Headaches! How To Alleviate Them Naturally

Dear readers, please excuse my absence. I haven't been as present this week as I normally have, and I am so, so sorry.

I have been plagued with a gross headache, of the most grievous 2-day kind!

I haven't had headaches since I was a teen, when my hormones were totally out of control. I blame my headache on my horrible hormonal trouble - a left over effect from my 15 + day cleanse. But headaches, while often hormonally caused, are also caused by other factors!

Causes Of The Dreaded Headache

Headache causes can include:

• High levels of stress and anxiety
• Dehyradration
• Poor eating and sleeping
• Allergies
• Medications
• Environmental factors

Sometimes when I have terrible thoughts, I get headaches, too. I'm just saying.

Migraine: The Hormonal Headache

Hormonal headaches are often influenced by our womenly cycles - though, as we know, men PMS too. So this goes for all of us! However, About 60 to 70 per cent of women with migraines get headaches during the time around menstruation. They can typically happen two days before, and three days after our periods - these are times when our estrogen levels have dropped significantly.

As if just having a heading weren't painful enough, hormonally related ones often feel worse. Why? According to this link, falling estrogen levels usually correspond to drops in serotonin, a brain chemical known to reduce pain sensitivity. Ow!


Natural Treatment Options

When I was a teen, nothing took away my headaches. No amount of Tylenol 3's or sleep in a darkened room could help! And so this time around, I knew I'd need to take a different approach.
Here are some natural tips that helped me:

Tip #1: Oxygen! Get outside, or open a window. Oxygen circulating through the body can significantly alleviate headaches!

Tip #2: Water. Headaches can so often signify the need for water - drink up!

Tip #3: Reduce stress! Try massage therapy (thanks, man-of-my-dreams), yoga, deep breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation.

Tip #4: Sleeeeeepppppppzzzzzzzz... Lack of sleep is a leading cause of headaches. Get enough zzz's!

Tip #5: Bright lights, bad city! Keep away from glaring lights like a computer screen, and any loud sounds.

Tip #6: Keep a diary. This will help you identify the cause of a headache, whether it's stress related, dietary, or environmental.

Tip #7: Don't drive your toy car into a light post. As illustrated above. Natch.

I've recovered, thankfully. Nothing is worse than suffering painfully.

Love, Sage
Photo Credit: 27620885@N02

Alkaline Diet For Disease-Free Living!

You've read my inclination towards an alkaline based, raw foods diet. You've probably heard about the "alkaline diet" in the news, and perhaps - if you're really, really trendy and on top of things - you even have an alkaline water filter in your home (you've forked out thousands for this, too, no doubt).

Trends aside, there's a reason why an alkaline diet is such a no-brainer when it comes to maintaining our health - and preventing ailments and early-onset aging!

What is PH Balance and Alkaline State

All humans, when we are born, are perfectly PH balanced. This means that we are in an alkaline state - the opposite of which is an acidic state. The best example of an alkaline state is how a newborn smells: clean, fresh, almost sweet. Many elders smell sour: this is because their tissues are continually in an acidic state. In fact, acidity is the main cause of aging, and it can be significantly slowed down by maintaining our PH balance, or alkalizing, our tissues.

Why Alkaline State and PH Balance Is So Important

Think of our body as an electrical being. This means that our cells carry electrical charges, both positive and negative. In science, PH is measured on a sliding numeric scale, with PH balanced tissue resting at around 7.5. In a PH balanced body, blood cells are equally spaced apart, which allows them to travel throughout our capillaries and our bodies easily. When our PH balance becomes too acidic, meaning our tissues are closer to 3 on the PH scale, our blood cells clump together, blocking capillaries and disrupting proper flow. This contributes to creating acidic tissues in the body, and if PH is not balanced, disease occurs. Scientists who study cancer, for example, know that cancer grows in acidic tissue, while the surrounding alkaline tissue carries no cancer.

Our bodies are continually re-balancing our PH levels, though we live in a culture that is extremely acidic. Therefore, it is very difficult for the average human body, consuming the typical western diet, to stay alkaline. Many scientists and doctors believe that acidity is the leading cause of disease and premature aging.

Causes Of Acidity

From our alkaline, newborn state, we become gradually acidic. This is mostly because here in the west, we consume a very acidic diet. HERE'S AN AMAZING LINK (thanks, Angelfire!) that details acid forming foods, alkaline foods - it's super detailed, so make sure you scroll down all the way! And here's a basic list of alkaline and acidic foods:

Extremely Alkaline Lemons, watermelon.

Alkaline Forming Cantaloupe, cayenne celery, dates, figs, kelp, limes, mango, melons, papaya, parsley, seaweeds, seedless grapes (sweet), watercress. Asparagus, fruit juices, grapes (sweet), kiwifruit, passionfruit, pears (sweet), pineapple, raisins, umeboshi plums, and vegetable juices.

