Although sun safety is never out of season-Summer is a reminder to be extra careful and serious about sun protection. Celebrate  sun drenched days with sweet cheeks not red cheeks and be smart, don’t forget to  protect your skin from the potential dangers of UV  rays before they happen. Nothing threatens your skin’s appearance like UV damage and over-exposure. Shielding the  skin from aging is prevention which is much easier than correction!!

VISIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS OF UV OVER-EXPOSURE:

• Skin Pigmentation – UV rays induce melanin production, stimulating hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as sun or brown spots and discolorations.
• Formation of deep lines and wrinkles – caused by loss of collagen production – Solar radiation injures fibroblasts, the connective tissues that secrete skin-rejuvenating collagen and elastin.
• Dehydration- The skin’s barrier function is impaired and moisture levels drop leading to dehydration and a leathery appearance.
• Cellular Damage – Excessive and repeated sun exposure can permanently damage skin cell DNA, resulting in skin cancer.

A FEW TIPS TO STAY PROTECTED:

• Use products  with a “sun protection” factor (SPF) of 15 or more daily.
• Reduce your time in the sun- the sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. so stay alert.
• Wear clothing that protects your body and cover vulnerable skin. A wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sit under an umbrella for extra shade.
• Allow about 15 to 30 minutes after application before sun exposure.
• Reapply, Reapply, Reapply at least every two hours.

Learn more here about the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens and to make sure you are getting the most out your sun protection! While there’s no denying that sunscreen is essential for maintaining safe and healthy skin, the debate over a chemical vs. physical active ingredients remains a source of conflict between skin care professionals and product developers. Manufacturers continue to produce cheaper ingredients, such as oxybenzone, found widely in supermarkets and OTC drugstores despite safety concerns.  Learn the facts when it comes to chemical based sun care.

Shop here for chemical-free sunblock! View here for EWG’s  2010 Sunscreen Makeup Guide

Jane Iredale’s Pressed Base Mineral Makeup  get’s high marks but remember makeup alone isn’t sufficient protection!

Until next time,

Claudia ~

This spring I’ve been seeing a lot of clients suffering from seasonal nasal allergies, early in the season. Not only watery and itchy eyes but manifesting into breakouts around the face too. This is triggered by pollen in the air. Newly blooming trees, grasses, and weeds are the culprits now in the spring and summer. Though many of you find relief in physician-prescribed medications and anti-histamines you may want to consider yoga. Practicing yoga  may help to alleviate allergy symptoms, including runny noses and inflamed sinuses,  in particular some of the breathing exercises can be helpful.

Skull Shining Breath – Kapalabhati Pranayama: cleansing, invigorating, warming, prevents illness and allergies.

Kapalabhati breath consists of a series of rapid, forceful exhalations and passive inhalations. This has long been believed to clear out the nasal passages where allergens lurk, and thus offer some relief from irritation. This is a heat-generating breath, however, so limit yourself to a single round at the start of your practice. I recommend learning this breath from an experienced teacher, as you may become lightheaded if you do it incorrectly.  It is best done at the beginning of a yoga session or before a meditation practice. In Kundalini practice, Kapalabhati breath is sometimes done while holding poses.

1. Come to sit in a comfortable crosslegged position.

2. Take two or three deep inhales and exhales through the nose to prepare.

3. Inhale to a comfortable level, and then exhale sharply and forcefully through the nose, drawing the belly in as you exhale.

4. Let the inhale happen passively, and continue this cycle of forceful exhales and passive inhales at a fast pace, so that the belly is pumping continuously.

5. Do three rounds of thirty breaths each, coming back to deep inhales and exhales between each round.

6. Come back to normal breathing if you feel lightheaded at any time.

Alternate Nostril Breathing – Nadi Sodhana: balancing, relaxing, and calming

1. Sit in a comfortable crosslegged position.

2. Using your right hand, fold your pointer and middle fingers into your palm, leaving your thumb, ring finger, and pinky sticking up (Vishnu Mudra).

