Wheatgrass as the Wonder Supplement

By Michael Angelo, Senior Editor on Monday, September 05, 2011

Wheatgrass juice and powders have been popular supplements since the 1960s because of their many beneficial qualities. Find out how a wheatgrass supplement can help you live a healthier life.

If you think grass is only for cows to graze on, you 've probably never heard of wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is a common wheat plant that grows abundantly in the temperate regions of Europe and North America. In organic health stores and gyms, you see it as a dark green juice or in the form of powder, capsules and gels. The products that are sold are made from the young growing stage of the plant, just after it has sprouted, to ensure its efficacy. Wheatgrass was first discovered as a health supplement in the 1930s when it was used as an experiment on hens. Its popularity rose in the ‘60s when Ann Wigmore began making her studies on the health benefits of wheatgrass available to the public. But what is wheatgrass, what does wheatgrass benefit and how much is ideal for supplementation?

The Characteristics of Wheatgrass
Since the nutrients in wheatgrass are most effective when they are young and fresh, some people take the trouble of planting their own wheatgrass in their homes. However, companies are using advancements in technology to preserve the nutrients in wheatgrass during processing, and they guarantee that their products are just as effective as the raw, natural and homegrown version. As a supplement, it's one of the universal health foods taken by numerous people to maintain healthy body systems. Its key ingredient is chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color and keeps them alive. When released into the atmosphere, chlorophyll helps maintain cleaner air and a safer environment. It also has 20 kinds of amino acids, about 90 kinds of minerals and vitamins, enzymes and other important nutrients. One teaspoon contains just about one gram of protein, 10-15 calories and zero fat and cholesterol.

The Health Benefits of Wheatgrass
Reading about the health benefits of wheatgrass and hearing other people talk about it from first-hand experience can be overwhelming. There seem to be so many testamonials out there that it’s no wonder this supplement has been called the miracle medicine. Here are the most popular uses:

Preventive Benefits

• To detoxify the body and lose weight – Wheatgrass opens up the body’s portals, the intestines, skin, kidney, lungs and liver. When wheatgrass penetrates the bloodstream, it starts to eliminate the accumulated toxins including heavy metals that were obtained from free radicals and an unhealthy lifestyle. Obese and overweight people may lose weight as a result of detoxification.
• To boost the immune system – The vitamins and minerals in wheatgrass help strengthen the body’s immune system, giving it the weapons to fight bacteria that cause infections and inflammations.
• To maintain clear, healthy skin, hair and teeth – Wheatgrass works at the cellular level, regenerating new skin, making hair luxuriant and preventing tooth decay with its rich contents of Vitamin A, selenium and calcium.

Curative Benefits

• To treat various acute and chronic diseases – Wheatgrass, known to contain vitamins A, B, C, E and K and the minerals calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron and zinc, among many other nutrients, helps heals the common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, infections of the urinary tract, constipation, chronic diseases - like gout and rheumatic arthritis - and common skin disorders.
• To prevent Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its grave complications – The magnesium in chlorophyll helps to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes and the ensuing complications, such as cardiovascular problems, skin and eye disorders, and delayed wound healing.
• To decrease the risks for cancer or slow down its progress – Wheatgrass is used in alternative medicine to prevent or slow down the progress of certain cancers, like breast cancer and colon cancer. The chlorophyll component acts like the human hemoglobin and increases the oxygenation of cells that help to retard the growth of cancer cells.
• To halt the progress of thalassemia – Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by abnormally low levels of hemoglobin. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass has the same molecular structure and action as hemoglobin. Giving wheatgrass to thalassemia patients lessens the incidence of blood transfusions and naturally raises their red blood cell levels.

Direct Effects of Wheatgrass on the User
A regular dose of wheatgrass, whether taken as a gel or capsule or in its liquid form, has positive effects on the physical, psychological and mental states of people taking it. Among their claims are:

• An overall sense of well-being, including physical alertness and mood elevation;
• Higher energy levels to participate in activities;
• Better and more restful sleep;
• Improved eyesight;
• Decreased appetite;
• Lessened nervousness; and
• Increased mental ability.

Wheatgrass Dosage
The proper dose for wheatgrass varies from one person to the next. Factors that must be taken into consideration include age, health status, weight, existing disease conditions and other elements that may have a bearing on wheatgrass intake.

