Yoga For a Beginner

Yoga for a beginner is an exciting time when you start to discover all of the wonderful benefits that yoga has to offer. When you first begin yoga, there are several things you can do to make your experience positive.

The following are ideas you might want to consider as you begin your yoga journey.

Types of Yoga
It is a good idea when you are doing yoga as a beginner, that you choose a style that matches your fitness level, personality, and health condition. Review what each type of yoga has to offer so you can choose a class that is best suited to you.

Yoga Instruction
Yoga for a beginner is best practiced under the supervision of an experienced teacher. It is important to maintain proper body alignment. A good teacher will make corrections so you don’t injure yourself and can also offer modifications if you have any physical restrictions. A teacher can also help you go a little deeper into a pose so you get the most from your practice.

You can find beginner yoga classes at many studios and gyms. Often the first class is free, so you can try different classes to see which ones you like best.

Yoga Attitude
An important point to realize about yoga for a beginner is that it is non-competitive. You are not trying to stretch farther than other people in the class or even keep up with them. You are paying attention to your body, and while you want to challenge it, you also want to listen to it. If, at any point during your practice, you begin to feel pain, either ease up a little, or come out of the pose. It is more important to honor your body than to try to do a pose perfectly.

Breathing
The most important point in yoga for a beginner is to breathe correctly during the postures. In yoga you breathe in and out through your nose in order to allow yourself to breathe more deeply. Breathing helps you get relaxed and it also helps you move more deeply into the poses. If you feel an area of tension in your body, you can direct your breathe to that spot to help it release. If, at any time during a pose, you find that you cannot breathe deeply, either ease up or come out of the pose. Breathing correctly is one of the most important goals in any yoga practice.

Yoga for a Beginner Kit
You might want to get a beginner yoga kit, which usually includes a sticky mat, a strap, and one or two yoga blocks. Some also include a yoga video so you can supplement your classes with practice at home.

Preparing for Class
Do not eat a heavy meal fore several hours before your class. Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. Do drink water, both before and after your practice in order to keep your body well hydrated.

Yoga for a beginner is the first step on a journey of ever increasing self-awareness, a greater level of strength, endurance, and flexibility, and a deeper sense of peace. Have fun and enjoy everything along the way!

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Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings

These are simple steps to help you save children from environmental hazards around the home:

1. Always store pesticidesand other household chemicals, including chlorine bleach, out of children's reach -- preferably in a locked cabinet.

2. Read each product lebel before using. Pesticide products, household cleaning products, and pet products can be dangerous or ineffective if too much or too little is used. So, make sure you follow the direction right.

3. Before applying pesticides or other household chemicals, remove children and their toys, as well as pets, from the area. Keep children and pets away until the pesticide has dried or as long as is recommended on the label.

4. If your use of a pesticide or other household chemical is interrupted (perhaps by a phone call), properly reclose and remove it from children’s reach. Always use household products in child-resistant packaging.

5. Never transfer pesticides to other containers that children may associate with food or drink (like soda bottles), and never place rodent or insect baits where small children can get to them.

6. When applying insect repellents to children, read all directions first; do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin; do not apply to eyes, mouth, hands, or directly on the face; and use just enough to cover exposed skin or clothing, but do not use under clothing.

7. Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. If you plan to remodel or renovate, get your home tested. Don’t try to remove lead paint yourself.

8. Ask about lead when buying or renting a home. Sellers and landlords must disclose known lead hazards in houses or apartments built before 1978.

9. Get your child tested for lead. There are no visible symptoms of lead poisoning, and children may suffer behavior or learning problems as a result of exposure to lead hazards.

10. Wash children's hands, toys, and bottles often. Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces to reduce possible exposure to lead and pesticide residues.

For more information about pesticides, call the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378. To order publications, call the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at 1-(800) 490-9198 or fax at 1-513-489-8695. Please be sure to note the document title when ordering through NSCEP.

For more information about lead, and testing your child or home call the National Lead Information Center at 1-(800) 424-LEAD, or visit
Most people will have to deal with arthritis especially as they get older. One way to eliminate or minimize this pain is to supplement with the essential fatty acids.

