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Spring is in the air and before we know it, we will be spending much of our free time outdoors. Unfortunately as we get closer and closer to warmer weather, the bugs come out as well. I’m talking about those nasty mosquitoes, and all those other annoying buzzing, biting insects that seem to declare an all out war on all humans. It’s as if our best defenses are not going outside, or spray on loads of bug spray. Of course we will spray on just about anything to keep those annoying little insects from biting, so that we can enjoy our time in the outdoors.
Have you ever considered what might be in the bug repellent that you are spraying all over your body? Chances are the main ingredient would be Deet, (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) which is a chemical that was patented by the US Army in 1946. Deet is used in just about all insect repellents at different concentrations. The reality of Deet, is that it is a pesticide that kills insects. This pesticide is known to melt plastic, prolong exposure can impair cell function, and is even more harmful when mixed with other chemicals, that are commonly found in many every day skincare products such as deodorants, sunscreens, and soaps.
Short term exposure of Deet is not as harmful, and is recommended to not use a repellent that has over 30% concentration of Deet; however there are natural alternatives that effectively repel these insects, such as handmade soaps that have insect repelling ingredients like citronella in them. When I know that I will be working outside, or going hiking / camping, I use a soap bar that is called Deep Woods. It contains citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, bergamot, and lemon grass essential oil, and does a wonderful job naturally repelling biting insects. Sometimes I will just rub the bar as its dry on my neck and arms without any water, and is still very effective.
I highly recommend using natural insect repellents such as these soap bars, or products like Mercola’s Bug Off, which is free of Deet having a fresh lemon scent and natural ingredients, such as vanilla, citronella, lemongrass oil, and peppermint oil. Remember that our skin is permeable, what goes on gets in. As we choose safer skin care products to wash our bodies with, let us not neglect the products that we use which are suppose to protect us from the sun and biting insects as well.
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Of the many wonderful benefits goat milk has to offer for healthier, younger looking skin, exfoliation is one of them. Goat milk contains lactic acid which contributes to skin exfoliation, and is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids, which exfoliates the skin by breaking down the glue holding dead skin cells together. Alpha-hydroxy acids are also often used as a base in many lotions, because it has moisturizing properties as well. It is important especially as we become older and our bodies begin to slow down the process of naturally shedding dead skin cells, to exfoliate our skin. Though a goat’s milk soap alone contributes to exfoliating dead skin cells, you can also find goat milk soap bars molded in natural sea sponges, for a gentle exfoliation or in a loofah sponge for more aggressive exfoliation.
Many factors contribute to healthy younger looking skin. Using natural skin care products is definitely a giant step in the right direction, but other factors will contribute to healthier skin as well, such as diet, making sure your body receives plenty of water, and sleep. Do you get enough sleep, or are you like many of others who complain they have difficulty falling asleep, wake up often during the night, or wake up feeling even more tired than you did before you went to bed. Receiving the right amount of sleep will not only prevent pre-mature aging of the skin, but also will boost your immune system, repair damaged muscles, restore your mind, and help the body to cope with daily stress.
Not being able to fall asleep is very frustrating, for years I struggled falling asleep, and I am such a light sleeper that when I fall asleep, often times I am easily woken up, not being able to fall back to sleep. There were times I would take NyQuil or Tylenol PM in desperation to fall asleep, and when I read statistics such as Americans spending more than 3 billion dollars in sleep aid prescriptions in 2007, proves that I am not alone. One day I was approached by family member who was concerned for my well being, and had asked if I had ever heard of Melatonin, which I had not, and immediately begun to do my research.
Melatonin is something that naturally occurs in the body, produced by a small gland in the middle of the brain called the pineal gland, which is inactive for most people during the day and starts to produce melatonin into the blood at night, typically between 9pm to sunrise, which then the levels begin to decrease. Age does determine how much melatonin the body produces. Young children usually have much higher levels than adults, which as you grow older the levels continue to decrease. This would explain why most sleep problems occur among adults and not children.
