What you choose to put on your skin every day is an important step on your journey to great looking skin. It’s crucial that we feed our skin the same way we feed our bodies if we want to look healthy and vibrant. This can be a very confusing task as we are constantly bombarded with the latest and greatest in skin care products.

There are a few key things you should look for in your skin care products to ensure they have what it takes to make your skin look great. Concentrated natural actives, vitamins in a specific form and minerals that have the ability to change the look and function of your skin are a few key components any high grade skin care product should have. Also, it is extremely important that the product has a good delivery system which helps to actually penetrate deep into the skin.

Products that have these key characteristics (and therefore have the ability to truly transform your skin) are called Cosmeceuticals. So what differentiates a Cosmeceutical from an ordinary beauty product? Simple. Cosmeceutical products contain highly active ingredients. The vitamins also come in a specific form that helps keep them stable and the advanced delivery system allows these important nutrients to penetrate. It is important to note, though, that not all Cosmeceutical lines are created equal. As such, it is important to speak with a skilled practitioner who can recommend products that are capable of living up to their own hype.

BE CURIOUS

Here are three questions you should ask before purchasing a Cosmeceutical skin care product:

What is the delivery system of the product?
There is significant research showing that most skin care has a penetration rate of 2%. Many people think that acidic creams and serums penetrate better but that is not true according to many independent studies which means 98% of all of the ingredients out there are wasted if a line does not have an effective absorption strategy.

What form is the vitamin A?
If there is no vitamin A in your treatment serum than the ability of the product to remodel the skin is extremely limited. You want the vitamin A to be in the form of retinaldehyde. This is the strongest form of vitamin A but does not cause irritation and peeling like other retnoids.

When the sales person is making claims of what a product can do, ask how it achieves that goal.
For example if the sales person tells you the product can lighten sun spots you should ask how and why this happens. It is our right as consumers to be educated on the purchases we make, especially when we are putting these products onto our skin.

LET’S TALK OSMOSIS

At SKN we do thorough research on all Cosmeceutical lines before we consider providing them to our clients. For this reason, the skin care lines we carry are found at very few clinics in Canada. We do not carry products based on their popularity but rather we choose products because of the results they are able to achieve. Products need scientific proof – not just a great marketing campaign.

SKN has recently added the Osmosis Pur Medical Skin Care line. Osmosis is cruelty free, paraben free, and artificial fragrance, color and additive free. The products are water soluble, plant based and use more active ingredients per serum than any other line in the world. Osmosis is heavily researched with many products having numerous published research articles supporting their efficacy. Osmosis has the most advanced delivery system available, phosphatidylcholine liposomes, which are proven in research to increase penetration 1000%. Aging and many skin conditions are worsened by the decline in blood flow that tends to start in our mid-twenties. Blood flow is the skin’s only source of food and immune support (antioxidants, enzymes, proteins, lipids, immune cells). Osmosis uses 8 different dermal stimulators and other ingredients which work with the skin to increase circulation and nutrient supply. The other shortage that occurs with loss of blood flow is in our protective antioxidant base. Osmosis utilizes the skin’s strongest and most active antioxidants (17 of them) to keep the focus on repair and remodeling of existing conditions by reducing free radical damage seen daily through environmental, food and sun related trauma.

Tip #2 – Discover Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

There are many different treatments offered at Spas and Clinics and it is hard to know which one will provide you with the best results. At SKN, we offer clinical treatments in a spa environment so you get both results and relaxation. We offer customized clinical treatments that are designed specifically to address your skin needs.

FEEL GOOD INSIDE AND OUT

We believe in focusing on both the internal and the external so you look and feel your best. If you’re looking for a true balance of relaxation and results, SKN offers medical grade facials that are extremely relaxing but most importantly are results driven using an array of highly active ingredients from the Osmosis line. Additionally, we offer customized peels that have the ability to create profound changes in the skin such as reduced appearance of lines, wrinkles, acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Peels will also enhance the effectiveness of your products as the skin is better able to absorb and utilize the ingredients since the skin turnover has been accelerated.