Osteoarthritis, the most common arthritis, is not the only arthritis that affects so many people:

* rheumatoid arthritis

* arthritis from lupus

* gout

* psoriatic arthritis

* reiter’s disease

* infective arthritis

As you age, the constant movement of the joints creates wear and tear. Toxic wastes that circulate in the blood, dead cells, and liquid can accumulate in the various joints and cause inflammation and pain. Continual inflammation can cause damage to the joints. In some cases the cartilage that coats the bone ends, wears down and joints then rub bone to bone causing extreme pain.

Using the essential fatty acids provides lubrication for the joints as the move against each other. This reduces the wear that can occur at these joints and this results in less inflammation.

There are several conditions and lifestyles that contribute to arthritis,

* Obesity

* Diabetes

* Heredity

* Poor nutrition

* Poor digestion

* Lack of water

* Allergies

* Repetitive use of fingers, hands, legs or arms

* Body injuries – sports or accidents

Arthritis is a difficult disease to treat because there is usually more than one cause. Just working on one cause may not help enough to give pain relief. But it always helps to know the many things that contribute to arthritis so that different nutritional and lifestyles changes can be made.

The use of flax seed oil, omega-3, is known to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3 breaks down into prostaglandins. It is the prostaglandins that provide the anti-inflammatory results.

So by using the omega-3, GLA, and EPA/DHA supplements, you can get some relief from arthritis. These oils reduce inflammation and pain and provide lubrication, thereby preventing some damage from occurring in your joints.

It is recommended that you use a good dose of,

* Borage oil

* Primrose oil

* NKO oil

Using these oil spread across the day, provides the benefit of feeling reduce joint stiffness and pain in the morning. Use the different oils one bottle at a time. This gives you the health benefits that these different oil provide.

One additional benefit to using these oils is the coating protection that GLA has in the stomach lining.

The standard treatment for arthritis is the use of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors. These, however, have undesirable side effects such as attacking the stomach lining. Thousands of deaths and visits to the emergency are associated with the use of NSAIDs.

You can benefit greatly if you use NSAIDs by adding GLA oils to your diet and help to prevent the serious side effects of the NSAIDs.

There you have it. Eat the essential fatty acids and provide your body with what it needs to build strong and healthy joints.

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Sinus infection: Beware!

Do you feel pain over your cheeks and upper teeth, pain in the forehead, above the eyebrow, pain behind the eyes or on top of the head? Well don’t just relax and disregard these symptoms because you might have a sinus problem that may result form a serious sinus infection!

According to medical study, Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose and sinuses. Sinuses are hollow spaces, or cavities, located around your eyes, cheeks, and nose. Studies shows that when a mucous membrane becomes inflamed, it enlarge, blocking the passage way of fluid from the sinuses into the nose and throat, which causes pressure and pain in the sinuses. Due to the pain it gives to the patient, commonly difficulties in draining the sinuses transpire. Thus, bacteria and fungus are more likely to grow in sinuses that are unable to drain properly causing a more serious sinus infection.

What are the common symptoms of a sinusitis and how can we avoid it?

Typically symptoms of bacterial sinusitis include sinus congestion, sinus discharge, sinus pressure, and facial pain or headaches from sinus pressure. However, a common fault of many sufferers was they do not recognize that they are experiencing bacterial sinusitis and confuse their symptoms with cold symptoms. Thus, they ignore to seek proper diagnosis or treatment believing it was only a typical cold.

Avoiding sinusitis is always easy. There are many treatment choices which are currently available for sinusitis. Prescription medication like Antibiotics, Antihistamines, Decongestants, Leukotrinenes and Mucolytics are the common way to cure the infection. However, if in case a severe sinus infection was detected a complex treatment is needed such as Nasal Saline Irrigation & Steam Inhalation, Reflux Medications, Steroids and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication is conducted to treat the infection.

Once you have decided which type of treatment you wish to avail to avoid your problem, always approach your treatment with confidence, a positive mental attitude, and a thorough understanding of the anticipated outcome is a great help to your condition. It is important to set realistic goals for your recovery — and to be willing to work steadily toward achieving those goals.

