Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a type of succulent plant that can be found throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and America. ⠀⠀
The earliest record of human use comes from Ebers Papyrus (an Egyptian medical record) from the 16th century BC. ⠀⠀
Aloe vera is popular and widely cultivated because of its medicinal properties. Two parts of the plant that are medicinally useful are the leaves filled with gel and a substance the plant creates known as aloe latex.

Aloe vera is used for:
1. Treating cuts and burns
2. Oral care
3. Lowering blood sugar
4. Treating constipation
5. Skincare

Did You Know? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1. There are more than 400 types of Aloe plants but Aloe vera is the most popular for medicinal applications. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2. The gel within the leaves contains 75 different minerals, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes that are beneficial to human health. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3. Aloe vera is called Lily of the Desert because of the habitats where it can be found.

Aloe Vera + Honey Face Mask

You’ll need:
•Aloe vera leaf (3-4 inches)
- contains many vitamins and has soothing properties •Raw unpasteurized honey (1 tbsp)
- naturally anti-fungal, antiseptic and hydrating ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Instructions:
1) Slice the aloe leaf open lengthwise and scrape gel out with a spoon into a bowl
2) Mix in the 1 tbsp of raw unpasteurized honey with the aloe vera
3) Using the back of the spoon (or your hands) gently apply a thin coat of the mixture over the entire face. Keep out of eyes, eyebrows and nostrils.
4) Allow mask to sit for minimum 15 minutes
5) Rinse face with warm water and gently pat dry

Enjoy the glow!

Guide to Plastic - Plastic Numbers Explained

There are a few different kinds of plastic in production, some more durable and reusable than others.  Plastic products are marked by a number inside the recycling symbol, typically on the bottom of the product. This symbol indicates the recyclability of the product. Usually products are marked with the numbers 2, 4 and 5 are safer choices.

The following sections provide information on each type of plastic (1-7)

Polyethylene Terephthalate ⚠

1. PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic resin and a form of polyester.

PET is found in: Cosmetics, Household cleaners, Water, Juice, Soft drinks, Salad dressings, Oil, Peanut butter

Health Concerns
Studies have found levels of antimony (a toxic chemical) leaching from water bottles that have been placed in heat for prolonged times. Although PETE does not contain BPA or Phthalates, it’s always best to make sure that your water bottles are not temperature abused. PETE plastic should not be reused because cleaning detergents and high temperatures can cause chemicals to leach out of the plastic. Plastic #1 is only intended for one time use.

High-Density Polyethylene ⚠

2. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. HDPE is hard, opaque and can withstand somewhat high temperatures.

HDPE is found in:
HDPE is used in the manufacturing of toys, and the packaging of: Laundry detergent, Milk jugs, Folding chairs and tables

Health Concerns
No known health concerns

Polyvinyl Chloride ⚠

3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer. Through the use of phthalates, a plasticizer, it can be made softer and more flexible (phthalates are toxic). 

PVS is found in: Shower curtains, Cling wrap, Waterbeds, Pool toys, Inflatable structures, Clothing, Vinyl, IV bags used in neo-natal intensive care. PVC can also be found in car interiors and vinyl flooring, resulting in the release of toxic chemicals into the air.

Health Concerns
PVC is one of the toxic plastics that should be avoided.

Purchase a shower curtain made from organic hemp, bamboo or PEVA. PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) is a non-vinyl (PVC-free), chlorine-free, biodegradable plastic. Air out the car before getting in. Avoid using cling wrap made with PVC. Avoid inflatable structures, air mattresses, and toys made with PVC. Choose all baby toys, pool toys, and bath toys that are labeled to be PVC, Phthalate and BPA free.

Low-density polyethylene ⚠

4. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It can be found translucent or opaque. It is flexible and tough but breakable.

LDPE is found in: Juice and milk cartons (as the water-proof inner and outer layer). Most plastic grocery bags and some packaging material.

Health Concerns
No known health concerns.

Polypropylene ⚠

5. Polypropylene (PP)is a thermoplastic polymer. It is strong, tough, has a high resistance to heat and acts as a barrier to moisture.

Polypropylene is found in: Yogurt and margarine tubs, Plastic cups and baby bottles, Kitchenware, Microwavable plastic containers and lids

Health Concerns
Most PP are microwavable safe and dishwasher safe. NOTE: microwavable/dishwasher safe only means that the plastic will not warp when heated. It does not imply that it is a healthy practice. A better alternative is using glass containers to heat foods and to hand wash plastic instead of using the dishwasher.