A LITTLE POKING

Cosmetic Acupuncture is the ultimate in holistic anti-aging and will tighten and brighten the skin while simultaneously balancing your internal system. You can expect positive side effects such as better sleep, less stress, and increased energy. We also have an advanced dermal therapist that performs Photo Rejuvenation and Skin Tightening for aging skin. Our specialty is healthy, beautiful skin. Whether you have aging skin, sun damage, acne, rosacea, melasma or just want to boost the skin and maintain its health, we can help. At SKN we understand that skin conditions and aging are a result of something happening internally so we offer a holistic approach that focuses both on the external signs and the internal causes.

Tip #3 – Nutrition is Key!

The food we feed our bodies affects the look and health of our skin. We hear it all the time – eat a diet high in antioxidants! The reason for this is that antioxidants scavenge those free radicals that cause damage to our skin, body and brain. Some foods high in antioxidants are berries, oranges, pink grapefruit, grapes, apricots, peaches, raisins, tomatoes, dark green leafy veggies (spinach, kale, etc.), Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, red peppers and carrots.

KEEP THAT GLYCEMIC INDEX LOW

Following a low glycemic index diet will keep our blood sugar balanced which is very important for those with acne because a spike in blood sugar increases the production of sebum. So eating small, protein and veggie based meals throughout the day will keep the blood sugar in check.

EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT

Traditional Chinese medicine offers great insight on how one should eat according to their constitution and pattern. For example if you suffer from the skin condition rosacea it is important for you to avoid heat producing foods like mangoes, spicy foods, and lamb. Rosacea is a heat condition so you want to heal the skin and body by adding cooling foods such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and other fresh fruits (except citrus) and veggies. If you suffer from acne it is also important to avoid heat producing foods but also damp inducing foods like dairy products, and bananas as they will contribute to acne outbreaks. This is just a brief picture of how Chinese food cures can work to reduce or eliminate skin conditions when combined with other therapies.

The first line is what I like to call our luxury line and once you apply it to your skin you will know what I am talking about. It is called Jadience and it is composed of organic east asian herbs which are packed with vitamins and minerals and then there are antioxidants, oils and jade powder to top it off.  It feels as though you are rubbing silk on your skin. Jadience has products for anti-aging, acne, rosacea and is a great preventitve skincare line to keep the skin healthy.  My two favorite products are Jade and Ginseng Regenerating Serum, which I believe is a must have product for everyone and it is self adjusting so your skin will gradually take what it needs. It is a serum so the ingredients are microsized particles that your skin will immediately absord and it will protect, hydrate, heals and tighten your skin. After I apply my serum I use Radiance because I have dry skin and this product keeps my skin soft and hydrated all day long. People often comment on my skin saying it looks so tight and glowy and they are shocked when I say I have dry skin because it looks the complete opposite.  My job gives me the pleasure of working with skin clients everyday and I have not had one client dissapointed with the Jadience line.  Plus, I am the only person outside of America currently offering this product to clients so it is somewhat of a natural skin world secret.

The new addition to the SKN Shop is Seaflora, now this product line comes from the beautiful oceans of  British Columbia. It is a marine based line and the seaweeds are harvested ethically with love and care so they continue to grow each year offering us fantastic products. The products use four main seaweeds which are filled with every imaginable vitamin and mineral your skin needs to look its absolute best. This line is great for anti-aging, acne, rosacea and skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and any other skin condition which may be due to a lack of minerals.  Seaflora is really great for people with very oily skin, specifically the Laminara moisturizer as it will be absorbed and healing to the skin while supplying your skin with much needed minerals and vitamins. You will not look greasy. Another great product for people with oily skin is the Jadience Jade and Ginseng regenerating serum because it is quickly abosrbed and will protect your skin and not leave any oiliness lingering on your skin throughout the day.   Now back to seaflora, this skincare line makes some great exfoliants and masks, they are stinky but very effective so plug your nose and reap the rewards.  There are masks for every skin type out there, my personal favorite is the potent sea kelp.   Myacne clients love the Iridea Purifying mask to de-congest the skin.

Now for those of you who deal with eczema anywhere on the body you should opt for the laminara body lotion and soothing sea kelp soak. There is also what we like to call the Super Power product and this is the Seaweed firming gel. It is anti-bacterial, anti-septic, soothing, and healing. It is used for sore joints and muscles, bug bites, stretch marks, and eczema and psoriasis.

We have more info on each and every product at www.SKNShop.ca and we would love to help you pick the perfect product for your skin type. For our help just send an email to amanda@SKNClinic.ca with any questions you have and a detailed description of your skin.   We will help you choose the products best suited to your skin.