The average healthy person may take 3.5 grams in powder or tablet form or a 30 mL dose, once a day. A beginner may have a lesser dose and increase it gradually. For faster healing effects, increase the dosage to double or triple the regular amount and take it one to three times a day. Each product has its own label with directions, so that can serve as a guide for dosage.

Regardless of the form, liquid, capsule or gel, wheatgrass gives its users the same benefits of a better immune system and a healthy body to let them enjoy life to the fullest. Wheatgrass is sold in local drugstores and in online health shops. Compare product quality and prices to get the most out of your purchase, and don't be afraid to try different forms or variations of wheatgrass.  Many people report better results when taking powder or liquid forms of the supplement, mainly because they can tailor their dosage specifically to meet their needs. Mixing wheatgrass powder in with a glass of orange juice is a great way to get the full benefits of this powerful plant without having to deal with its earthy taste.

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Bikram Yoga Heats Up the Yoga World

By Carolyn Wick, Purchasing Team Lead on Friday, September 02, 2011

Bikram Yoga is quickly becoming a popular form of the age-old sport but it's safety and methods are being questioned. Find out if Bikram Yoga is right for you.

Yoga is one of the most popular ways to get into shape nowadays. It's effective, healthy, and chic (as most people would say). It's famous among a lot of folks, mostly for the fact that you will actually get a lot out of it.

However, if you're interested in doing yoga, the very first step is to know the different kinds there are. There are several types and systems of this form of discipline, so before getting involved in one, it's best to know which is the best for you.

One of the most popular systems of yoga today is Bikram Yoga. This discipline started out in the early 1970s and continues to be a highly preferred method nowadays. But exactly what is Bikram Yoga?

Bikram Yoga is basically a hybrid of traditional yoga. It takes a lot of “basic” techniques and uses them in a different light, making the system unique in its own right. It's best known for being a kind of hot yoga, where practitioners do it in a heated room (around 100° F, with a humidity of 40 percent) to get the most out of it. Classes usually run for 90 minutes and are composed of 26 postures and two breathing exercises.

Founded by Bikram Choudhury, where the name comes from, Bikram Yoga is seated on the theory that the heat can help practitioners to stretch deeper. According to the founder, the high temperatures also aid in injury prevention and in reducing stress and tension. Instead of being a distraction, the practice uses the heat to its advantage, as it's believed to increase circulation all throughout the bodily organs, which in turn helps in preventing organ failure and heart disease.

Following the premise that Bikram Yoga affects blood circulation through extension and compression, the practice claims that it allows delivery of fresh blood to every organ, muscle and joint in the body. Through these two processes, the heart is triggered to pump more blood, which results in making the body feel rejuvenated and refreshed.

People are especially attracted to practicing yoga mostly for its health benefits. What it promises is a plethora of great things, from the smallest improvements to big ones. Some of the top examples include the following:

1. Elimination of infection, toxins and bacteria from the body;
2. Weight loss;
3. Improved breathing;
4. Increased flexibility;
5. Improved endocrine and exocrine gland functions;
6. Peace of mind;
7. Mental strength;
8. Prevention of osteoporosis;
9. Muscle toning; and
10. Great overall cardio workout, among other things.

Of course, these are just the most general examples of the benefits of yoga. There’s also the general effect of yoga, which is the clarity of mind, making it a very popular form of exercise among busy professionals and individuals. Some people also do it because it’s quite fashionable, with many celebrities practicing it for its excellent end results.

However, there are also some controversies that surround Bikram Yoga. One of which is its safety. Some people raise concern about its nature. Opponents to Bikram say that performing strenuous activities in high temperatures can be too overwhelming, and the safety of this practice has always been in question. Most experts agree, however, that the sport is generally safe for practitioners who are in good health. Also, taking precautions like hydrating before and after the session is also highly recommended. Bikram is not ideally suited for little kids and people who are over the age of 60.  Children are more vulnerable to heat stroke than adults, while senior citizens are at high risk of high blood pressure. Being mindful of your own body is also very important when practicing this kind of yoga, as you should never force yourself into something that you are not feeling okay about.