After doing my research I bought some Melatonin in a capsule form, and did not notice an immediate change until after taken the pills for several days. I have just recently discovered melatonin in a spray that allows optimal absorption without having to take any pills, and am very well pleased on how well it works. Melatonin Sleep Support Spray accurately distributes the right amount of melatonin without interfering with the absorption of other vitamins, minerals, and supplements. If you are one of the 84% that have difficulty sleeping, before you go to desperate measures and take prescription drugs or over the counter pills like Tylenol PM, please do your body the favor and try using melatonin which will not only give you much better results, but is much safer to use, not having all the side effects that you see on the labeling of those prescribed and over the counter drugs.
If you are suffering from really bad dandruff and are already using a natural shampoo bar, you do not have to give in, and use a chemically infested product to deal with this problem. there are many natural remedies available and here is one that worked great for me.
Herbal Vinegar Rinse
2cups Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup Rosemary (or) your choice.( I use fresh herbs )
Place the herb in a glass jar with the vinegar, and let it sit for a week.
Strain threw a cheesecloth.
Add 1 Tablespoon of the strained oil to 8ozs. of water
Use as a hair rinse after shampooing.
There are many ingredients that we want to avoid in our skin care products, such as Triclosan, Formaldehyde, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS) due of the health threats these subtle ingredients impose. This is why many consumers are switching to natural skin care products that are made with safe ingredients such as goat’s milk, pure essential oils, Shea butter, and beeswax and so forth. One ingredient that has received much attention in the media in the past that is credited to causing Alzheimer’s is aluminum, which is commonly found in many deodorants, including the very popular natural crystal deodorants stones and sprays.
These deodorants are claiming to be free from the types of aluminum found in the majority of antiperspirants, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum cholorides, aluminum hydroxybromide, or aluminum zirconium. The aluminum that is found in these crystal stones is known as potassium aluminum sulfate, (alum). So if you are really looking to avoid aluminum these crystal stones may not be the best solution. They may claim that the mineral salts are too large to absorb into the skin, but there is no sound evidence that supports this.
Our body is supposed to sweat, this is how it relieves unwanted toxins, and the arm pit area seems to be the place where much of this takes place. It is not a bad thing to have sweaty armpits; we just do not want the unpleasant smell that follows. There are many natural ways to control the odor from down under that do not involve having harmful ingredients such as aluminum. Washing often with just soap and water works great for many, while others need a little more; like perhaps some baking soda. There are many natural deodorants to choose from, and when looking for aluminum free products remember to also check if it is free from potassium aluminum sulfate as well.
Click on the sources link below to read more on aluminum in deodorants
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Epsom salts are so effective in offering healing properties to the body due to one key component and that is Magnesium, which regulates the activity of more than 325 enzymes. Magnesium is an electrolyte that aids to proper muscle and nerve functions, aids calcium cells, and can help lower blood pressure decreasing the risk of heart disease and strokes. Magnesium is also noted to lower the risk of diabetes by increasing the effectiveness of insulin, and is famous for reducing inflammation and relieving aches and pains.
There are several ways we can obtain magnesium, but the most effective way to receive the desired amount our body needs, is to soak in an Epsom Salt bath. Not only do you receive the wonderful mineral magnesium, but Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates. Sulfates help detoxify the body by flushing out toxins. Sulfates also improve the absorption of nutrients, can prevent headaches, and helps form brain tissue, mucin proteins and joint proteins. Sulfates are very difficult to absorb from food, but are easily absorbed through the skin, which is another great reason to bathe in bath salts that contain Epsom Salt in them.
It is recommend to use 2 cups of Epsom salt for a standard size tub, and to double the amount for larger tubs. I know that most of us live very busy lives, and hardly ever have the time to soak in the tub; however if you can find the time to bathe in warm water with Epsom Salt for minimally 12 minutes, your body and overall well being will greatly benefit.