Top 3 Treatments:

Cosmetic Acupuncture

This treatment is unsurpassed by any because of its power to brighten and tighten the skin while simultaneously bringing the internal body into balance.   Some of the cosmetic results one can expect from this treatment are a leveling of deep lines, a reduction of fine lines, smoother, more vibrant skin,  overall skin tone becomes more consistent,  improvements in acne and rosacea and much more.

Some of the positive side effects you can expect from this treatment are improved sleep and digestion, decrease in stress and anxiety levels, reduction or elimination of hot flashes and night sweats.

I provide all my clients with a health plan consisting of recommended foods, supplements, and Chinese herbs.  The cosmetic acupuncture treatment plan is a holistic plan that should encompass body, mind and spirit.

Cosmetic acupuncture consists of 10 -12 treatments, two treatments a week.  Once the series of 10-12 is completed you will have a maintenance treatment every six weeks and complete the entire program once a year.  learn more at www.vancouvercosmeticacupuncture.com and if you live in the Vancouver area feel free to come in for a free consultation by requesting an appointment at www.SKNClinic.ca

Photo-Facials

Photo-facials are great treatment option for those looking to eliminate sun damage, redness, broken capillaries, treat acne outbreaks and pigmentation scarring from acne.  Photo-facials also stimulate the production of collagen so you skin will look and feel tighter and brighter as a result.

Photo-facials are a diverse treatment that allows your practitioner to customize the treatment to your specific needs.  There are a variety of filters that are chosen depending on your skin needs.

This treatment is safe when performed by a skilled practitioner and involves no downtime.  If you are getting rid of sun damage you will need a series of 2-6 treatments spaced three weeks apart.  The hyper pigmentation from the sun damage will begin flaking off and the end result is beautiful, even-toned skin.

If you suffer from acne these treatments allow your practitioner to use multiple filters, to target bacteria, inflammation and to heal the skin and improve skin texture.  These treatments can be performed once a week and after six treatments your skin will be looking great.

This is currently one of the only treatments successful in the treatment of rosacea.  The rosacea filter targets the hemoglobin in the blood to eliminate redness and broken capillaries.  These treatments will require a series of 2-6 and you will need follow up treatments every six months.

I highly recommend combining the cosmetic acupuncture with the photo-facials so that you get even better results because you are working both internally and externally.  It is important to remember that what is present on our skin is an external manifestation of what is happening in our bodies.

Skin Tyte

This is new technology that works on tightening the skin by delivering deep heat into the dermis stimulating collagen remodeling and contraction. Since there is no downtime, patients may resume their regular activities immediately following treatment.   Following the  treatment a new foundation of collagen is created leading to increased skin firmness.   So overtime the results increase.  Extra bonus this is safe for all skin types.

Clients need a series of 2-5 depending on the amount of skin tightening needed.  The treatment is most effective for face, neck and chest.

This wraps up my top 3 treatments for 2010.  They have been chosen based on effectiveness, safety and proven results.   If you want to look beautiful, natural and healthy then these are the treatments for you.

For more information please email info@SKNClinic.ca or  visit our website at www.SKNClinic.ca

When I meet my clients suffering from acne more often than not they are using products such as pro-active which can be extremely drying on the skin and as a result accelerate the aging process of the skin.  Many clients also inform me that they are using nothing at all because they believe any added moisture will make their skin even oilier.   The reality is that not using a proper moisturizer leads to oil-gland confusion, meaning your glands become over-active due to the lack of moisture being provided, hence even oilier skin.  A proper moisturizer will work to balance the oil glands and regulate the amount of oil produced, hence reduced oil.

Frequently clients come in for a facial claiming to have oily skin but during the facial treatment it is discovered that they have extremely dehydrated skin.   When the  client begins a proper skincare routine using natural products containing safe anti-bacterial and moisturizing agents there skin starts to make a shift to new, healthy, rejuvenated skin.  It takes time for skin to reach a healthy state, we recommend following a skincare program for at least six weeks to notice changes.  In many cases changes will happen earlier but if you have had troubled skin for years it will take time for your skin to heal and reach a healthy state.