Aside from these considerations, potential practitioners are also encouraged to look at their already existing physical conditions before pushing for Bikram Yoga. As Bikram is highly strenuous, people who suffer from asthma, high blood pressure, severe back problems, emphysema or chronic bronchitis should be wary upon getting into it. These conditions tends to limit most people, and it would be safer to just stick with other less taxing forms of yoga first before trying this one at all. This doesn’t mean that Bikram Yoga is only for a select few, but it's always wise to take safety measures rather than get into a big mess later on.

While others practice Bikram Yoga to serve as a form of cardio, others do it merely for the mental benefits it provides. As most people would know, yoga is also a mental and psychological practice, aiming to provide mental relaxation through the physical exertion. Many practitioners find this method highly effective for such purposes, making it an excellent activity to improve your well-being in a holistic manner.

Practicing Bikram Yoga is something that's highly beneficial and there's no doubt about this. It's a great way to get into shape, but always remember never to overexert, as your safety and general well-being is still the most important of all.

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6 Benefits of Sage

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Monday, June 15, 2015

This great herb may be able to provide plenty of health benefits that you never would have thought of while using it in your kitchen. Read on to find out more.

As an herb made popular for its use in tea and cooking, this seemingly insignificant little plant may be able to provide you with a variety of great health benefits. The botanical name of sage is Salvia officinalis, which is derived from the Latin root that means “to be saved.” As a relative of the mint plant, sage is often used in cooking and treasured for its delightful scent, but there are many other ways that you can use it. Some of the most significant ingredients in this herb include tannins, polyphenols and flavonoids, all of which can provide support for many aspects of your health. Keep reading to find out some of the great things that this herb may be able to help with.

1. It can provide great antioxidant support.

Packed with plenty of antioxidants, sage can provide excellent support for fighting free radical damage in your body. The antioxidants in this herb can also help prevent oxidative stress and free radicals from taking a toll on your cells and contributing to the death of cells.

2. It can help enhance your mood.

Sipping on sage tea may be able to help lower your anxiety and even contribute to boosting your mood. This is due to the fact that sage contains ketones like A- and B-thujone, which may promote mental clarity. Additionally, the aromatherapy properties of this herb on its own and when enjoyed as a tea can further contribute to elevating your mood and reducing stress.

3. It can aid with better digestion.

When sipped on as a tea, the antioxidant properties of sage can also go to work to provide relief from certain minor digestive symptoms. Those with dyspepsia or indigestion may find some benefits from drinking this tea, as the natural herbal power goes to work to calm the stomach and digestive system. 

4. It may improve symptoms of Alzheimer's.

According to a study, sage may be able to help improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Of the participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, those who received sage extract over the course of four months showed an improvement in overall cognition and less agitation than those who received only a placebo. 

5. It can lower cholesterol.

The ingredients in sage may be able to help encourage healthy cholesterol. According to WebMD, taking sage three times a day for two months may provide positive results by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) in people who already have high cholesterol. In addition, taking sage may be able to help reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood, which can contribute to a high risk of developing heart disease.

6. It can relieve certain symptoms of menopause.

Several studies conducted in Switzerland illustrate that sage is likely effective at reducing the frequency and intensity of certain symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes. Over eight weeks of treatment with sage leaf tablets, the participants in the study--all menopausal women aged 56, experiencing at least five hot flashes a day--exhibited a 50% to 100% reduction or elimination of hot flashes.

Sage is more than just an herb you go to in your cooking endeavors. Pick up one of our sage products at eVitamins today and start feeling healthier now.

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Essential Oils for a Healthy Life

By Marcelina Hardy, Staff Writer on Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Essential oils can be use for massages, aromatherapy, supplementing your diet or to improve the taste of your favorite foods. Find out all the ways essential oils can benefit your life.

When most people think of essential oils, they immediately think of stress relief. While essential oils are wonderful for helping you let your worries of the day slip away, it’s not the only way that it can help your life. In fact, they have many purposes, such as improving your medical health, mental health and even your skin.

Understanding What Is Essential Oil
Before you dive into all the benefits, it's important that you understand what is essential oil. It’s a concentration of hydrophobic liquid. The aroma compounds in the liquid are from plants.

Other names you may hear essential oils referred to as are:

• Volatile oils
• Ethereal oils
• Aetherolea

The Production Processes
Steam Distillation
The process of steam distillation or hydro diffusion produces essential oil. Steam passes through the plant and breaks down the cells in the plant. This enables the essential oils to run down to a cooling chamber where a separation process happens – water removal (called hydrosol) – and the essential oil results.