Eczema is a skin condition that is most common with newborns, but adults suffer from it as well. It is still uncertain what causes this inflammation of the skin that leaves the skin in a rash like state, causing severe itching. Its appearance is mainly a redness color, with outbreaks of lesions that can become encrusted and scaly.
If you or your child suffer from eczema, and have been prescribed a medicated cream to relieve the symptoms but are just not comfortable about applying steroid creams and synthetic chemicals on your child, and or yourself, see if your doctor would recommend trying a natural treatment such as Tea Tree oil.
We have had several customers comment that by just using a goat’s milk lotion with Tee Tree oil had relieved them from eczema symptoms. The amount of Tee Tree oil in these lotions is very small; however you should still consult your doctor for treating eczema with Tee Tree oil, for it is known to have some side effects. Some may be allergic to the cineole in the oil, and it has been recommended not to use Tee Tree oil while breast feeding or if you are pregnant. Just because something is natural does not mean that it is free from all side effects. We are all unique and our bodies react differently, which it is why it is always wise to consult with your physician before trying any new method of treatment.
I have often heard the phrase many times in my life, “there is a wrong way to do a right thing”. I am reminded of this saying when I think about sun exposure to the skin. Today the sun has been demonized as the biggest contributor to skin cancer, and commercials have us all in panic not to leave the house until we have slopped on layers of sun block.
I am just not comfortable with this. I have often wondered what is in most sun blocks, and what else could it be doing to my body other than preventing a sun burn, which not always works. Much of this curiosity hit me after I had realized how permeable our skin is. I do understand that too much sun is not good, we do not want the skin to become burned, and if you are planning to be in the sun for long periods of time, it is very wise to use sun protection, but this slop on layers on sun block nonsense every time you leave the house concerns me. The sun is the absolute best way our bodies receive the amount of vitamin D it needs to maintain optimal health. Sun block does more than supposedly prevent sun burn; it also prevents your skin from producing the very important vitamin D, which to me seems like a waste of sun exposure.
There are many great natural skin care products available that contribute many health benefits for the skin and body; however the cheapest and most natural skin care treatment one can receive is from the sun. The right amount of sun exposure is very critical for not just healthier skin, but a healthier immune system as well.
This is an area that just in the past few years many scientists have been exploring more and more rapidly and are amazed how vitamin D affects the body. Some experts suggest that over 50% of children and adults are deficient in vitamin D, which if one is deficient in vitamin D their immune system will not do its job properly.
Vitamin D has just recently been connected with fighting immune system disorders such as Crohn’s disease by helping the body produce over 200 antimicrobial peptides that fight off such infections. Vitamin D also helps prevent and treat many cancers such as lymphoma, lung, prostate, colon and skin cancer. Scientist and Doctors are beginning to discover more and more benefits of vitamin D, and are encouraging more so today than ever before for, not just those who are deficient, but everyone to get vitamin D levels checked between 3-4 times a year.
If you live in an area where you simply cannot receive the right amount of vitamin D from the sun and are deficient you can take vitamin D supplements, but want to be careful you are receiving the right amount. Unlike receiving vitamin D naturally from the sun the body self regulates the amount it needs through the skin, your body does not do this when taking vitamin D orally. Too much vitamin D can be harmful and this is why it is important to have your blood tested. The optimal level of vitamin D should be between 55-65 ng/ml. There are two different test available, 1, 25 (OH) D, and 25(OH) D. The 25 (OH) D which is also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D is most recommended by doctors as the better marker for vitamin D status.
Most important things to consider when wanting to obtain vitamin D naturally from the sun, is common sense, “don’t overdo it”! For the first few times being exposed to the sun limit yourself to about fifteen minutes before protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. You want to gradually build a tolerance. Before you know it, by midsummer you can spend nearly an entire day outside without getting sunburn, and of course if you are going to be exposed to extreme sun conditions for great lengths of time like on a boat, than yes, protect your skin, whether it be wearing sunglasses, a hat and clothes, or using a natural sun screen, that is free from harmful chemicals.