Moderately Alkaline Apples (sweet), alfalfa sprouts, apricots, avocados, bananas (ripe), currants, dates, figs (fresh), garlic, grapefruit, grapes (less sweet), guavas, herbs (leafy green), lettuce (leafy green), nectarine, peaches (sweet), pears (less sweet), peas (fresh, sweet), pumpkin (sweet), sea salt (vegetable). Apples (sour), beans (fresh, green), beets, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carob, cauliflower, ginger (fresh), grapes (sour), lettuce (pale green), oranges, peaches (less sweet), peas (less sweet), potatoes (with skin), pumpkin (less sweet), raspberries, strawberries, squash, sweet Corn (fresh), turnip, vinegar (apple cider).

Slightly Alkaline Almonds, artichokes (jerusalem), brussel sprouts, cherries, coconut (fresh), cucumbers, eggplant, honey (raw), leeks, mushrooms, okra, olives (ripe), onions, pickles (homemade), radishes, sea salt, spices, tomatoes (sweet), vinegar (sweet brown rice). Chestnuts (dry, roasted), egg yolks (soft cooked), essene bread, goat's milk and whey (raw), mayonnaise (homemade), olive oil, sesame seeds (whole), soy beans (dry), soy cheese, soy milk, sprouted grains, tofu, tomatoes (less sweet), and yeast (nutritional flakes).

Neutral Butter (fresh, unsalted), cream (fresh, raw), cow's milk and whey (raw), margine, oils (except olive), and yogurt (plain).

Moderately Acidic Bananas (green), barley (rye), blueberries, bran, butter, cereals (unrefined), cheeses, crackers (unrefined rye, rice and wheat), cranberries, dried beans (mung, adzuki, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), dry coconut, egg whites, eggs whole (cooked hard), fructose, goat's milk (homogenized), honey (pasteurized), ketchup, maple syrup (unprocessed), milk (homogenized). Molasses (unsulferd and organic), most nuts, mustard, oats (rye, organic), olives (pickled), pasta (whole grain), pastry (whole grain and honey), plums, popcorn (with salt and/or butter), potatoes, prunes, rice (basmati and brown), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), soy sauce, and wheat bread (sprouted organic).

Extremely Acidic Artificial sweeteners, beef, beer, breads, brown sugar, carbonated soft drinks, cereals (refined), chocolate, cigarettes and tobacco, coffee, cream of wheat (unrefined), custard (with white sugar), deer, drugs, fish, flour (white, wheat), fruit juices with sugar, jams, jellies, lamb. Liquor, maple syrup (processed), molasses (sulphured), pasta (white), pastries and cakes from white flour, pickles (commercial), pork, poultry, seafood, sugar (white), table salt (refined and iodized), tea (black), white bread, white vinegar (processed), whole wheat foods, wine, and yogurt (sweetened).

How To Balance PH And Stay Alkaline

The best way to stay alkaline is to consume a mostly alkaline diet. According to many experts, we should enjoy about 60% alkaline forming foods, and 40% acidic foods. Eating fresh vegetables, low amounts of protein, and drinking citrus-infused water - yes, I know that citrus is acid, but it actually creates an alkaline ash in the urine! - will help keep the body in a PH balanced state. Couple that with a healthy lifestyle, avoiding toxins like cigarettes, household cleaners and environmental pollutants, can all keep acidity at bay.

A Sample Alkaline Meal Plan:

Here's what I typically consume on any given day. I feel amazing, and I know that I am keeping myself balanced! And youthful, and healthy, and gorgeous.

Upon Rising: Glass of pure water with squeeze of sliced lime

Coffee: SUPER ACIDIC I know! This is my one indulgence. Forgive me please. At least I'm honest.

Breakfast: Raw Breakfast: Apple chunks, 1/4 avocado slices, grated fresh coconut, tsp flax seeds, tsp pumpkin seeds

Snack: Smoothie: 1 ounce almonds, 1/2 cup raw spinach, 1 tbs coconut oil, 1 pear - cored, 1/2 to 1 cup pure water. Blend - enjoy!

Lunch: Raw Salad: Mixed greens, heaps of sprouts (I sprout my own, and I love them mixed: like alfalfa, mung, lentil, chick pea), cucumber slices, chopped veggies: zucchini, carrots, celery, tomato, raw olives, chopped tofu, flax seeds, chopped fresh dill. Dressing: olive or grape seed oil, spray of Bragg's non-fermented soy sauce. Occasionally I'll add a sprinkling of Red Star nutritional yeast. Yum!

Snack: Seaweed rolls: Nori lined with lettuce leaf, tomato, cucumber, sprouts, green onion. Bragg's sauce to dip.

Juice: My current fave: apple, cucumber, celery, kale, and a slice of ginger.

Dinner: Broiled wild salmon, mashed sweet potatos with garlic and olive oil, steamed chard.

My diet may seem a little extreme to those of you unfamiliar with raw foods. You needn't be so hard-core - I really like to eat this way, but it's not for everyone! What IS for everyone, though, is Incorporating more alkaline foods into your daily diet. I guarantee you that you will look, feel, and perform better than you can remember!

In health, Sage Photo

Credit: joi

Cleansing: A Review

Dear Readers,

Praise be, I have finished my cleanse! I am no longer Candida over-grown! Hurrah!