Bear in mind that a healthy lifestyle is the answer to any health problems. Taking care of oneself and not abusing its capacity will always be recommended.

Doctor’s advice prevention is better than cure. So, if you feel to have these symptoms, visit immediate your doctor for diagnostic. Beware of SINUS infection for sure you do not want to be a victim of it!


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by Marlon D. Ludovice

Natural Way to Treat Stretch Marks

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life. One aspect of child-bearing, however, may not be so welcomed. For 75-90% of pregnant women, stretch marks, or striae gravidum, can appear in the later half of pregnancy. Stretch marks do not pose any health risk to either the mother or child, but can cause anxiety over their appearance for those who develop them. Stretch marks first appear as raised striations which vary in colour from pink, purple or brown, depending on the mother’s normal skin colour. Striations develop where fat is stored in the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms.

Stretch marks develop during pregnancy because of rapid and excessive weight gain in areas such as the lower abdomen or thighs. As weight increases, the collagen and elastin in the dermal layer of the skin, responsible for retaining shape and firmness, is stretched to the point of breaking. The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis, or visible layer of the skin. The elastic fibres in the dermis weaken with stretching and increased cortisone levels normally produced in the last trimester. As these fibres separate and the skin stretches, collagen is overproduced to form scar tissue which result in striations.

There is no cure for stretch marks. The scarring process that has occurred in the dermis cannot be reversed, but stretch marks will flatten, fade and lighten over time. Creams which contain steroids such as hydrocortisone, or active agents like tretinoin (retin-A) should not be used during pregnancy, and especially not during the first trimester when the fetus is highly vulnerable. Plastic surgery methods are available to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, such as dermabrasion or laser, but treatments are expensive and results vary.

Genetics play a role in whether a pregnant woman will develop stretch marks, but equally influential factors are the condition of the skin and nutrition in determining the onset and severity of stretch mark development. Well-hydrated and healthy skin stretches more easily, so drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and silica, a component in collagen formation, are beneficial.

Lotions, creams and other topical treatments will not reach the dermis, but they can help relieve the itchiness or dryness associated with stretch marks. Keeping the skin moisturized decreases any discomfort that may be felt and if stretch marks are treated when they first appear, their appearance may be reduced significantly. Massaging nutrient-rich natural oils such as wheatgerm, jojoba or vitamin E can help heal the epidermis and also increase blood circulation to the affected area, assisting the healing process. Pregnant women should avoid products containing clary sage, basil, cinnamon or thyme, as these might adversely affect the fetus.

Stretch marks eventually fade and become less obvious over time. Maintaining a balanced perspective about stretch marks can keep pregnancy a most precious time for mother and baby.

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Prom Updo Hairstyles

How can I get that classy updo prom or formal hairstyle? First you need medium to long length hair. You will also need some ponytail holders, gel, and long pins. The trick to getting your updo to look its best is to use several of these pins in different directions to hold your hair in place. Don’t rely on too much hair gel as this just makes your hair stiff. You want your hair to be able to withstand the humidity, but also to be touchable by your date.

You want your curls to be loose. The looser and bigger the curls, the cuter you will look. First, pull your hair up, use some baby powder to add fullness and then tease your hair. Other looks are more classic, like the French Twist. You have to slick back your hair with gel. Part it on the side and pull the hair down. You may need the help of a hair rat. No, not a real rat. You can get this at a beauty supply store. It will help you pull your hair down if you have real smooth hair. You will still need lots of long pins.

Starting with just straight hair, you can use large curlers to get those nice big curls. Once you have them, you can position them in place on top of your head, towards the back. You don’t want your hairstyle to make your face look too long, unless you have a round face, and then it will help balance your geometry. You can use shine serum to give you that sleek sophisticated look. Be sure to use plenty of pins, flexible hairspray, not the max hold kind, and gel if you need it.

Experimentation before prom will be the key. Use what works best for your hair. Find some pictures on the web; try it out with these ides using the pins, gel, and hairspray.

