqueness of kiwi fruit comes from its health benefits. Read the kiwi’s fourteen health benefits:.

1. Helps Your Digestions with Enzymes

Raw kiwi contains actinidain, a protein-dissolving enzyme that can help digest a meal much like the papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple.

2. Helps Manage Blood Pressure

Kiwi’s high level of potassium helps keep our electrolytes in balance by counteracting the effects of sodium.

3. Protects from DNA Damage

A study showed that the unique combination of antioxidants in Kiwi fruit helps protect the cell DNA from oxidative damage. Some experts conclude this can help prevent cancer.

4. Boosts Your Immunity

Kiwi’s high vitamin C content along with other antioxidant compounds has been proven to boost the immune system.

5. Smart Carb for Weight Loss

Kiwi’s low glycemic index and high fiber content means it will not create a strong insulin rush like other fruit with high sugar contents — so the body will not respond by storing fat.

6. Improves Digestive Health

Kiwis are a great source of fiber. This prevents constipation and other intestinal problems.

7. Helps Clean Out Toxins

The fuzzy fiber of Kiwi helps bind and move toxins from your intestinal tract.

8. Helps Fight Heart Disease

Eating 2-3 kiwis a day has been shown to reduce the potential of blood clotting by 18% and reduce triglycerides by 15%. Many individuals take aspirin to reduce blood clotting, but this causes many side effects including inflammation and intestinal bleeding. Kiwi fruit has the same anti-clotting benefits with no side effects, just additional health benefits!

9. Suitable For Diabetics

Kiwi is in the ‘low’ category for glycemic index, meaning it does not raise your blood sugar quickly. It has a glycemic load of 4 which means it is safe for diabetics.

10. Protects Against Macular Degeneration and Other Eye Problems

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. A study on over 110,000 men and women showed that eating 3 or more serving of fruit per day decreased macular degeneration by 36%. This is thought to be associated with the kiwi’s high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin — both of which are natural chemicals found in the human eye. Although both fruits and vegetables were studied, this same effect was not shown for vegetables.

11. Create Alkaline Balance

Kiwi is in the ‘most alkaline’ category for fruits, meaning it has a rich supply of minerals to replace the excess of acidic foods most individuals consume. A few of the benefits of a properly acid/alkaline balanced body are: youthful skin, deeper sleep, abundant physical energy, fewer colds, less arthritis, and reduced osteoporosis.

12. Great for the Skin

Kiwis are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant known to protect skin from degeneration.

13. Exotic Taste and Look for Food Variety

Kiwis look and taste great. Kids often love them because they are so different from most fruits.

For nutritional balance it is always good to eat a variety of foods. Each food has its own unique qualities and powers. The trouble with most people’s diet is that we eat such a limited number of foods. It increases our chances of not getting enough of important nutrients.

14. Naturally Organic

Kiwi fruit is on the list of foods that are generally safe from a lot of pesticide residues. For 2012 it came in with the top 10 safest foods. While it is always good to support organic when you can as a matter of principle, it’s also good to know whether there is a big danger if organic is not available or viable for you.

Selecting, Storing, and Eating a Kiwi

How do I choose a kiwi?

-Look for a fruit that is plump and fragrant with no visible bruising or wrinkles and a slightly firm feel

What if I chose a fruit that isn’t yet ripe?

-Kiwis ripen quickly when placed in either a paper or plastic bag with a banana. However, once they are ripened, store them away from other fruit or they will decompose more quickly!

How long are kiwis good for once I buy them?

-Ripe kiwi fruit can last in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Can I eat the skin?

 You can, but wash carefully to remove unwanted pesticides! Rub it a bit to minimize the fuzz. The skin actually provides more fiber to your sweet snack. If you’re not fond of the fuzzy exterior, simply “sloop” it out by slicing the kiwi in half horizontally and spooning out each end to enjoy.

The Kiwi Craze
Kiwi fruit can be enjoyed in smoothies, sprinkled into your morning yogurt, mixed into fruit salad, or eaten plain. For a few more creative ideas to incorporate kiwis into your daily meals, check out the ideas below:

-Make a “fruit pizza” out of graham crackers and a creamy topping (peanut butter, honey, ricotta cheese- the possibilities are endless!) and sprinkle chopped kiwi on top.

-Involve your kids and make fruit kabobs with kiwi as the star (Make sure to use blunt end skewers so the little ones don’t hurt themselves!).-

-Incorporate kiwi into a citrusy jam, jelly, or chutney.

-Rub on meat for an all-natural meat tenderizer- the kiwi contains enzymes that aid in breaking down protein.

Source : Dave Sommers

Related Articles:

More Reasons To Eat Fruit!

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/02/more-reasons-to-eat-fruit.html

Health boosts from kiwi fruit!

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/03/health-boosts-from-kiwi-fruit.html

The powerful effects of different colored food!

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/04/the-powerful-effects-of-different.html

GMO food linked to leukemia

Yet more bad news emerges about how genetically modified foods impact your health.

Time is running out to beat back GMOs!

     Leukemia and anemia have been linked to GMO, or genetically modified organisms, in a new study.  The toxins from these genetically engineered food products are absorbed into the body and wreak havoc on blood cells, causing damage and possibly deadly diseases as well.  Belin Poletto Mezzomo, Anna Luisa Miranda-Vilela, and a team of researchers from the Department of Genetics and Morphology at the University of Brasilia conducted tests of GMOs on lab mice.  The study was later published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Hematology and Thromboembolic Diseases.  Toxins called Cry proteins were fed to the mice and immediately started to cause numerous blood abnormalities.  Anemia was caused at the lowest dose.  The introduction of these GMO toxins caused damage to bone marrow cells and and increased the number of leukocytes, a type of white blood cell associated with leukemia.  On the 7th day of testing, the blood abnormalities steadily worsened.
     Monsanto Corp, the leading producer of GMO crops and seeds, caught wind of this study and has now even threatened legal action against those who published this particular study.
     With the debate over the safety of genetically modified food products heating up, more and more data is showing that several serious and even deadly health conditions can result from consuming such items.  Other studies have shown that rats suffer from aggressive tumor development when fed GMO food and now Russia is banning imported food from the U.S. that is genetically modified.  Several countries across the world have banned or required labeling of edible products containing GMO ingredients, but the United States seems to be far behind on this topic.

Read more of our recent posts:

How GMO Foods Alter Organ Function

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/05/how-gmo-foods-alter-organ-function.html

Jeff Merkley Pushes To Repeal 'Monsanto Protection Act'

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/05/jeff-merkley-pushes-to-repeal-monsanto-protection-act.html

What's really in your movie theater popcorn

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/05/whats-really-in-your-movie-theater.html

10 Years Later - A review of GM crops from the farmers

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/05/10-years-later-review-of-gm-crops-from.html

Natural Cures Not Medicine 

"Nutrition is nature's health insurance"