The many benefits of Fish Oil

I have been taking fish oils for about 5 years. I first learned about fish oil when I was breastfeeding, and my doctor advised me to take some DHA because it was good for my baby's brain and my mood (as I suffered from post-partum depression.) Omega-3 contains 2 essential fatty acids (or EFAs), EPA and DHA. Our body can't make EFA's; they are only obtained through diet and supplementation. There is also Omega-6 (GLA) and Omega-9 (Oleic Acid). Omega 6 is also an essential fatty acid. Omega 6 is much more common in the average North American's diet, than Omega 3's are. Omega 6 is found in many common cooking oils, seeds, and nuts. On Dr. Weil's website, he states that hormones derived from Omega 6's seem to have the opposite effect of Omega 3's, increasing inflammation and blood clotting. He says that many people consume too much Omega 6. So it's important to strike the right balance. Omega 9 is not technically an essential fatty acid because our bodies can make it from unsaturated fat. Normally we don't have a shortage of Omega 9 in our diets. Omega 9 is found in olive oil and animal fats.

Fish oil has may health benefits. Here are some of them:

• Supports heart health
• According to the American Heart Association, Omega 3 fatty acids can decrease heart arythmias, reduce triglycerides levels, and slow growth of atherosclerotic plaque, and slightly lower blood pressure
• good for increasing circulation
• EPA supports balanced blood sugar
• DHA is good for supporting learning and memory
• DHA and Omega-6 promotes feeling of well-being & helps mood - many use it to help ease symptoms of depression
• EPA is good for joint health and flexibility. It supports the body's anti-inflammatory response.
• may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis
• Nourishes the skin and hair
• According to Nordic Naturals' literature and Dr. Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, RD, " those who consume fish oils tend to have better body composition and may burn fat better. Some research has shown that omega 3 fats, EPA + DHA, in fish oil may help reduce fat and even help protect against obesity."

The American Heart Association warns that high levels of fish oil can cause excessive bleeding in some people and recommends using under a doctor's supervision.

sources:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400149/balancing-omega-3-and-omega-6.html

free sample of Perlabella anti-aging pearls

I just ordered a free sample of Perlabella by going here: http://www.perlabella.com/more (there is a $2.95 shipping fee) I can't wait to try it.

"Perlabella PureDose Pearls, direct from Italy The Power of Purity -- The effectiveness of any anti-aging product depends upon the integrity and purity of its ingredients. Perlabella PureDose Pearls are unique because, unlike most other anti-aging products, they are airtight, making it impossible for water, air or preservatives to compromise the integrity of their ingredients. That’s what we call real beauty, pure and simple."

Chemicals to Avoid in Everyday Personal Care Products

I've been wanting to do a post about chemicals that should be avoided. This article puts it very well: http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/stayHealthy/cos2.html

Natural Solutions Magazine

I'd like to bring Natural Solutions magazine to your attention. It's been around since 1994. First it was known as Alternative Medicine, then in February 2008 it became known as Natural Solutions. Their website is full of wonderfully, useful information, and there is a free e-newsletter to sign up for. The website has recipes, articles, and a section for coupons & free samples. There is also a link to view a free sample issue of the magazine online.

http://www.naturalsolutionsmag.com/

I'm in love with ylang ylang

I've been wanting to buy some ylang ylang essential oil for some time, but have been waiting. Ylang Ylang oil is rather expensive, as far as essential oils go. I am so in love with the scent. It's a floral scent that is beautiful and sensual.

I recently bought some Avalon Organics Ylang Ylang shampoo. I had never thought that I would be so excited to wash my hair. Avalon Organics also has shower gel and body lotion.

My husband also surprised my a yesterday with some Aura Cacia Ylang Ylang III essential oil. Aura Cacia is a widely available brand. Aura Cacia uses 100% pure essential oils and uses environmentally friendly production practices. My local Fred Meyer carries it, as do many grocery stores with a health food department. I have been experimenting with making some perfume. It is also nice to put a drop or two in an aromatherapy diffuser; it makes my bedroom smell wonderful. For aromatherapy purposes it is supposed to induce calmness.




*author's note - I was not compensated in anyway for mentioning any brands above. Those are just the brands that I personally used and liked.