Jadience
Jadience skincare  was developed by leading dermatologist in the treatment of acne Anna Ragaz, as well as a pioneer in cosmetic dermatology and anti-aging medicine and Jenelle Kim, practitioner of oriental medicine who has studied with the most respected doctors and herbalist in east asia.  Her great grandfather was a royal doctor to the Joseon Dynasty.
Together these outstanding practitioner have created a skincare line that combines scientifically proven treatments with centuries-proven formulas unlocking the door to ultimate health, longevity and beauty.
Jadience has created a product series for all skin types and internal products to address deeper internal issues that are leading to acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

Featured products:
Jade and Ginseng Regenerating Serum:
This powerful age-defying, anti-wrinkle serum works miracles to hydrate, protect and firm the skin. The anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties of Ginseng, Green Tea Extract and White Peony are combined with the purifying actions of Jade Powder to synergistically repair, strengthen, rejuvenate and nourish the skin by stimulating cellular regeneration. This advanced formula fortifies your skin’s natural immunity to environmental damage and visibly corrects the appearance of your skin.

Jade and Burdock Exfoliating Scrub:
The ritual of using finely ground herbal granules to exfoliate dull surface skin cells in order to reveal new, healthy dermal layers has been used in Asia for hundreds of years. We use the finest ground herbal granules made fresh for every batch of product.  Our herbal granules are non-abrasive and our formula stays true to the centuries proven ritual which results with ageless, radiant, and smooth skin.   This is one of our key secrets to beautiful skin!   This non-irritating, deep cleansing scrub exfoliates lifeless skin as it invigorates healthy dermal cells. Eliminates bacteria and penetrates deep to clear blemishes and prevent new breakouts.  Your skin will be cleansed, purified, and absolutely radiant.  Perfect for blemishes and troubled skin.

Jade and Burdock Blemish Control Gel:
This extra-strength blemish control gel is formulated with Jade Powder, Burdock Root and an exclusive blend of active herbal ingredients to treat blemishes and troubled areas, leaving skin clear and smooth for a radiant complexion. This proprietary herbal blend kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, unclogs pores and prevents the formation of comedones, while balancing and healing your skin

To learn more about this amazing product line visit www.jadience.com.
Call 604-568-6333 to order, we offer free shipping in Canada and on International orders over $200.

Seaflora Skincare

Hand-harvested from the cold clean Canadian Pacific Ocean, these all natural wild seaweed skincare products are nutrient rich with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements creating the most nourishing, healthy and vital seaweed skincare products on the market today.  The skincare products are manufactured from CERTIFIED ORGANIC seaweeds ensuring that the products are of the highest quality and sustainably when harvested and processed.

Laminaria Facial Moisturizer:

Laminaria Digitata is combined with alfalfa; containing antioxidants to fight free radicals and calendula to help calm and sooth sensitive skin. This gentle moisturizer is perfect for everyday use to improve skin texture, leaving skin clear, vital and healthy. Excellent for Acneic, oily, sensitive skin types.

Iridaea Purifying Facial Masque:

Highly concentrated in amino acids, zinc, fatty acids and beta-carotene, this beautiful nutrient rich masque will help to calm, exfoliate, firm and renew tissue by increasing fluidity of cellular membranes and helping to slow the aging process of the skin. It assists in healing acne and irritated skin as it encourages cell growth. Your skin will feel years younger. Recommended for all skin types, especially dry, mature, sensitive.

To learn more about the Seaflora Skincare line visit http://www.sea-flora.com/index.php. If you find a product you love then give us a call at the SKN clinic at we would be happy to send it out to you.  Free delivery in Canada and on International orders over $150.

Proper Skincare for Acne

Eating for Beauty

Top 3 treatments for healthy, glowing skin

Skincare for Aging Skin

We will begin the Beautiful Skin Series  with my top 5 supplements to help you create healthy, beautiful skin.

My top 5 skin supplements are:

1. Fish Oils - Take the liquid not the pill you get some much more from an oil because you will absorb it quicker and more of it. Look for fish oils that are made up of the smaller fish such as sardines, mackerel and anchoives. You body is able to metabolize the fats from these small fish. When it comes to the superfood salmon I recommend eating the fish not taking the oil or the pill. Fish oils are rich in omega 3 which play a critical role in promoting healthy skin. They help to regulate cellular function and maintain elasticity and suppleness in the skin. Consequently, a fatty acid deficiency will show up as skin problems. Most of us do not get enough of the Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet whereas Omega 6 fatty acids are in plentiful supply. Symptoms of Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include skin problems like eczema, dandruff, dry and flaking skin and poor wound healing.   I highly recommend Nutrasea fish oil.