3. Bring your thumb to the right side of your nose and your ring finger to the left side.

4. Close off your right nostril with your thumb.

5. Inhale through your left nostril.

6. Close off your left nostril with your ring finger.

7. Open and exhale through your right nostril.

8. Inhale through your right nostril.

9. Close off your right nostril with your thumb.

10. Open and exhale through your left nostril.

11. Inhale through your left nostril.

12. Continue alternating 5 to 10 times.

This was my experience every day for one week at The Sivananda Ashram YogaRetreat. It was a true sanctuary of peace and natural beauty located on a paradise-like island with crystal clear water and pure white sand just across the bay from Nassau.

My adventure began on a Saturday morning as I arrived on the island of Nassau earlier than expected. I gathered my luggage and took a 20 minute taxi ride to a dock. As I waited patiently for the boat to whisk me away to paradise, I encountered two lovely ladies and we made our introductions. Both women had traveled quite a distance to get to the Ashram. Anna came from Germany, Katie from Nova Scotia, and both were now part of the Teacher Training Course (TTC). They would be living and working on the ashram for one month. The TTC is based on “Karma Yoga”, also known as Buddha Yoga or the “discipline of action” and is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita, a sacred Sanskrit scripture of Hinduism. Of the four paths to realization, Karma Yoga is the science of achieving perfection in action. Karma Yoga is an intrinsic part of many derivative types of yoga.

Shortly after our introductions, the boat arrived and we were on our way – well not quite! First we had to lug bags and boxes of HEAVY produce onto the boat. I thought to myself, “You have to be kidding me. I’m on vacation! My poor back!” However, I actually didn’t mind at all. We all pitched in, and I reminded myself, “This is “Karma Yoga!”, although I noticed the two men on the boat were not practicing “Karma Yoga” – they were barely helping at all! Plus, the tiny walkway between the dock and the boat was making me plenty nervous that one of us was going to end up in the water! Needless to say, we all made it to the island in one piece and received some fruit for our effort. Thankfully, I caught on pretty quickly and adapted fast because the Ashram was not very organized and almost too laid back when it came to answering my pretty straight forward questions, such as, where is my room, and other basic questions one might ask upon arrival. Being resourceful, I went traipsing around the place and gave myself the unguided tour and finally found my room: “Hallelujah!” I thought to myself. “I’d best get to the beach fast and do some meditating before I lose it.” However, by the evening I figured out how it all worked and whatever I still didn’t know I would just learn as I went with the flow.

The Ashram is built around a semi-closed, outdoor meditation temple. There are spacious exercise platforms facing the warm blue-green waters of the Caribbean Sea, the bay and the gardens. I opted to stay in one of the private wooden cabins. The room had basic sleeping quarters, both rustic and unembellished, which worked fine for me. The other option was to pitch a tent in one of the quiet garden areas or coconut groves.

Daily Schedule:

The energizing program of the ashram is based on Swami Vishnudevananda’s (who is a disciple of Swami Sivananda the founder of the Ashram) five points for holistic evolution of body, mind, and soul:

• Proper Exercise

• Proper Breathing

• Proper Relaxation

• Proper Diet

• Positive Thinking and Meditation

My days would begin at 5:30 am when I would awaken to the sounds of the ocean, the palm trees rustling in the wind, the birds chirping and a light bell ringing every 10 minutes until 6am when the serenity of early morning meditation would commence. At the ashram they believe the clear sea air helps restore the rested mind to focus and the body to be still. Half an hour of silent meditation is followed by joyful chanting, a spiritual talk or reading, and closing prayers. Next, at 8am, came a 2 hour session of asanas (yogic postures) and pranayama (yogic breathing techniques to invigorate the body and mind). After these rituals, we would have a wonderful vegetarian breakfast/ brunch at 10am, where we all lined up just outside the kitchen with our trays to get our nourishment. I would quickly gather my food and head for the best seat in the house, right on the sand in front of the beautiful clear waters. There is time which you are free to study, to attend a special workshop, to swim, relax on the beach, or go snorkeling. At 4pm is the second asana/pranayama class of the day. Your body achieves maximum stretch at this time and great progress can be made. Dinner is at 6pm, and satsang (meditation, chanting and talk) is at 8pm which completes the day. During the evening satsang there would usually be a talk by one of the special speakers, a concert, or a performance. Lights-out was always around 10pm. All guests were required to attend both satsangs and asana classes but I have never been one to follow the rules. By the 4th day my body felt a bit achy from 4 hours of yoga per day and the long walks on the beach. I chose to sleep in a few days and practiced either the morning or afternoon yoga class instead of both. Most of the day I spent on the beach reading and writing and indulging in some wonderful and intellectual conversations with my new found friends. I found plenty of time for body work; I treated myself to a daily massage and an Aruyvedic body treatment all of which were amazing! I was lucky enough to be there for the Easter holiday and enjoyed a beautiful sunrise ceremony full of joyful praise to the Lord. I am not a religious person but this ceremony was lovely and uplifting and made me realize just how special it is to connect with Faith.

The food was delicious however, but by the last day of my stay I was tired of the same food and the temptation of going across to Nassau or to Atlantis (which was on the other side of the beach) was sounding great for a farewell dinner. My new friend Kathy and I decided to have our final dinner at NOBU. I had no desire to see Atlantis but some of the guests at the Ashram kept talking about it and I didn’t realize until after a few days that it was it was literally in plain sight. I walked through one day on my own to go see the Aquarium everyone was raving about. It was interesting to see the dynamic of the guests at The Atlantis resort compared to the Ashram. It was certainly like walking through Disneyland. After leaving the aquarium I couldn’t wait to get back to the tranquility of the ashram. How ironic that these two different worlds can be physically so close yet spiritually so distant!

Lastly, my yoga adventure confirmed the importance of simplicity, balance, and community. The journey helped restore my faith, strengthened my yoga practice, enhanced my mind and purified my soul. It was a dynamic voyage that I look forward to taking again and again. I enjoyed the warm companionship and the connection with like-minded people from all around the world, which included sharing food, life stories, beliefs, and dreams. It was a truly holistic, revitalizing experience that left me recharged physically, mentally and spiritually!

Until next time

Claudia~

Why a detoxification and cleanse program is an integral part of a healthy skin regimen:

Last week, I conducted a new patient interview, and with palpable frustration my patient said “ I don’t understand, I eat so well, but still feel like crap. I am always tired, feel like I am dragging my feet, and no matter what the hell I do, I CANNOT lose weight”. I can’t even count the number of times a patient has uttered these words. This patient, like most people, assumes that if you have a clean and healthy diet, it is a guarantee that you will feel good and have energy to get through the day. I believe that it is very important to eat well, but unfortunately in the world we live in that is often not enough.

We live in a toxic environment and our bodies are overwhelmed and bombarded by toxins everyday. Toxins enter the body through the digestive tract, by food additives, contaminated soil (heavy metals; especially cadmium), and soft drinks etc.. The average American consumes 15 lbs. of additives and 200 lbs. of sugar per year. The U.S. allows over 10,000 chemical additives to our food supply. Another way that toxins enter the body is through the skin. Skin penetration is achieved through everyday groomng products, like perfumes, hairsprays etc.. The lungs is also a route that toxins can find their way into the body( exhaust, toxic fumes , second hand smoke etc.). If you live and work in New York City like I do, you can imagine what our bodies have to manage, day in and day out. The body has three options when dealing with toxins: It buries them in body fat, deposits them in tissues, or removes them. Our organs of detoxification( LIVER, blood, skin, kidneys, colon, AND LUNGS )are working 24/7 to clear the body of toxins. Unfortunately, our bodies weren’t designed to handle the exponential amount of toxic elements that modern day life has gifted us. Many people are in a state of toxic overload. Our bodies can only handle so much before inflammation and disease appear.