Polystyrene ⚠

6. Polystyrene (PS) is a petroleum based plastic. It can either be hard or used in the form of styrofoam.

Polystyrene is found in: packaging materials and insulation. Some common items include: Disposable cutlery, CD and DVD cases, Egg cartons, Foam cups and to-go foam packaging from restaurants.

Health Concerns
Long term exposure to small quantities of styrene can cause neurotoxic (fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping), hematological (low platelet and hemoglobin values), cytogenetic (chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities), and carcinogenic effects. Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). 

Ways to avoid Polystyrene:

Package left over foods from a restaurant in your own glass or stainless steel containers.Avoid styrofoam cups or plates and instead use stainless steel, glass, or bamboo products.Bring your own silverware to fast-food restaurants instead of using their plastic ones.

OTHERS ⚠

7. Stands for “Other” which may or may not contain BPA. It is commonly used to label Polycarbonate (PC). The letters PC may be present with the recycling symbol, which would indicate that the product is made with polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate is derived from BPA (A toxic xenoestrogen)

Where is Polycarbonate found?Electrical wiring, CD/DVD cases, Baby bottles, as well as 3 and 5 gallon reusable bottles

Health Concerns
BPA has been found to be an endocrine disruptor. Choose bottles made with the #1, #2, #4, or #5 recycling codes.

CONCLUSION

Plastic products marked with the numbers 2, 4, and 5 are the safer choices. Avoid exposing your plastics to high temperatures (microwave, dishwasher) and use milder detergents for cleaning. There is no guarantee that plastics will not leach out harmful chemicals, the safest bet is to just avoid plastic altogether.

Petroleum: Cosmetic Chemicals Exposed

Most logical individuals look at petroleum as an industrial chemical and not as a product for human consumption. I am stating my opinion in stating that industrially produced chemicals should be limited to use in machinery this is simply not the case. People simply trying to maintain good hygiene are literally bathing in a chemical cocktail.

Petroleum and petroleum jelly or petrolatum for example do not necessarily look the same but consider that petrolatum has been deoderized, bleached, and treated to look, feel, and smell the way it does. Essentially using petroleum jelly is like using a form of plastic or gasoline just tailored for skin. Petrochemicals are industrially produced and are known carcinogens.

According to David Suzuki "A petroleum product, petrolatum can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs — including skin contact over extended periods of time — is associated with cancer. i On this basis, the European Union classifies petrolatum a carcinogen ii and restricts its use in cosmetics. PAHs in petrolatum can also cause skin irritation and allergies."

A study linking the petrolatum impurity polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs to breast cancer was completed at Columbia University. The study indicates that breast tissue of women with breast cancer were 2.6 times more likely to have increased amounts of PAHs attached to their DNA than the breast tissue of women without breast cancer. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found in oil, coal and tar deposits as byproducts of fuel burning. Researchers June K.Dunnick, Michael R.Elwell, James Huff and J.Carl Barrett of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC also found that PAHs were found in the mutated genes of test animals with mammary gland cancer.

There is no regulatory restriction in Canada concerning the production and sale of petrolatum and petrolatum products. Petrolatum has been flagged for future assessment under the government's Chemicals Management Plan, but many uninformed Canadians remain in the dark concerning this chemical. In the European Union, petrolatum can only be used in cosmetics "if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen." http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/chemicals-in-your-cosmetics---petrolatum/

Adults widely purchase carcinogens, some knowingly, others unknowingly, but where my concern lies is with the voiceless children. There are safer products that can be used on their growing little bodies, and unfortunately misinformed parents often use petroleum jelly products on their babies.
Petrolatum is also used as an artificial food additive, often represented in ingredients lists as E905B. It's applications can be broad but is "recommended" as a wax/gelling agent. Yum? The FDA provides updated information about all food additives allowed into the food supply. This is how much petroleum you might be ingesting:
(c) petrolatum is used or intended for use as follows:
In bakery products; as release agent and lubricant. With white mineral oil, not to exceed 0.15 percent of bakery product.
In confectionery; as release agent and as sealing and polishing agent. Not to exceed 0.2 percent of confectionery.
In dehydrated fruits and vegetables; as release agent. Not to exceed 0.02 percent of dehydrated fruits and vegetables.
In egg white solids; as release agent. Not to exceed 0.1 percent of egg white solids.
On raw fruits and vegetables; as protective coating. In an amount not to exceed good manufacturing practice.
In beet sugar and yeast; as defoaming agent. As prescribed in 173.340 of this chapter.
For more information from the FDA: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=172.880&SearchTerm=petrolatum