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FDA Approves New Product for Facial Wrinkles

Studies conducted by the manufacturer showed that the device, Restylane, is safe and effective for filling moderate to severe wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Most patients needed one injection to get optimal correction; about one-third of patients needed more than one injection to get a satisfactory result. The effect lasted about six months.

Restylane is made with hyaluronic acid. Two other injectable products are approved by FDA for treating wrinkles. Collagen injections are approved for correcting soft tissue deficiencies such as wrinkles and acne scars, and botulinum toxin is approved for treating frown lines between the eyebrows. Other treatments for wrinkles include topical creams, chemical peels and laser and electro-surgical resurfacing.

FDA’s approval is based on a review of the clinical studies conducted by the manufacturer and on the recommendation of the General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel of FDA’s Medical Devices Advisory Committee.

In the pivotal study, conducted at six medical centers in the United States, 138 patients with naso-labial folds were injected with Restylane on one side of the face and Zyplast, a bovine collagen product, on the other side of the face. Most of the patients were caucasian women who did not smoke and had minimal previous sun exposure.

The results showed that, six months after treatment, the effects of Restylane and Zyplast as wrinkle fillers were comparable.

As reported by patients within 14 days following the first treatment, the Restylane treated side had a lower incidence of severe redness (5.1% vs. 5.8) and an increased incidence of severe bruising (3.6% vs. 0.7%), severe swelling (3.6% vs. 1.4%), severe pain (3.6% vs. 1.4%), and severe tenderness (2.9% vs. 1.4%) compared with the Zyplast treated side. These incidents were lower with follow up injections for both products.

There was limited data in the study on the safety of Restylane in non-caucasians. The firm, Q-Med AB of Sweden, has agreed to conduct a post approval study in people of color to determine the product’s safety for this population. The firm will also provide training to physicians on the correct use of the device.

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Our lifestyles have drastically changed. We don’t walk as much as we used to. We eat pre-packaged or fast foods instead of home cooked meals. And what exercise can compete with video games?

These days kids would rather spend time on the computer than go outside and kick a ball around or ride their bikes. And with all the junk food advertisements aimed at children by the media, us parents definitely have our jobs cut out for us.

Times have definitely changed but that doesn’t mean we have to completely give up. It’s just a matter of putting some simple measures into place.

Here are some easy tips to ensure your kids develop a life-long healthy lifestyle.

1. Limit your kids television, computer and video games time. This may not be easy at first, but be persistent. Suggest an activity they can do, or better yet go outside with them and join in. Children learn through example, so if you’re all set to go for a bike ride they may just want to join you.

2. Get your kids involved in the family food shopping. Make a list of healthy foods everyone agrees on and point out the health benefits to your kids. You’ll be surprised at how open to eating healthy your kids can be. You don’t have to drastically cut out the cakes and cookies altogether, but instead let each child choose one item they can enjoy as a special treat. This teaches kids to learn about moderation and that , yes, they can have cookies or chocolates as treats not as regular food staples.

3. Don’t super size your kids. Be careful to serve kid appropriate food portions. Remember, if they’re not fully satisfied they can simply go back for seconds. Also, teach them to eat slowly and take breaks between mouthfuls to allow the brain to register when it’s full.

4. Try to avoid branding any foods as “bad for you”. Instead focus on teaching your kids everything can be enjoyed in moderation. This takes the pressure off them and gets rid of the diet mentality which can set them up for a life of yo-yo dieting.

5. Be more active! Simply stated, kids need more activity in their lives. The same goes for all of us, if we eat more calories than we’re using up we will gain weight. It’s as simple as that. So get out there and make it fun. Try not to use the word “exercise”. You want this to be a lifestyle habit not something that has to be done.

6. Be a positive role model. Rather than focusing on changes for your child only, change as a family. Have a family meeting and talk about healthy eating and good nutrition. Explain all the benefits of an active lifestyle and let your kids suggest some simple activities you can do together. Start slowly and build up. If you set a good example your kids will eventually follow. It may not be easy at first, but persist. The benefits will far outweigh the tantrums and tears you may need to put up when you first change your lifestyle…. Your kids will thank you for it in the long run.