A cleanse is the perfect way to safely detoxify the body. Not all cleanses achieve this goal safely, gently, and effectively. A cleanse that claims to detoxify the body in under three weeks is usually too good to be true. The key factor in an effective and safe cleanse is that it supports phase 2 Liver detoxification. Phase 2 liver detoxification is essential for the actual removal of toxins from the body. Many cleanses only support Phase 1 Liver detoxification, which is when toxins are packaged and moved to other parts of the body. The problem with simply having phase 1 liver detoxification is that toxins are moved to other parts of the body, but not eliminated from the body. It is like redecorating with the same old furniture. Things may appear different or feel different, but they are simply rearranged. Toxins or xenobiotics are generally fat soluble, meaning they are stored in fat cells of the body. Phase 2 liver detoxification allows for the conversion of the most harmful toxins into a water soluble form, so they can be eliminated effectively.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is a mirror into what is going on internally. We have all had the dreaded hangover and seen first hand how our skin reacts. If the body is functioning sub-optimally, the skin will reveal this with inflammation and problematic skin conditions. The right cleanse will stop the chronic inflammatory process. This is why most people look fresher, younger, and less inflamed during and after they complete a detoxification/cleanse protocol. I have done my share of research and have found the Standard Process Purification Program meets the goals to safely, gently, and effectively detoxify the body. What I like about this program is that it lasts for three weeks ( this time frame is great for changing habits), is not based on deprivation( you are given parameters on eating certain foods and are still eating a good amount), is a phytonutrient, whole food based program with nothing synthetic or processed, and IT SUPPORTS BOTH PHASES OF DETOXIFICATION. It has been peer reviewed in a journal, and the conclusive results showed an average weight loss of 9-15 lbs. for men, 6-9 lbs. for women and a significant reduction in cholesterol lipid profiles.

If you decide to do a cleanse/ detoxification program it is a great idea to use it as an opportunity to get rid of all things in your life that do not serve you anymore. As you clear away the old, toxic energy, you are making room for healthy, positive, and bright new energies to take their place. Some of the practices I do when going through a detox is get body work (acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, facials- as this helps support the detoxification process), do yoga, meditate, journal, and use it as a time for reflection. The connection between the mind, body, and spirit is so apparent as you go through this process. Many people experience emotional releases during a detox, which can be challenging, but aid the person in moving them to a more grounded space. I have had many epiphanies while going through the detox process. As you clear the body of toxins, the mind, and spirit develop a greater sense of clarity.

If you would like to find out more information about the Standard Process Purification Program , I will be hosting a free lecture on April 12, 2010 at 7 P.M.. It will be in my office at 1133 Broadway (at 26th st), Suite 1023.

Happy Spring cleaning and cleansing!!!!

Dr. Lou~

Dr. Lou Granirer is a Nutrition Response testing practitioner, Chiropractor, and Energy healer. You can visit his website at www.drlouchiro.com for more information.

This winter  was a difficult one that left many feeling exhausted, overwhelmed  and blue (common symptoms of  the “Winter Blues.”) Clearing your skin, mind and body with a cleansing  for the change of the season is a great way to regroup. One of the best ways to feel lighter and put a little spring in your step…and your life is by ridding the body of toxins. Abstaining from some food, drink or fasting for a short period of time is important to regain energy and uplift your mood. Many of you have expressed feeling lethargic, bloated and tired all the time. Spring is the best time to re-energize your diet and never feel tired again. Let’s get your body in training for the season ahead!

I’m not suggesting deprivation or starvation. Every time I make the suggestion to do a cleanse or detox I see the look of panic in the eyes -don’t worry you will  see food again! Purging toxins and awakening from the sluggishness that winter brings is a good idea. During the season our bodies will crave serotonin, so it’s easy to reach for refined carbs and sugars that give you that good feeling. But those foods will only set you on a cycle of ups and downs with a negative effect on both your mood and your weight. It also creates unhealthy food cravings, fatigue and reduced mental clarity. These dietary habits also create  acid waste that is then deposited in our organs and tissues, leading to inflammation, disease and a thinning skin. (see my post “The Sweet Truth” which discusses Acid/Alkaline/Inflammation Diet.)