SOMETHING FOR THE LADIES:

Created by: CosmetologySchool.org

Might I reiterate this is pretty much plastic, which is an endocrine disrupting, carcinogenic, xenoestrogen. 
SOMETHING FOR THE GENTS: 


It might be a good idea to consider consulting a qualified Nutritional Practitioner in the future if you are unsure of what chemicals are truly derived from nature and which are synthetic. Nutritionists such as myself are trained experts in the field of food, herbal medicine, and supplementation. There are alternatives to synthetic chemicals available, you just have to find them. Coconut oil is superior in virtually every way to petrolatum, and from generations of consumption we know it can be safely used internally as well. For baby's there are a multitude of products available as well, the cheapest but closest to petrolatum is sheep lanolin. For more information feel free to email me or contact me via FaceBook.

World No Tobacco Day 2012

This May 31 2012 is international No Tobacco Day. We all know someone personally who smokes, weather its a loved one, friend, or co-worker. As a non-smoker and nutritionist I find myself constantly telling people they should not smoke. They should not smoke this or that, or anything at all, but often simply telling someone to quit does not do much. People first must have the will and desire to quit, and then there are techniques which can be applied to assist them through the process.
Upon Conducting some research I could gather that cigarettes contain toxic contaminants including cadmium (which affects the kidneys, arteries, and blood pressure), lead, arsenic, cyanide, and nickel. Dioxin, the most toxic pesticide chemical known to date, has been found in cigarettes. Also noteworthy dioxin has been banned in North America yet it is still in basically every cigarette. Acetonitrile, another pesticide, is also found in tobacco. The smoke as we all know is carcinogenic, and is often a significant contributor to many forms of cancer. Cigarette smoke damages our DNA and has many negative heath implications throughout the life of that smoker. 
Vitamin C is protective against many of the carcinogens found in cigarettes but extra vitamin C is needed by those who smoke. Smoking itself reduces the absorption of vitamin C. Smokers have 30-40 percent lower blood levels of vitamin C than non-smokers.


The following is taken from today's article of the Huffington Post about World No Tobacco Day 2012:
Switch Up Your Diet
Certain foods make cigarettes taste tasty -- and others not so much. Researchers at Duke University asked smokers to list the foods that made them savor the flavor of cigs. Seventy percent reported that red meat, coffee and alcohol enhanced lighting up. On the flip side, about half the group said good-for-you foods, like fruits, vegetables, juice and milk, made cigarettes taste lousy. "Loading up on fruits and vegetables even before quitting might help cigarettes seem less appealing," says F. Joseph McClernon, Ph.D., director of Duke's Health Behavior Neuroscience Research Program. Can't hurt to have your taste buds on your side.

Sweet Relief
Some of the gnawing hunger that quitters have for cigarettes may be a hankering for something else. "Perhaps as much as 30 percent of a smoker's cravings are actually for carbohydrates rather than nicotine," says Jonathan Foulds, Ph.D., professor of public health sciences and psychiatry at Penn State College of Medicine. Studies show that sucking a few glucose tablets -- the type drugstores sell for diabetics -- helps to satiate the longing. Anecdotally, Foulds says, patients list Jujubes as the candy of choice -- they're long lasting and low cal (120 calories per 1.5-ounce box). As he puts it, "It's not that sugar is good for you, just that smoking is worse."


Get A Move On
Working out works for cravings, too. Research at Brown University showed that women who exercised vigorously -- at around 80 percent of their maximum heart rate -- improved their quit rates (19 percent versus 10 percent at the end of the 12-week program) and had a longer string of no-relapse days than non-exercisers. The researchers suggest that exercise may help prevent depression, relieve tension and reduce weight gain in women trying to kick the habit. In addition, research at the University of Exeter in the UK suggests that exercise triggers changes in brain activity. In that study, smokers who cycled at a moderate pace had fewer cravings after abstaining from nicotine for 15 hours, as measured by MRI reactions to cigarette images, than non-cyclers.