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Get More Youthful Eyebrows

The Trick: A Straighter Brow Line

Severely arched brows add years to your face, while brows with a straighter "tail" make your eyes look youthful. Just brush brows down, then across to find sparse spots. Fill in with brow pencil before blending with a brow brush.

Get Wide Open Eyes

The Trick: Hot new minimal liner

Skip thick eyeliner, which just makes eyes look small. Instead, dip an eye-lining brush into dampened shadow or pot liner and trace a thin line along roots of upper lashes. It will enhance the whites of the eyes, making them look bigger.

Get Model High Cheekbones

The Trick: Apply brush in an arc

Not only will your cheekbones look gorgeous, but your whole face will look slimmer! Instead of applying blush to apples of cheeks - which accentuates roundness - apply in an arc shape from slightly under cheekbones out and up toward temples while keeping lips puckered - blend well.

Get Mile Long Lashes

The Trick: Apply mascara vertically

Want long, lush lashes? Stop wiggling the wand back and forth while applying mascara. Many of us make this mistake, which leaves lashes short and clumpy. The quick fix? Run wand through lashes from roots to tips and separate between coats with a lash comb or brush.

Get Flawless Glowing Skin

The Trick: Use a foundation brush

Applying foundation with a specially designed brush - instead of a sponge or your fingers - helps it go on thinner so the natural beauty of your skin shines through. Coat the brush with foundation and apply in inner corners of eyes, under eyes, around nostrils and over chin - blend well.

Get Perfectly Pretty Lips

The Trick: Divide by 4

Instead of outlining lips in one or two quick motions - which can create an asymmetrical shape - get a perfect line every time by lining lips in four sections, starting at the outer corner of each lip and working your way toward the center, steadying your hand if necessary.

Using one or two of these simple tips can help you recreate your look without spending money on new makeup. Just applying what you already have in a different manner - no matter how subtle the change - can make a huge difference.

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How does this work? The sand improves circulation by helping to unsettle deposits of fat that collect in the problem areas of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks or abdomen. The coarse nature of the sand allows for this movement, and if you’re not so close to the beach, a substitute like cornmeal, finely crushed salt or sugar will also do the trick. As a double bonus, battling cellulite in this way will allow you to exfoliate at the same time, giving you a healthier glow to your skin by bringing new skin cells to the surface.

Cellulite removal can also be increased with the help of massage. A hand-held massage brush with either wooden or rubber pegs feels great and is inexpensive. Massages can be used daily to help with cellulite removal.

Once you’ve completed the treatment, the broken up fat will begin to look for a new place to rest in the body. You can avoid this by drinking lots of water both before and after your scrub or massage.

by Looking after your skin in summer the right way is very important. So, make it a point to use a face wash. If you are on the run, never forget to carry face wipes. They help to cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin. They even take the grime off the face. In summer, try to opt for oil-free moisturizers with SPF 30, which also double as sunscreens. Avoid soap. Instead use a cleansing milk. A lip balm is a must for all age groups. Since summer is all about gime and sweat, avoid oily astringents and use rose water instead. Remember to drink lots of water to hydrate the skin. To get more information on skin care, refer this http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/skin-care.htm

MAKEUP:
Less is more. Get minimum makeup and just a hint of translucent powder. But if you do want to add a dash of glam, try this, if your skin is dry, try creams which give a dewy effect. This hydrates the skin and adds a glow. Opt for clear mascara instead of a black one, and use a pale lipstick for your cheeks and lips. Pepermint foot cream also works wonders. And finally a word of caution, "never sleep with makeup on".

HAIR:
Try using a sunscreen for your hair. Leaving on a conditioner with UV protection is a great bet for dry and brittle hair. Products for treated hair are a must in summer, besides regularly using liss and fizz control solutions. A regular oil massage too helps. Try deep-conditioning treatment, as the sun-rays damage the hair.

THE GOLDEN RULE:
You need to regularly follow the three golden rules of cleansing, toning and moisturising for a healthy skin and fabulous glow.

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Your primary need is to see a doctor to talk about your hair loss. Through a medical exam and speaking with you regarding your hair loss, your eating habits, and your wellbeing, a doctor can determine if your hair loss is treatable, and more importantly, what causes it.