Most people today are over acidic, including most vegetarians, but especially those following (SAD) Standard American Diet or whose health is challenged. Cleansing and fasting release toxins and can be stressful. That’s why people often feel wiped out at the end of a fast or during a cleanse. You want to make sure during any cleansing/detox to set some time aside as part of your total body renewal. For example take time for reflection, maybe a walk in the park, do some form of exercise like yoga, get a massage and facial. Think of it as your time to renew mind, body and spirit!

There are many cleansing programs and in the age of information overload all you have to do is use Google and you will find something. It doesn’t mean you are getting the correct information for your body type. One thing I dislike is when people say to  my friend told me this product, cleanse, etc  is great. Are they a professional? Do they know your  skin or body? Most of these programs are poorly designed and ineffective-containing many laxatives that make you think something is happening. You don’t want to waste your time or money  on a program  that has no impact and even worse can weaken your immune system.

Get advice and support from those getting the results you seek. Make sure you go with a company that will support you by phone if you have questions or concerns. If consulting a holistic practitioner, find out if they: follow a healthy diet; do their own cleanse often; rarely get sick themselves; and are vibrant, enthusiastic, compassionate, and energetic. You want help from people who are living examples of the benefits of the program they are offering.

I always do some form of fasting/detoxing this time of the year and this April  I will be engaging in  a total spring renewal purification. I will first start by taking a much needed respite to the Bahamas, where I will be taking a truly holistic revitalizing break- recharging physically, mentally and spiritually! You can learn more about my yoga vacation in my April Posting. Upon my return with my mind and body ready to go I  will start “The Purification Program” guided and supervised by my friend Dr Lou Granirer. The 21-day purification program is a very effective way to detox, lose weight, reduce cholesterol levels, improve lipid profiles, and support all of your organ systems that play a role in purification. The purification program is more than just a diet. It encourages you to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which, in turn, helps you look and feel better. The program emphasizes whole, organic, and unprocessed foods; whole food supplements; and water. Vegetables and fruit are eaten from days 1-10, with select proteins  added at day 11.

If you aren’t willing to do a 3 week cleanse I suggest following some of my “Body In Balance” tips to get you on the right track and you should definitely be incorporating raw foods and juices to your diet. A ” juice fast” can be another good way to jump start a healthier routine and purge some toxins. I believe adding juicing to your regular diet all year round. However, even taking a few days of just ingesting raw juices(see some of my juice recipes here) can aid in this process!

Taking some  initiative between the urge to get outdoors again and the desire to clean out winter’s gloom, it’s a great time to promote the idea of spring renewal — outside and inside.

Until next time

Claudia~

Today is my canine beauty Maya’s 1st birthday, a Black Labrador German Short-Haired Pointer mix. I thought this would be a perfect time to post under the category of holistic pet care! Last May when we picked her up from the foster home, I could not have imagined how much she would enrich our lives. Since then the bond between us has just blossomed and strengthened over time.

Maya’s companionship is the most universal thing that she gives my husband and me – but companionship is only the beginning. Scientific evidence proves that many health benefits come along with being a pet owner. Our dogs help us relax, lower our blood pressure, keep us active and show us unconditional love. I believe we can preserve and strengthen the bond not only by the companionship but by providing a healthy stable home. This stability includes love, attention, proper grooming, training, and exercise for the pets. More importantly a healthful diet and proper nutrition will benefit the well-being of both you and your dog and maintain everyone on the path to wellness.