2.  Vitamin C – It is an antioxidant that will fight off age.   It is also necessary for the production of collagen, which is the connective tissue that keeps our skin nice and firm.   I would aim to take vitamin C throughout the day and great easy way to do that is with those yummy emergen c packets.  You can also use vitamin C topically but make sure it is the fat soluble form ester C.  Dr. Perricone makes a great topical ester C that your skin will love.

3.  B Vitamin Complex – B Vitamins are important for so many bodily functions but we are going to focus on the skin in this article.  B-vitamins help to maintain healthy skin tone and are also great to relieve mild anxiety and stress.    When we feel healthy our skin will reflect it.  The B vitamins all have individual jobs but they must be taken together as to prevent a deficinecy of another b vitamin.  You can add higher doses of individual b-vitamins as needed but always remember to take your b-vitamin complex first.

Vitamin B1 aids skin health by helping to keep the circulation normal.

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin deficiency can lead to hyper pigmentation (aka brown spots). Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine deficiency can result in dermatitis or eczema.

Niacin deficiency can also cause an eczema type of skin eruption with brown pigmentation, largely on the face, forearms and legs.

Deficiency of pantothenic acid and biotin can also leads to different types of eczema.

I recommend taking a liquid if you can find one.  Praire Naturals makes a  great Vitamin B complex in liquid form.

4.  Digestive enzymes - Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food so it can be used by the body. Digestive enzymes are essential for healthy skin because it helps improve skin, hair and nails by increasing the blood supply to the skin and body. When enzyme levels are insufficient, a host of problems may arise. If the food we eat is not broken down properly it may enter the intestines in large masses causing bloating, gas and other digestive discomfort.  Large particles of food may enter the blood stream and trigger the immune system to attack.   If your food is not being broken down then the vitamins and minerals contained in the food are unable to processed and used by the body causing malnutrition.   You could eat all the raw vegetables you want but if your body does not contain the necessary enzymes to break these foods down then you will suffer from digestive discomfort and lack of nutritents.   When food builds up in your body it becomes toxic and can lead to systemic inflammation which in turn may cause skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema and also exacurbate these conditions for those suffering from them.   Digestive health must be at its optimal level if you want beautiful skin.

To simplify just think of this vicious cycle – food is not properly digested, vitamins and minerals are not absorbed, inflammation increases.  This constant internal state of distress is reflected externally with flare-ups of skin conditions.

For more detailed info on the job of each enzyme you can visit http://www.beta-glucan-info.com/digestive_enzyme_facts.htm or http://www.dermaharmony.com/skinnutrition/digestiveenzymes.aspx

5.  Silica -  Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the connective tissues of the body. It strengthens our muscles, hair, tendons, ligaments, nails, cartilage, bone and is very essential to have for healthy skin. Silica deficiency can lead to a reduction in skin elasticity and can interfere in the body’s ability to heal wounds.  I highly recommend the liquid Silica by the company Naka.

Before beginning a supplement and nutrition program I would recommend consulting with a health practitioner such as a Natural Nutritionist, Acupuncturist, Practitioner of Chinese medicine, Naturopathic doctor or other health care practitioner.

You may also request a health plan (supplement recommendations, food cures following the philosophy of chinese medicine and lifestyle recommendations) online by emailing  info@sknclinic.ca. The cost of this plan is $89 canadian dollars.  You will be required to fill out an intake form evaluating your health, there will be follow up questions so your health practitioner can collect as much detailed information needed so they are able to provide you with a plan best suited to you.   Your plan will arrive via email within 10 days.

2.  Use a natural skincare line that does not contain chemicals and preservatives as these will only irritate your skin and make it worse in the long run.   My top two natural, organic skincare line  are Jadience and Seaflora.

3.  Nurture your internal body with fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid processed, sugar based, gluten based products.  The look of our skin is an external manifestation of an internal imbalance.   If you need guidance see an practitioner of Chinese medicine or naturopathic doctor to give you herbal, supplement, and nutritional advice.   The SKN blog also love to hear from it’s readers what content they would like us to write about.

4.  Avoid taking antibiotics long term it will destroy your internal flora,  leading to overgrowth of bacteria and a weakened immune system.   Be sure to take probiotics and good bacteria based foods like kefir and miso.