A couple of days ago I had mentioned about the antioxidant properties of goat’s milk soap, having vitamins A and E and how such antioxidants fight off free radicals. I continued to mention the best food sources of antioxidants and the availability of such antioxidants in dietary supplements such as Krill oil. Krill oil is not only a great source of antioxidants, but omega-3 fatty acids as well, which the two of these properties are extremely important incorporating into our daily diets for a healthier well being.
The best source of omega-3 has been known to come from fish, particularly salmon, which in a perfect world would be true. We should be able to receive all the proper nutrients were suppose to be getting from all our foods; however due to many man made interferences much of our food has either been altered or contaminated. This is why nutritional supplements have become so necessary in our diets. I use to think it was foolish to spend money on vitamins and dietary supplements if you ate healthy. Even if you do maintain a healthy diet, you still may be lacking many of the nutrients that you should be receiving. Much of this depends on how the food is cooked and where it came from. One example would be the recent discovery of nutrients being robbed from foods that are cooked in microwaves.
It has been advised by the FDA and the EPA now that we limit the amount of fish we eat due to high levels of mercury, and other industrial pollutants such as PCBs, heavy metals and so forth. This has led many to fish oil, and other sources of omega-3 such as flax seed to receive the amounts of Omega-3 that most of us are so deficient in. Fish oil is a great source of Omega-3, and though I have read that Flax seed is a great natural source of Omega-3, I have also read that there could be direct relations to prostate cancer, so I would like to research that a bit more before I can base an opinion; however I have just discovered New and Improved Krill Oil from Dr. Mercola, and would like to share what I believe to be an amazing discovery.
What Are Krill?
Krill are tiny shrimp like creatures that cover the oceans floor deep in the Antarctic waters. There is absolutely no need to worry about over harvesting krill, for it is said that krill make up the largest biomass on earth along with plankton, making them a very renewable resource. Krill oil is known to support a healthy heart, blood sugar health, healthy joints, brain and nervous system development, cholesterol, blood lipid health, healthy skin, healthy liver and much more.
I encourage all my friends, family, clients, and readers to check out New and Improved Krill oil and find out for yourselves, by reading the articles and watching the video of Dr. Mercola explaining all the amazing health benefits in greater detail. I am sure once you have done research and have started adding krill oil to your diet you too will want to shout it from the roof tops and letting all that you come in contact with of this wonderful and very much needed supplement.
As you may have noticed by now if following this blog regularly, we are very passionate about natural skin care products and healthier alternatives for a healthier lifestyle. Not only are we passionate about healthier products, but extremely passionate about sharing the truth, and to pass on the knowledge, research and experience we have obtained to as many as possible.
If you are a first time visitor here, you will notice that a lot of research goes into putting together the quality content that is posted on this site on a daily basis. Our goal is to share and to inform of the subtle dangers that are hidden in many of the products our households use and consume on a daily basis, such as what we use to wash our bodies, clean our homes, and feed our families with. It is not only our desire to share what we have learned, but to provide you with dependable resources as well. There is a lot of information available on the web today, many of it is agenda driven, and unfortunately at times misleading information. Where we get our information is just as important as to choosing to live a healthier lifestyle using safer products. This is why I, along with millions of others have signed up for Dr. Mercola’s health newsletter. We feel that it is very important that as we find reputable resources such as Dr. Mercola, to share these valuable resources to as many as we possibly can.
Dr. Mercola’s newsletter has become the worlds most trusted, and largest growing newsletters available. Mercola.com has just recently made the top ten blogs to follow for health consciousness. With over three decades of medical experience Dr. Mercola has dedicated his life to informing the world of alternative health solutions. When you sign up for this FREE newsletter you will be up to date on current health topics typically before they hit main stream media, and equipped with and abundance of nutritional information, that will ultimately help you achieve a healthier lifestyle.