I have always been an animal lover and taken great care of my pets but it was not until a feline named “Miss Kitty” – who happened to adopt me – came into my life, did I learn and come to understand about the importance of a proper diet. Miss Kitty was a very sensitive little darling but she ailed from digestive issues, scaly coat, skiddish manifestations of abuse, neglect and poor nutrition. I took care of her issues the best way I knew how at the time. It wasn’t until one day when I was at a yoga seminar in New York City roughly 15 years ago when I came across a book entitled “Dogs and Cats are People Too.” It caught my eye, and I went on to read about the horror stories of the pet food industry: rendering plants and cruelty that animals go through. The meat contained in most commercial pet foods is most often from diseased, condemned animals and the nutrition value of these foods is questionable. And cats, like dogs, do not have any dietary requirement for carbohydrates therefore grain-based foods are much less than optimal for them. In my opinion, a raw diet made with fresh, approved meats and bones provides them with healthy, natural nutrition. Remember the wide-scale pet food recalls? Those recalls left me feeling relieved that I didn’t have to be concerned for my pets. I was also hopeful it would start a movement that more pet owners would be conscious and open themselves up to looking for healthier food options.

Well after my yoga seminar, I immediately went home and threw away my supermarket brand canned pet food and never looked back. I thought to myself this all makes sense, I am also on my path to well-being and changing to a non-processed, vegetarian, organic diet. Why shouldn’t my cat’s diet be as good? Proper nutrition is fundamental for keeping all of us healthy be it human or animal. Diet directly affects your pet’s skin, coat, weight, energy level, and gastrointestinal function – just like as it would yours. If a problem occurs in one of these areas, it may be linked to improper diet. I took the advice of the book and tried some higher quality pet foods until I could research more about the best balanced diet for her unique situation. The change in her coat, ears, eyes and energy was like night and day. I went on to learn more about raw diets, supplementation, holistic care and homeopathy. Miss Kitty and all my animals since thrive rather than survive because of these changes and lifestyle approach.

Why Raw?

I feed Maya and my other two felines Rocco and Cosmo a strictly raw diet because dogs and cats are meat eaters by nature. This is why raw, fresh meat is the most instinctive diet for your pet. It is low in carbohydrates just the way our pet’s ancestors (their wild cousins, wolves and the big cats) have eaten in the outdoors for thousands of years. A diet consisting primarily of raw meat, organs, bone, and fat reflects what your pet would eat in his natural habitat. This returns our pets to this more natural primal form of nutrition, as if they had hunted and caught their “perfect” dinner. With natural proportions of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, and amino acids, raw diets provide wholesome nutrition. In addition, many pets have found relief from grain-related allergies with a grain-free diet. A highly digestible grain-free diet will also lead to less cleanup on your walk and litter box.

Most of your vets may disagree greatly with all this information but the fact remains that vets just like regular medical doctors receive very little worthwhile training in nutrition. There exists a lack of training in the use of raw whole foods and a biased approach to our understanding of commercially produced pet food. Most of these commercial pet brands are marketed to vets. It is relevant to ask what many veterinarians really know about pet foods. Unfortunately – not very much.

Regrettably, a lack of knowledge concerning nutrition has become the basis for recommending processed pet food!  They continue to give terrible nutritional advice or guidance. If your pet’s health and weight are suffering I urge you to research some of the things I’m suggesting and work with a doctor who is open to all these different options for the sake of your pet and your wallet.

Until next time

Love & Light

Claudia~

Resources:

Holistic Pet Stores in NY: Whiskers, Anitra Frazier, Natural Health Care Cat Expert and Author of  “The New Natural Cat ” she can be contacted at 212 663 0122

Holistic Pet Stores in NJ: Paradise Pet,Wholistic Paws

Every weekday I receive an inspirational thought for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day. Today’s “DailyOm” is about Cause, Effect and Transformation. I believe the quest for spiritual and emotional growth is never ending and any tool that can help us achieve this and physical well-being  is worth sharing! This winter has been a difficult one that has  left many feeling exhausted, overwhelmed  and blue (common symptoms of  the “Winter Blues.”) In fact, many Eastern medical practices recognize that with the changing of the seasons, our bodies also change and have different needs than they do during warmer months. But modern society expects us to be upbeat and productive throughout all the seasons. Look out for my upcoming post on how to “detox” and prepare your mind and body for  Spring!