Carbon Dioxide Extraction
This type of essential oil extraction is much more expensive but it will produce stronger oil with a truer aroma. It also yields higher volumes and is much gentler on the plant.

Cold Press Extraction
This extraction is mostly used on citrus essential oils. It’s produced by cold pressing a rind or peel or also called scarification.

Absolutes
Solvents can also extract essential oils and are used on delicate plants such as flower petals. These oils are called absolutes.

Essential Oil for Stress Relief
Stress is a normal part of life. It gives people motivation to do things. It can get out of control easily though, if it’s not managed properly. One of the best ways to manage stress is to prevent it from skyrocketing and you can do this by inhaling essential oils.

According to a study by Hwang JH^[1], inhalation of essential oil significantly affected blood pressure, subjective stress, state anxiety and serum cortisol levels of participants. The study’s conclusion was that essential oils reduce psychological stress responses, serum levels and blood pressure in participants with high blood pressure.

If you’re wondering which scents you should inhale to experience the same relaxing effects, here are the most popular ones:

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research now confirms that the lavender scent elicits calming, soothing and sedative effects when inhaled.

Once you have the essential oil of your choice, you can inhale it in one of the following ways:

• Getting a massage with the scent in the massage oil
• Heated over a candle flame
• Essential oil candle
• Burned as incense
• Diffused with a nebulizer

Healthful Uses for Essential Oils
Flaxseed and Fish Oil
Just as you would take vitamins to supplement your diet, you can also take supplemental oils. For example,Barlean’s Organic Oils sells a wide variety of flaxseed and fish oil to benefit your health. All you need is a tablespoon or two a day. You can add it to your salad, yogurt, cheese, oatmeal or anything else you think would go well with it.

Coconut Oil
According to the American Society for Nutrition^[2], while coconut oil is high in fatty acids, they are good fatty acids. They are transported into the blood quickly and converted into energy, which speeds up the metabolism and can even help some people lose weight (as long as daily caloric intake doesn’t exceed the body’s need).

The American Society for Nutrition also mentions that research and clinical studies show that coconut oil can treat and prevent diseases such as:

• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Virus-related diseases
• Gallbladder diseases
• Chrohn’s disease
• Cancer

Other benefits include:

• Antimicrobial
• Antiviral
• Antifungal
• Prevents free radical damage
• Improves skin and hair

Oils for Skin Care
Who would have thought that oil would be good for your face? Here are the best ones:

• Coconut oil: Use this oil on your hair as a moisturizer. You can use it on your skin to fight wrinkles.
• Olive oil: Rub it on a wound as an antimicrobial and healer. You can also use it on dry skin and stretch marks as moisturizer. 
• Argan oil: You can use this on your skin, hair and nails as a moisturizer and it can protect against premature aging, wrinkles, as a disinfectant and sunscreen. 
• Sweet almond oil: This essential oil has vitamins E, A and B complex so it’s great as a moisturizer and protects against aging skin.

A Healthy Life Starts with Essential Oils
Make essential oils a part of your healthy lifestyle. They are easy to use and beneficial to the mind, body and soul.

Sources

1. ^[1] - The effects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension, PubMed, NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
2. ^[2] - Coconut Oil, American Society for Nutrition, Nutrition.org
3. ^[3] - Barlean's Organic Oils homepage, www.barleans.com

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What Is Dandruff?

By Michael Angelo, Senior Editor on Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Dandruff is caused by a common skin condition that occurs on the scalp. Find out what helps reduce dandruff flare-ups from embarrassing you any further.

Gross…  Yuck…  Eewww…

Yup, it’s dandruff, those oily, whitish flakes that drop out from your hair, land on your shoulders and make your scalp itch. It’s an embarrassing sight - this very common scalp condition that affects nearly everyone at one time or another. It's discomfiting when you feel the urge to scratch your scalp and you’re in a public place or in the company of friends. Dandruff can strip away your self-confidence and inhibit your outgoing nature. Learn more about dandruff and its treatment so that it doesn’t get in the way of having a healthy scalp, a shiny mane of hair and the lifestyle that you choose to live.