If your hair loss is due to medication, your medication can often be changed to something that will not cause hair loss.

If your hair loss is due to illnesses, the doctor may advise you that once treatments for the disease are over, hair loss will also stop. Hair normally returns to its normal self.

If your hair loss seems to be due to a bad diet or improper care of the hair, you may need to simply change these situations.

Illness can cause hair loss including those treated with chemotherapy, infections, thyroid disease, or major surgery. Once the illness or treatment is gone, hair loss will return to normal.

Male pattern baldness is usually a cause for hair loss in men. While there are some ways to slow or possibly prevent it, it is hereditary and often can not be stopped. Rogaine is a medicine that is applied to the scalp of men and women who are experiencing hair loss. Another medication is called Propecia which is only used in men. It may take these medications up to 6 months to show signs of progress. And, then, it is still no guarantee.

Again, the most important factor when you are facing hair loss is to speak to your doctor. Before trying products on your own, you need to know just what is causing your hair loss. If it is a symptom of a disease or illness or a reaction to a medication, perhaps you can find an alternative. Trying medications for male or female pattern baldness may work, but consulting a doctor prior to use is important as well.

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What you need to do is find out what the real cause of acne is and stop it.

So what's the real cause of acne?

Acne occurs when your body contains more toxics than your kidneys and bowels can remove. (Your kidneys and bowels are the two primary channels of elimination that your body expel toxics and waste products through.)
These toxics can be the accumulation of fat stored chemicals the liver can not wash out or there may be a problem with fat digestion, fat accumulation, food allergy, or even the accumulation of hormones that your body produces.

Once these toxics build up, your kidneys and bowels can get overloaded and clogged up, causing it to not function properly.

When that happens some of the load will be dumped onto your liver. One of your liver's main roles is to metabolize pile up fat into usable energy for your body.

This means, your liver will be doing some of your kidney's work. So now, your liver gets overloaded and it too will not work at full capacity.

What happens when your bowels, kidneys, and liver gets overloaded?

When that happen your body will expel toxins through your lungs and skin (your secondary channels of elimination). And this is when acne occurs. This is when your skin starts to breakout.

But whatever the toxic source is that‘s causing this problem, acne is a sign that your bowels and kidneys are overloaded with toxins, waste products, or hormones.

It is a sign that your liver is growing weaker in its detoxification abilities (and it will continue to grow weaker if you do not do what it takes to get rid of the toxics in your body).

So if you think that acne is your only problem, think again, your liver, kidneys, and bowels are getting weaker every time you breakout.

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Healthier Skin Naturally in 7 Days or Less

Many people think that in order to have the flawless, youthful skin of our television celebrities, drastic measures are required. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s possible to have even better looking skin starting with things you already have in your home; no cosmetic surgery or expensive makeup required!

Healthy skin is moist and produces adequate amounts of oil from the sebaceous glands, producing a natural “glow.” Plump skin cells fit together like a carefully constructed mosaic, where each one has its own place. When skin cells dry out, however, they begin to lift and separate at an angle, giving skin a dull, flaky look that makes the skin appear older.

The two main causes for dry skin are environmental factors (weather, chemicals, the use of the wrong personal care products) and poor diet. In order to look great on the outside, you must first treat yourself right from within. A regular balanced diet is the number one defense against wrinkles, outbreaks and dry skin conditions. However, certain foods have properties that are most important for that glow that we crave. Here we’ll talk a bit about some of these foods, and you’ll see how quickly you can achieve radiant skin without breaking the bank.

Most moisture for your skin is provided through your bloodstream. The bloodstream is responsible for pumping nutrients and minerals into your system which are carried through that moisture. Without being properly hydrated, nutrients and minerals in your bloodstream may never reach your skin, making them useless in keeping your skin youthful. The oil that your skin produces is not directly responsible for moisturizing, but instead helps to keep moisture in. An inadequate amount of oil will allow excessive evaporation or the moisture in your skin, allowing it to dry out quickly.