Daily Om:

There are times in our lives when it seems our bodies are running on empty. We are not sick, nor are we necessarily pushing ourselves to the limit—rather, the energy we typical enjoy has mysteriously dissipated, leaving only fatigue. Many people grow accustomed to feeling this way because they do not know that it is possible to exist in any other state. The body’s natural state, however, is one of energy, clarity, and balance. Cultivating these virtues in our own bodies so that we can combat feelings of depletion is a matter of developing a refined awareness of the self and then making changes based on our observations.

A few scant moments of focused self-examination in which you assess your recent schedule, diet, and general health may help you zero in on the factors causing your depletion. If you are struggling to cope with an overfull agenda, prioritization can provide you with more time to sleep and otherwise refresh yourself. Switching to a diet containing plenty of nutritious foods may serve to restore your vigor, especially when augmented by supplements like B vitamins or ginseng. Consider, too, that a visit to a healer or homeopath will likely provide you with wonderful insights into your tiredness. But identifying the source of your exhaustion will occasionally be more complicated than spotting a void in your lifestyle and filling it with some form of literal nourishment. Since your earthly and ethereal forms are so intimately entwined, matters of the mind and heart can take their toll on your physical self. Intense emotions such as anger, sadness, jealousy, and regret need fuel to manifest in your consciousness, and this fuel is more often than not corporeal energy. Conversely, a lack of mental and emotional stimulation may leave you feeling listless and lethargic.

Coping with and healing physical depletion will be easier when you accept that the underlying cause might be more complex than you at first imagined. A harried lifestyle or a diet low in vital nutrients can represent only one part of a larger issue affecting your mood, stamina, and energy levels. When you believe that you are ultimately in control of how you feel, you will be empowered to transform yourself and your day-to-day life so that lasting fatigue can no longer gain a foothold in your existence.

I have always had sweet memories of Valentine’s Day. I can remember waiting anxiously at the door for my father to arrive, much the same way a puppy waits for his treat! I knew as soon Dad walked in, there would be flowers for my mom and chocolates for each of us: the kind in the heart shaped box with a variety of all the different fillings, and a surprise in every bite.

I’ve always had a sweet tooth and to this day dessert is my favorite part of any meal and always difficult to pass up! With some amount of self-control, I allow myself to enjoy sweet dessert occasionally, mostly because I know if I over do it I will run the risk of feeling lousy for days. This lousy feeling manifests itself in getting nervous, anxious, and dizzy resulting in a migraine that lasts for days. If I want to enjoy chocolate I now reach for “Real” chocolate in the form of raw cocoa or dark chocolate. Dark chocolate at 70% or higher is recommended to receive antioxidant benefits.

For most people reducing or giving up sweets and sugar can be very challenging. Especially these days with all the hidden sugars in foods it is no wonder everyone is addicted. Food manufacturers know if they add sugar to their foods you will most likely come back for more. It’s no different than being addicted to a drug.

I certainly don’t want to suggest giving sugar up completely, but I do recommend limiting refined sugars and to try and give healthier alternatives a chance as substitutes. I won’t go into too much detail on the endless deleterious effects sugar has on the body in this post but I would like to address how it affects the skin and why it’s considered a major culprit of skin aging.

If you would like to learn more about the negative effects of sugar and to find healthy sugar alternatives check out these resources: “Sweet Deception”, “Sugar Shock”,  “Glutton for Life” and “The White-Out Diet.”

Inflammation Overload:

I constantly discuss acidity and alkalinity in the body in my practice and see a lot more common skin conditions related to inflammation- acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and hypersensitivity. Sugar assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections), which is represented on the skin (usually around the mouth) in clustery blackheads and cystic whiteheads.