Environmentally Friendly Exfoliants

Exfoliation is a necessary part of skin care to remove the outer, dead skin cells to reveal the fresh, new cells underneath. It can prevent pores from getting clogged and causing acne. It also helps skin to look refreshed, rather than dull and dry. It also feels good and invigorating. Not all exfoliants are environmentally friendly, however. Some have the potential to harm marine life.

There are a couple of ways to exfoliate: manual and chemical exfoliation. Manual exfoliation involves scrubbing or brushing the skin. Chemical exfoliation involves a mild acid to slough off cells on the surface. Common peels or masks use like fruit acids and alpha or beta hydrody acids. I'm going to concentrate, right now, on manual exfoliating. Many women use scrubs, loofahs, or brushes for exfoliating their bodies. For most women, exfoliating once a week is sufficient.

What to use for exfoliating

About Microbeads

Many body washes and facial cleansers contain microbeads to help gently exfoliate skin. They seem gentle, and seem like a good idea. Until one realizes what they are made out of and what happens to them after they are used. The tiny plastic beads go down the drain and go out to the water supply to become pollutants and become a danger to sea life.

Loofahs

I used to believe that loofahs were made from the remains of a sea creature. The truth is that a loofah is made from a dried cucumber-like plant. If you use a loofah, replace it regularly because it can become unsanitary. Shower poufs, loofahs, and other sponges harbor bacteria.

What I use to exfoliate

I like to use coffee grounds or ground almonds. Sugar and salt scrubs are nice to.







updated 3/24/2014

Almond facial scrub

I love using ground almonds as an exfoliant. They remove dead skin, while leaving the skin soft and silky. The almond oil is great for your skin.

I had a bag of Bob's Red Mill almond flour that I really loved. I kept it in the freezer to keep it fresh. I would take a little out once in a while & mix it with a few drops of water and rub lightly on my face. Then my husband decided it was too old to eat, so he threw it in the garbage. He didn't understand why I was so upset that it was gone. I don't like waste; I can usually find a use for fruits & veggies that are turning. Bananas that are going a little soft and brown that no one wants to eat are good for face masks. I have a cucumber that's been in the fridge just a little too long that will be good for my eyes. When I was a teenager, my mom couldn't stand for me to waste perfectly good food by smearing it on my face. So that thriftiness remains with me today.

Since my pre-ground almonds were gone, I thought I could grind some myself. I had a bag of stale almonds that no one in my house wanted to eat. I don't have a food processor, but I thought a blender or coffee grinder would work. I ended up with almond butter smeared inside my coffee grinder...yuck. I think I kept the grinder going too long. Anyhow, I decided to try the chunky buttery mixture for a mask. It worked pretty nicely. My skin was quite soft and smooth afterwards. You really can't beat pre-ground almonds.

Beginning a New Year

Many of us start the new year with resolutions to exercise more, eat healthier, lose weight, etc. But why? As we head into the new year it’s good to take a look at our motivation. If we are not focused then it’s easy to get off track.

Last year I decided to try to eat healthier. I was tired, lethargic, and depressed. I knew I wanted a better life. There are also some health issues that run in my family: diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. My mother-in-law had a stroke at the beginning of last year and that really made me think. I wanted to live a long, healthy life. I knew that started with what I put into my body for fuel. So this year I am continuing my quest for healthy eating. Here are some good ideas.

• stocking up on whole grains
• choosing whole foods - foods that are minimally processed, no artificial flavors or sweeteners
• no partially hydrogenated oils
• no high fructose corn syrup
• choosing organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy
• choosing organic fruits and vegetables. Organic foods have no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fumigants, no GMO's, no irradiation, no hormones or antibiotics, or artificial ingredients. Choosing organic foods heps to keep chemicals out of your body, helps protect the environment. According to Earthbound Farm's website organic fruits and vegetables are 30% higher in antioxidants. They say emerging science is showing that average levels of nutrients are 25% higher in organic foods.

This year another focus of mine is daily exercise. I tend to get easily distracted and procrastinate. Exercise really does help me feel better. It gives me more energy & helps my mental outlook. I like walking outside, but during the winter it's cold and rainy. My goal is to limit my excuses. I do have an exercise bike and stair climber, but I seem to put exercising on the back burner. It really is a choice, though. I make time to eat dinner and make time to do other things that I like. So exercise is just another think that I need to make time for.

The key is developing good habits. As a little kid you are taught to brush your teeth and bathe. Keeping an exercise program going & making healthy food choices is no different.