Foods rich in protein are essential for skin regeneration and repair. Not just any protein will do. The Atkins diet, which boasts of it low carb dieting results, allows for many types of protein that can cause damage to your skin. Any kind of processed meat, such as bacon, hot dogs or deli meats are loaded with preservatives and salt that will do nothing but pull moisture from your skin. Better sources of protein would include seafood (salmon in particular is a very good choice), lean fowl (turkey, chicken) and vegetable protein. Veggie protein is often overlooked, as American society is accustomed to “meat with every meal.” Try tofu or beans as a high quality protein source. Morningstar Farms makes an excellent veggie burger that even meat lovers would crave if given a try!

Another healthy practice is to eat lots of raw foods every day. Canned and frozen vegetables may provide some nutrients, but only raw veggies and fruits will contain the enzymes necessary to prevent free radical damage. If you absolutely must cook vegetables, steam them lightly and eat al dente.

Certain vitamins and minerals are crucial to youthful skin, including sulfur. In its natural form from foods such as garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus, sulfur with help to keep skin smooth and youthful. You can also take an L-systeine supplement which will also provide adequate amounts of sulfur for healthy skin. A lack of either Vitamin A or B can make your skin chapped or cracked. Beta-carotene is as good for your skin as it is for your eyes. Don’t limit yourself to carrots; any type of yellow or orange vegetable is loaded with them. Good examples are squashes and peppers.

Alpha-hydroxy acids are responsible for keeping your skin pH balanced. You can get them from foods such as apples, grapes, blackberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and milk. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in fish (especially salmon), dark leafy vegetables (kale, collards, dandelions) and flax seeds are also extremely important for your skin. Lactic acid helps to improve your skin’s moisture content, while glycolic acid removes dead skin cells that make your skin look dry and flaky. Eating foods containing these two EFAs will assist in healthy, glowing skin.

If you’re willing to spend a little (just a little), there are a couple of supplements that will powerboost your healthy eating habits. If you find that you can only take one supplement, let it be Vitamin E. It prevents the formation of free radicals and helps repair skin cells damaged from scrapes, burns and bruises. Aloe Vera is another skin healer as well as moisturizer, and can be used topically from the aloe plant, or consumed as a juice found in supermarkets and health food stores. Kelp is an excellent source of nutrients due to its absorption from sea water and is available in several forms.

Junk foods should especially be avoided when trying to maintain healthy skin. Eliminating soda, sugar and other empty-calorie foods will not only improve your skin’s appearance, but will help take off the extra pounds. Fried foods are especially bad, because hot-processed oils (such as those found in the supermarket) actually create free radicals and can destroy that look you’ve been working so hard for. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided, as these and other types of diuretics make the body lose fluids and essential minerals, which dries out your skin.

Each of these foods is easy-to-find in your local supermarket, and will cost you much less than the myriad of skin care products which promise unrealistic results. You’ll notice a difference in your skin in only a few days. You’ll notice that your skin will begin to produce adequate amounts of oil naturally, and will no longer show signs of being dull, scaly, flaky or tight, and chapping and cracking during the winter will be much less likely to occur. These tips will also slow down the effects of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, enlarged pores and sagging skin.

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Once mistakenly thought to be bad because of its saturated fat content, coconut oil is now known to contain a unique form of saturated fat that actually helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and hardening of the arteries. The saturated fat in coconut oil is unlike the fat found in meat or other vegetable fats. It is identical to a special group of fats found in human breast milk which have been shown to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and protect against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. These fats, derived from coconut oil, are now routinely used in hospital IV formulations and commercial baby formulas. They're also used in sports drinks to boost energy and enhance athletic performance.

What coconut oil does not
Does not increase blood cholesterol
Does not promote platelet stickiness which leads to blood clot formation
Does not contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease
Does not promote cancer or any other degenerative disease
Does not contribute to weight problems

What coconut oil does do:
Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and related illnesses
Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions
Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections
Supports immune system function
Helps prevent osteoporosis
Helps control diabetes
Promotes weight loss
Supports healthy metabolic function
Provides an immediate source of energy
Supplies fewer calories than other fats
Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health
Improves digestion and nutient absorption
Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life)
Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking)
Helps keep skin soft and smooth
Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin
Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes

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