5.  If you are looking for treatment for your acne, I highly recommend cosmetic acupuncture.  Cosmetic Acupuncture is a powerful treatment because it begins with body points to balance your internal system and is completed with facial needles.  These facial needles work to increase the flow of blood and oxygen up to the face feeding the skin with nutrients.  Cosmetic acupuncture also tightens up the skin working on the collagen and elastin.   Because this is a holistic treatment it also balances the hormonal system which is a big factor in adult onset acne.

6.  When searching out external treatments for acne I encourage you to find an experienced practitioner who uses Sciton BBL therapy.  It is a light based therapy that treats over-acting oil glands that result in the reduction of acne and improve mild acne scarring.  It also works on the collagen texture of the skin improving the overall complexion.    Remember to always combine this with an internal therapy so you are getting to the cause of the acne.

7.  Load your body up with good oils.  I highly recommend Nutrasea oil.  It is small fish based oil and it actually tastes okay.   These oils will help to reduce internal inflammation that is sparking these outbreaks.   On the other hand remember to avoid the bad oils which lead to the internal inflammation.

8.  Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated and your body flushing out those toxins.

9.  Love your liver.  Your liver is your detox organ and it needs to be functioning at its optimal state.  A good way to keep your liver healthy and strong is to do a liver flush every six months.  I recommend the Alpha Omega Liver Flush.  It is so easy all you do is take 1tbsp every morning for thirty days.   Don’t underestimate your liver it is so important to our overall health.

10.  Practice relaxation and breathing techniques to keep you centered and calm.  When our bodies and minds are stressed there is internal chaos that can cause our hormones to go crazy.   A balanced body and mind will lead you to healthier, happier skin.

For information on skincare products, tips or anything to with acne just shoot me an email at info@SKNClinic.ca.

This brings me to my rosacea power treatment,  it begins with internal therapy such as organic Chinese herbal medicine, proper skin care, nutritional and supplement counseling and acupuncture.   Then the broad band light treatments to target that external redness.  This method allows us to address the internal cause while simultaneously treating the broken capillaries and redness.   It is important to look at each and every case of rosacea separately and customize the internal therapy according to one’s specific needs and imbalances.  The beauty of Chinese medicine is that not only will your skin look healthier but you will feel great too.

The fact is many of us are tied to our cell phones and literally go into a state of panic if we forget it at home one day. There are still a few people out there that have not jumped on the iphone, blackberry train but I would guess very few. So if we do find out from future studies that these phones have been emitting dangerous cancer causing radiation I would say we are in for a health crisis. More studies do need to be conducted to come to any solid conclusions but I know for myself personally I am going to limit my use as much as possible. If you have children I would hold off on giving them a cell phone as long as possible too. I have posted a 10 month study by EWG below, this is just the first steps into the research of cell phone radiation and the health risks associated with it.

It is important to point out that all phones are not created equal some emit more radiation than others so check the list out below to see where your phone stands on the radiation scale.

The Company EWG was very curious to all the cell phone radiation buzz and undertook a 10-month research review, to understand the risks — and this research has been receiving alot of attention. Turns out, cell phones do emit radiation — enough so that scientists are concerned about potential cancer risks. We’d like to believe that cell phone radiation is safe, but no one can say for sure. Much more research is crucial for scientists to reach a conclusion.

What you can do to protect yourself while we wait for more research to be conducted is purchase phones that have lower radiation emissions. EWG has put together the most comprehensive online consumer guide to cell phone radiation. Click on the link below to find the top ten most safe cell phones and the top ten most dangerous cell phones.
www.ewg.org/cellphoneradiation/Get-a-Safer-Phone?allavailable=1

To read the complete 10 month study go to www.EWG.org

Saturated Fats: These fats are not your friend  and include vegetable fats such as Crisco, lard, animal fats and butter.  Too much of these fats can cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and ovarian and breast cancer.   This type of fat leads to inflammation which increases the aging process.  Limit yourself to one serving a week of beef, veal, pork or lamb.

Polyunsaturated / Trans fats: Polyunsaturated fats are your best friend if they come from fish and your enemy if they come from vegeatble sources and include corn oil, safflower oil, and canola oil.  When these fats are processed by chemically adding  hydrogen to extend the shelf life foods that contain them, they produce solid trans fatty acids.  These are the most damaging of all.  Trans fats are produced commercially to turn vegetable oils in shortening and margarine.   For all you BECEL lovers please do your research BUTTER is much better for you.  Becel is your one way ticket to the doctor, unfortunately doctors are still telling their patients it is a healthy choice.   Just because they added olive oil to the newest becel still does not make it healthy.