I want you to understand that we have a delicate balancing act occurring in our bodies at all times known as our PH Balance. If our PH balance gets too acidic, we are much more prone to illness. This acidity prompts the immune system to respond negatively creating more of a workload for our body to protect itself. Highly acidic food, smoking, hormonal imbalance, and a high-glycemic diet are the biggest offenders. These stressors cause a free radical cascade fueling inflammation internally and depleting our mineral reserve to neutralize the acid. Very briefly, in Chinese medicine, too much heat is one of the fundamental imbalances that seriously undermines the body’s ability to self-repair. When our internal balance is tipped toward fire, one of the clarion signs is itchy skin, and a flushing or an outbreak of pimples (internal inflammation literally erupts on the surface). Not surprisingly, one way to support clear skin is to drink plenty of water, which helps maintain internal balance.

Too much sugar or high glycemic food, ultimately leads to a metabolic process called glycation (or glycosylation) in which sugar molecules in the blood bond to proteins and DNA, that over time become chemically modified. These new bonded proteins are called AGE’s, or advanced glycation end-products. AGE’s create unnatural crosslinks with collagen proteins and change their structure-shape, flexibility, elasticity and function. Sugar molecules attach to and thereby damage proteins in the body. The result is premature aging. What’s more, the presence of AGE’s generates additional inflammation.

Inflammation and glycation are two related reactions that impact the body’s natural state of balance. These processes manifest themselves as aging throughout the body’s organ systems, but most apparently in the skin.

The damage to the skin occurs when sugar levels go up drastically and frequently. Remember this fact when you are having a sugar binge! Those wrinkles didn’t appear overnight!

Antioxidants to the Rescue:

One severely under-considered idea is the value of antioxidants in the fight for age-management. To counteract free radicals, our immune system relies on certain nutrients that defend the cells from free radicals. These free radical scavengers are called antioxidants, most of which are plant derived. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and quench minor inflammation by sacrificing their own life as a replacement for missing electrons around the cells. Antioxidants also stop the cascade of destructive damage.

Since free radicals are inescapable, we must have a constant supply of antioxidant nutrients to keep our skin cells healthy. In addition, antioxidants may actually encourage our cells’ “fix-it” enzymes to repair damage. Our cells have a wonderful ability to heal themselves, but this mechanism works less efficiently as we get older. They also provide histamine regulation.

The following are the major antioxidants to consider ingesting and using topically. You can also include them in your regime and will add a volume of antioxidant support.

• L-Ascorbic Acid – (Vitamin C). The most effective form is in pure crystals. It increases new collagen and increases the skin’s ability to heal. This can be found in Pure C from CosMedix.

• L-Superoxide Dismutase- One of four major skin antioxidants, crucial for disarming the most dangerous free-radical and superoxide radical. This can be found in products: Affirm, Radiance, and Pure Enzymes from CosMedix.

• Coenzyme Q-10 (found naturally in our cells but decreases after age 20). This can be found in a variety of Eminence Products.

• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA; found in plant and animal sources). This can be found in Eye Believe, Radiance  from CosMedix.

• Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE; found in fish)

• Carotenoids (phytonutrients found in the red, yellow and orange flesh of plant leaves, flowers and fruit)

To make significant improvements in the tone and texture of your skin, you need to soothe inflammation on two fronts: neutralizing free radicals (both inside and out), and by boosting immune function through good nutrition, supplements, hormonal balance, detoxification, and topical support.

Until next time.. Love & Light

Claudia

Hardy Leafy Green Juice

Ingredients:
4 carrots
2 sticks of celery
handful of parsley (chopped)
handful of spinach
3 leafs of Romaine lettuce

Directions:

Process above vegetables in the juicer.

Stimulating Juice Recipe -Great For Beginners

Ingredients:
beet with the greens
4-5 apples (I like Fuji Apples)

Directions:

Cut the beet and apples into pieces. Process the beet and apples in the juicer. I also add 1/2 lemon and small ginger  nub to spice it up!