What Dandruff Is
Dandruff is the mild version of seborrheic dermatitis, a relapsing skin condition that's not contagious. It occurs in the scalp as white to yellowish flaky scales that shed off as newer scales are formed. Dandruff is thought to be a product of excessive scalp oil production and an overgrowth of the malassezia yeast, which causes irritation. Unlike true seborrheic dermatitis, there is no inflammation in dandruff and the scaling does not cross beyond the hairline.

What Causes It
Malassezia, a type of yeast fungus, is a normal organism that thrives unnoticed on the surface of the scalp. However, certain conditions can trigger an overgrowth of the yeast, which then feeds on the oil in the scalp. Skin cells grow beyond their normal quantity and push the older cells off the surface. These older skin cells mix with the oil, giving them the whitish, flaky appearance that is commonly known as dandruff.

The following conditions can activate the overgrowth of Malassezia:

• Excessive oil on the scalp – the yeast feeds on the oil and too much of it can lead to a profusion of malassezia 
• Hormonal changes – after puberty, physical and physiological changes take place, which is why dandruff occurs during early adulthood
• Stress – stress impacts on a person’s overall health status, including scalp health
• Illnesses and neurological disorders – including HIV infections and Parkinson’s disease
• A compromised immune system – due to infections or just stress
• Inadequate shampooing – causes oil build-up on the scalp, leading to dandruff
• Hypersensitivity to Malassezia – an allergic reaction to the yeast overload on the scalp

Predisposing Factors
While almost anybody can have dandruff, there are some people who appear more at risk to having it than others. Here are certain factors that may account for an increased susceptibility:

• Age – Dandruff is most common in the early twenties and can continue towards middle age, with periods of flare-ups and remissions.
• Gender – Men are more prone to dandruff than women, which some researchers attribute to the role that male hormones may play in dandruff vulnerability.
• Diet – A diet that's deficient in zinc, vitamin B complex and certain fats and too much sugar and yeast can predispose a person to dandruff.
• Lack of Scalp and Hair Hygiene – Not enough cleansing through shampooing can result in oil accumulating on the scalp; it becomes a breeding ground for the malassezia yeast and causes dandruff.

Treatment and Remedies for Dandruff
Dandruff can often be treated without having to consult a doctor. It responds to frequent cleansing using shampoos that contain anti-dandruff ingredients. Several natural homeopathic remedies can treat your dandruff and make it stay away. Look for these ingredients on the labels of the shampoos that you intend to buy. Buy only reputable brands to ensure that the ingredients are in the proper amounts. Some of them can be very powerful and an overdose can damage your scalp or hair instead of treating your dandruff. These shampoos are sold in online stores as well as in physical stores. Here are some of the natural components you should look for in anti-dandruff shampoos.

• Salicylic Acid – Taken from the bark of the willow tree, this phytohormone helps remove dandruff and the itchiness it causes. However, salicylic acid has a drying effect.
• Aloe Vera – The gel from the aloe vera plant is effective for treating dandruff and moisturizing the scalp and hair. Blended with salicylic acid and other natural herbs, the aloe vera shampoo is a powerful home remedy.
• Tea Tree Oil – The tea tree oil from the Malaleuca tree is a very powerful antiseptic and has fungicidal properties. It's a very potent treatment for dandruff but care should be taken not to ingest it because of possible allergic reactions.
• Selenium Sulfide – This is natural component is found in the earth’s crust along with other substances. A known anti-infective, it works to kill the dandruff-causing yeast in the scalp and protect the cell membranes. Selenium sulfide is a common ingredient of anti-dandruff shampoos due to its proven effectiveness.
• Allantoin – A white odorless powder, allantoin is a safe, synthetic compound that's also present in the comfrey plant. It promotes cell renewal, has a keratolytic effect on the skin surface and has a soothing and moisturizing action. It helps in the treatment of dandruff by helping in the absorption of nutrients through the skin.
• Biotin, other B vitamins, Vitamins A and D – Biotin helps in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats which is important in maintaining healthy skin and hair. Taken with the other vitamins and minerals, it's another effective option for dandruff remedy. Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is found in grains; a deficiency of this vitamin can cause dandruff. Overall, vitamin deficiency has a negative effect on health, including skin and hair.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – It supports the equilibrium of acid and alkaline in the scalp and has antifungal properties that counteract the overgrowth of the malassezia yeast and clog the pores of the hair follicles.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract – Grapefruit seed extract is a useful natural remedy for dandruff because of its antifungal effects. It can be used directly or blended into shampoos. Take extra precaution to prevent a concentrated form of grapefruit seed extract from getting into your eyes.