Polyunsaturated fats from fish: Salmon is the richest source of essential fatty acids and we have only begun to discover the powers of salmon.  Be cautious though as to what type of salmon your are consuming, it must be wild not farmed.  I also highly recommend taking a liquid fish oil supplement.  The essential fatty acids found in salmon slow down the aging process both internally and externally.  Polyunsaturated fatty acids play a crucial role in the bodily processes in which dietary fats are our major cellular energy source.

The essential fatty acids, like omega 3 and omega 6, offer a wide range of health benefits.  They have heart protective effects and can lower blood pressure and decrease the chance of blood clots.  Small amounts of fish in the diet can lower risk of colon, breast and prostate cancer.  Doctors have found that the pain and inflammation of severe rheumatoid arthritis is reduced be omega 3′s.

Brain function is tied to our essential fatty acid intake.  Deficiencies of DHA can lead to ADHD, increased aggression and a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s later in life.   Low omega 3 intake has also been linked to psychological problems, including depression, bipolar disorders, post-par-tum depression, and suicidal tendencies.

We could all use some “Salmon Therapy” to keep us functionally optimally on a psychological, emotional and cognitive level.   Let’s not forget the anti-aging beauty benefits as well.  The only side effects associated with “Salmon Therapy” are younger, firmer skin, greater cognitive skills and the lifting of depression.

Special thanks to Dr. Perricone for sharing his incredible knowledge with all of us in his books.  I encourage you to go pick up the Perricone Prescription.   It is a breath of fresh air when you find a world renowned dermatologist who believes and understand the power of natural medicine.

SEVEN DANGERS OF COKE & PEPSI (SOFT DRINKS)

For those of you who LOVE Coke/Pepsi. Just when you thought you knew everything.

1) To clean a toilet:

Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl.
Let the “real thing” sit for one hour, then flush clean.
The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.
No scrubbing, no sweat – guaranteed.

2) To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers:

Rub the bumper with a crumpled-up piece of aluminum foils dipped in Coca-Cola.
Much economical than the stuff from Smart Shop.

3) To clean corrosion from car battery terminals;

Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.

4) To loosen a rusted bolt;

Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

5) To remove grease from clothes;

Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle.
6) The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.

Hey, what do we have here?

The world’s first soft drink disguise as a multi-purpose cleaner? Or should it be a multi-purpose cleaner disguise as a soft drink!!!

Besides that, If you pour Coke (yes, the soda) on a slab of pork, wait a little while, you will SEE WORMS crawl out of it.

AND WE DRINK THIS STUFF! Coke & Pepsi ALARMING FACTS!!!

The average pH of soft drinks, e.g. Coke, Pepsi is pH 3.4. This acidity is strong enough to dissolve teeth and bones! Our human body stops building bones at around the age of 30. After that it’ll be dissolving about 8-18% of the bones each year through the urine, depending on the acidity of the food intake (acidity does not depend on the taste of the food, but on the ratio of potassium / calcium / magnesium / etc. to phosphorus).

All the dissolved calcium compounds accumulate in the arteries, veins, skin tissue, and organs. This affects the functioning of the kidney (kidney stones). Soft drinks do not have any nutritional value (in terms of vitamins and minerals). They have higher sugar content, higher acidity, and more additives such as preservatives and colourings.

Some people like to take cold soft drinks after each meal, guess what’s the impact? Our body has an optimum temperature of 37 degrees for the functioning of digestive enzymes. The temperature of cold soft drinks is much less than 37, sometimes quite close to 0. This will lower the effectiveness of the enzymes and put stress on the digestive system, digesting less food. In fact the food gets fermented. The fermented food produce bad smelling gases, decays and forms toxins, which are absorbed in the intestines, get circulated in the blood and is delivered to the whole body. This spread of toxins can lead to the development of various diseases. Think before you drink Coke or Pepsi or any another soft drinks.

Thanks to http://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-810.0.html for posting these dangers. There is a whole host of information out there to support the health risks associated with coca cola, Pepsi and all other soft drinks. Have a glass of water your body will love you for it.