Kick Butts
Paging Bruce Lee! Researchers at the University of Miami tested the effectiveness of the ancient martial art tai chi in helping smokers quit. Participants took tai chi classes for one hour, three times per week. After 12 weeks, and with no other formal cessation component, nearly 60 percent had stopped smoking, says Jef Morris, the tai chi master trainer who runs the program. What's the connection? "Smoking gives people a feeling of relaxation in the way they breathe. With tai chi, they breathe well and feel stronger, and they find that the conscious breathing and flow of movement also reduce stress," Morris says.


Time It Right
Turns out going whole hog on a diet and exercise program just as you quit smoking may be biting off more than you can chew. "We found those who succeed at quitting smoking while not gaining weight are those who approach it sequentially -- quit now, diet later," says Bonnie Spring, Ph.D., professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. How much later? From a few weeks to two months. "It's so easy to get overwhelmed with quitting that it's wiser not to wholly change your diet or exercise regime simultaneously," says Spring.


Buddy Up
There's strength in numbers when it comes to quitting. After analyzing the quit rates of 1,000 people in treatment programs -- some who met one on one and others who met with a group -- researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Public Health found the group quit rate at six months was 41 percent (12 points higher than the one-on-oners). Other UMDNJ research concurs. Forty to 50 percent of people who attended six group meetings at their workplace -- sharing stories, laughs, compassion -- were successful quitters six months out. Join the group!

Talk The Talk
It sounds too simple to be true: Talking to your doctor about smoking increases the chances you'll quit. A review of 31,000 smokers in the UK found that even brief doctor-patient chats up the odds of quitting by 3 percent -- for up to a year. How you talk to yourself counts, too. "Stop, quit, give up -- so much of the language of quitting is negative," says Janet Konefal, Ph.D., assistant dean of complementary and integrative medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "We tell people to talk positively to themselves when they're ruminating about a cigarette. Something simple like 'I can do this' can be remarkably powerful."


Get Hip To Hypnosis
Can you hypnotize away a habit? Maybe, according to research at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Texas, where patients underwent eight hypnotherapy visits over a two-month period. By the last visit, 40 percent of them had quit. A different study suggests that men are more likely to succeed with stop-smoking hypnosis than women. "Hypnosis can be very helpful -- even one session can have an impact -- but its success depends on both the willingness of the patient and the skillfulness of the practitioner," says Konefal.


Stick It To Cravings
Acupuncture, the ancient practice of Chinese medicine, needles away cravings, at least anecdotally. The clinical evidence is more limited. A meta-analysis of 33 studies of acupuncture and related techniques found that acupuncture was less effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy -- but it also found that many of the acupuncture studies were themselves flawed. Konefal notes that research shows acupuncture enhances the production of serotonin in the brain, which smoking cessation decreases. "For this reason, we believe acupuncture works best if you get treatment the day you quit or within the first 72 hours," she says. "We use ear, or auricular acupuncture, and have found a total of six treatments increases quit rates by 30 percent."


Put Your Mind To It
Listening to a CD to practice "mindful meditation" may turn up the volume on quitting. A pilot study of longtime smokers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found more than half -- 56 percent -- stopped smoking after eight group sessions teaching meditation and daily practice with a CD. Those who spent an average of 45 minutes a day meditating did better than those who spent 20-something minutes per day. iTunes is full of meditative picks. All together now: Ommmmm.


Below you will find a study conducted by UCLA about how Fruits, vegetables, and teas may protect smokers from lung cancer.

Aspartame

Aspartame is one of many artificial sweeteners. It is added to many sugar free/diet beverages, gums, foods, and  candy. Aspartame is said to be a safe alternative to sugar, but in reality it is a chemically synthesized substitute that wreaks havoc throughout the body. Not only can it not be metabolised or synthesized by the body into anything useful, the breakdown products it yields as we attempt to digest it are horrific. Upon ingestion aspartame can break down into formaldehyde, methanol, and formic acid; looking up all of these chemicals will reveal they are nothing you want in your body. Typically formaldehyde is a tissue fixative and embalming agent. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. As for methanol, it can cause blindness if more than 10ml is ingested, and 30ml can be fatal.                                           
Some regulatory bodies like the FDA and others suggest that after investigating aspartame it is safe for human consumption and is not carcinogenic. However, some new studies suggest that since aspartame has been introduced into the food chain certain cancers such as brain cancer incidence has increased http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8939194.