Several natural and organic substances have been found to treat mild to severe dandruff. When an acute eruption has been controlled, regular use once or twice a week of anti-dandruff shampoos can prevent dandruff recurrence.

A Holistic Approach to Dandruff Treatment and Control
Dandruff can be treated and controlled without

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Treat Yourself to a Facial at a Spa or at Home

By Marcelina Hardy, Staff Writer on Saturday, August 27, 2011

If you've ever wanted to get a facial, you're in luck. Keep reading to learn how to get spa quality results at home.

If you’re looking for a 50 minute vacation, book a spa facial. Let your worries float away, as you receive a facial massage and see your face look better than it has in years.

Your first step in finding a spa is to locate one that only hires licensed estheticians. These professionals have gone through extensive training on skincare, so you can be rest assured your skin is safe.

Once you have your spa appointment, you’re experience should go something like this:

Cleansing -- The esthetician will cleanse your face with a special product with warm water and then rinse your face off. This will open your pores.

Examination -- At this point, your esthetician will use a bright light to examine your face to determine your skin type – clear, oily, dry, firm – and the size of the pores.

Exfoliation -- Some spas will smooth some exfoliating cream on your face and give you a steam bath to remove dead skin. Other spas will use the exfoliation cream after the steam bath and rinse it off.

Extraction -- Your esthetician will take advantage of your open pores and pick out all of the dirt that could lead to blackheads. This is the process in which having a licensed esthetician is imperative because it could be painful and cause irritation if done incorrectly.

Mask -- To soothe your face and neck, your esthetician will apply a mask for your skin type. This mask will remain on your skin for 15 minutes and then she will use warm water and a cloth to remove it. Some spas will give you a scalp massage during this time. You can ask when you make the appointment if this is customary if you prefer to have this done.

Toner -- The final procedure is applying a toner to your face. Your skin will be noticeably soft and smooth. You’ll feel as if your skin has never felt better in all your life.

The Cost of a Spa Facial
A spa facial costs approximately $80 a visit depending on where you book your appointment. It’s recommended that you do not have more than one spa treatment a month. If a spa facial once a month doesn’t fit your budget, or you wish you could have that spa feeling much more often, you may want to consider giving yourself a facial at home.

What Is a Facial at Home
You can give yourself a facial at home weekly and at a fraction of the cost of a spa facial. The steps are similar to the ones that an esthetician would perform on you minus the examination and extraction.

Step No. 1
Purchase a facial cleanser that is right for your skin type. You’ll need to determine if you have normal, oily, combination, sensitive, mature or dry skin. Avoid foaming cleansers because they can be harsh on your skin. They can strip a protective barrier called acid mantle. Apply the cleanser to your face with warm water and rinse it off well.

Step No. 2
Purchase an exfoliation cream for your skin type. Avoid harsh creams that have a stony texture that may irritate your skin. Your skin should not look stretched and dry after exfoliating. Apply the exfoliation cream as directed on the bottle and then rinse with warm water.

Step No. 3
Consider your skin type, the time of year and your age when choosing your facial mask. Apply the facial mask and then do something relaxing while you wait for it to harden. It usually takes at least 15 minutes before you can use warm water and a cloth to remove it.

Step No. 4
Purchase toner, serum and moisturizer for your skin type. Apply the toner first to hydrate your skin. The serum comes next and then apply some moisturizer as your finishing touch to your at home facial.

Benefits of Facials
Facials not only benefit the skin, they also offer a relaxing break for the mind. Many people think of facials and massages in the same light, and therefore emerge from their facial appointment rested and revitalized. If the stressors of modern life are gnawing at you throughout the week, you should consider getting a facial over the weekend to help get you ready for next week's tasks.

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What Is Dairy?

By Carolyn Wick, Purchasing Team Lead on Friday, August 26, 2011

 
What is it that's in dairy that makes this substance so valuable to some people and so volatile to others?

Allergies can take away many of life’s little pleasures and make one’s existence on earth uncomfortable. It’s no fun having to watch what you eat while others simply gobble up all those yummy foods and not feel a thing. Just think of all the ice cream, cheesy pizzas and pasta you’re going to miss. Allergy to dairy is especially frustrating since milk is the food for babies and infants until they can eat solid stuff and even then, milk remains a major nutrient for children and adults alike.

Allergic reactions can range from the mildly irritating to the embarrassing to the downright life threatening. Here are the more common allergic signs and symptoms that manifest in people who have a dairy allergy or allergy to other food as well.

• Skin rashes, hives or eczema
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain
• Itchy, watery and reddish eyes
• Wheezing, difficulty in breathing, cough or nasal drip
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or the whole face
• Anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that can cause instant death

Dairy allergy can come from cow’s milk, goat’s milk and other animal milk because the proteins that cause the allergy are present in them. These are casein and whey; they may also be found in processed foods, so people with an allergy to dairy will find that they are allergic to these foods as well.

The Benefits of Milk
Milk is one of nature’s most complete foods, which is why parents try to incorporate it into the diet of the family. It’s a rich source of the essential nutrients needed by the body to maintain optimum health and the capability to perform normal activities. Milk contains the three major macronutrients protein, carbohydrates and fats that provide the energy for growth, development and body functions. It also contains an abundant supply of vitamins A, B1, B2 and B12 plus the very important minerals calcium and phosphorus.

Milk is a highly recommended food for infants, growing kids, teens, adults and elderly people alike. The amount of dairy recommended varies with each age group.

The calcium in milk is needed for children and teens to grow strong and healthy bones and teeth. For adults, especially women, it’s known to prevent osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms. Athletes also need the calcium in milk for their bones, which are subject to high levels of stress in their line of activity.

The calcium in milk has been shown to lower the bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the blood, which are major risk factors of heart diseases.

Adequate intake of milk has been found to reduce the incidence of certain kinds of cancer and high blood pressure in both men and women and type 2 diabetes in women.

Milk makes the skin glow and look beautiful, frees it from blemishes and gives the skin an even tone.

Milk provides the fuel for going about the daily activities and increases the body’s resistance to diseases by strengthening the immune system. It has been correlated to increased weight loss, especially in the abdominal area.

The Consequences of Dairy Allergy
Aside from the allergic reactions one gets if taking in milk or foods that contain milk, the body suffers from being deprived of the nutrients that milk provides. These deficiencies come in the form of severe anemia, osteoporosis, susceptibility to fractures, muscle cramps and spasms, tooth decay, high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, dull looking skin and hair and sluggishness.

Milk Alternatives
Substitutes for milk for babies include breast-feeding, hypoallergenic milk formulas and soy-based formulas for infants. In fact, breast-feeding is recommended for infants below four months old because it can prevent milk allergy when the babies grow older.

Children and adults who have dairy allergy must have a diet rich in calcium or take calcium as supplements. Foods that are good sources of calcium are green vegetables, fish and other seafood. They should also take vitamin D to help the body absorb the calcium. Vitamin D is found in eggs and liver or as a supplement.

Natural Remedies for Dairy Allergy
If you or a member in the family has dairy allergy, all is not lost. The fundamental rule in treating allergies is to avoid the allergen. In this case, the allergic person must not eat or drink anything that contains milk. You must know what foods contain milk, as there are many of them that you wouldn’t think likely to have dairy as an ingredient.

Aside from total avoidance of the allergen, it's possible to get rid of an allergy by gradually exposing yourself to the allergen. This means taking in milk in small amounts until you build resistance to it and stop being allergic to dairy. However, there’s the danger of not knowing the right amount to take in and having an allergic reaction instead. The bigger danger, of course, is if the reaction is life threatening.

Fortunately, a homeopathic treatment is available in the market that combines allergy relief components, antihistamine and a specific allergen in one mixture. This elixir acts in two ways. First, it gives you symptomatic relief should you unintentionally imbibe dairy by prompting the body’s natural healing capacity to work. Second, it contains the allergen in safe amounts determined by scientific studies. Regular use of this natural medicine exposes you to dairy in small quantities so that you don’t exhibit allergic symptoms and your system slowly adapts itself to dairy. There are ingredients in it that counteract the adverse effects of drowsiness and dry mouth, which are present in antihistaminic drugs.

This natural remedy does not only cover up the symptoms of allergy but also actually eliminates the allergy itself. Allergy sufferers can relate to the heavenly feeling of finally being able to eat dairy products and foods that contain dairy. No wonder these people call such a medicine a revolutionary innovation in the field of allergy treatment.

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