That was the good news - and now for the not so good. Along with a "candida-busting" kit, I also kept strictly to an anti-candida diet. The kit I chose was loaded with yeast-killing ingredients, and lots of them - I think it worked. But I think it also wreaked havoc with my hormones, and this month I have had the worst PMS of all time!

In the past, I have attempted an anti-candida diet each time I've felt too yeasty. Using the basic yeast-free principles, I have avoided fruit, dairy and sugar, as well as vinegars, prepared sauces and processed foods. Though I have to be diligent for a few weeks, my yeast balance usually normalizes after that time. Easy-peasy. I have, though, a few times in my life been so yeasty that I've needed to undergo a total cleanse!

Typically during a yeast-cleanse when one experiences "die-off" - or gas released when the yeast is killed - it can be almost debilitating. Symptoms can be worse than the symptoms giving reason for a cleanse, and can cause people to abandon a cleanse entirely. Because of this, it is often recommended that a gentle approach be taken, to avoid as much die-off as possible. Slow and gentle may take longer (and means a longer time on a candida-free diet - no chocolate! Sob! ), but with no die-off the candidiasis symptoms just subside until they are gone. Having experienced this last cleanse, next time I will take the slow and steady approach!

The first two times I experienced yeast overgrowth my symptoms were heinous: huge, eczema-like rashes, hives, and allergic reactions. I used the Innovite Yeast Buster kit: simple, gentle, and effective. Coupled with the diet, I stayed with the program for 6 weeks and was so healthy afterwards! I experienced NO die-off, and I felt amazing. I only needed 8 hours of sleep (vs my 9 1/2 hours these days), I had incredible energy, and my skin was practically translucent.

This last time my symptoms were WAY less: I experienced gastro-intestinal upset and a little rashiness on my hands, but it was nothing compared to my previous episodes. And so, I thought my yeast levels weren't as high. Because of this, I went for a more radical kit, one that combined a multitude of yeast killers:

Ingredients CandiGONE I (Morning Internal Body Cleanse) Supplement Facts: Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi *20% arbutin) 300 mg ** Garlic Bulb (Allium sativum *2000 ppm allicin) 150 mg ** Magnesium Caprylate (Caprylic Acid) 75 mg ** Citricidal Extract (Grapefruit Seed & Rind ) 75 mg ** Pau D'Arco Root Bark (4:1 Extract) 75mg ** Calcium Undecylenate (Undecylenic Acid) 75 mg ** Barberry Root (Berberis vulgaris * 6% alkaloids) 50 mg ** Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica) 5:1 extract 50 mg ** Olive Leaf (Olea europa 18% oleuropein) 50 mg ** Berberine Sulphate 25 mg ** ** Daily Value not established Other Ingredients: Vegetable capsules (vegetable fiber and water).

CandiGONE II (Evening Cleanse) Supplement Facts: Oregano Leaf (Origanum vulgare) 39.6 mg * Orange Peel (Citrus sinensis) 33 mg * Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia auquifolium) 33 mg * Pau D’Arco Root Bark (Tabebuia heptaphylla) 33 mg * Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum casia) 20 mg * Clove Bud (Syzgium aromaticum) 20 mg * Peppermint Leaf (Mentha piperita) 20 mg * * Daily value not established Other Ingredients: Filtered water & Ethyl alcohol. Herb extract at a ratio of 1 gm of herb to 5 ml of water and alcohol.

Percent Alcohol: 45-55%

I was advised by the packaging to take treatment 2 times per day, for 15 days. This will be simple and fast, thought I. Forget 6 weeks! I'll be candidiasis-free in days! And so I undertook a diet of fresh veggies and proteins, with a little brown rice for extra fiber. And I used the cleansing kit. Easy, right? WRONG.

If you noticed my few updates during my cleanse you may have noticed that I was not a happy camper. I experienced die-off in the most incredible ways: migraines, bloating (I looked 6 months pregnant, no kidding), constipation, and rashing. My partner (who gamely did the cleanse along side of me) experienced the same responses to the kit - and this was not coincidence. We both wanted to rip our own skin off, and occassionally even tore a shred off of one another. We chalked it up to the intensity of the cleanse - until the 15 days were up. And we were both still messes.

I can't speak for my man (although I did last week, when he was PMS-ing), but I can say that for the first time in years I had the worst PMS ever. I may have been experiencing die-off, but even a few days after stopping the herbs I was still suffering terribly. I was anxious, tense, and had gained 5 pounds in 3 days. I broke out into acne that had troubled my only in my teens. I had night sweats. OMG, I had PMS!

My discomfort may have been due to the herbal formulation, with such powerful herbs being taken twice per day. The manufacturer suggested taking 20 herbal drops and 2 capsules morning and night for 15 days. We did this. I wish I had done a google review, where I would have found this review HERE advising a different dosage. Not sure where this site got those directions, but they might have helped reduce my reactions. I believe that these herbs pushed me into an imbalanced hormonal state, and my partner too.

So to summarize: if you want to cleanse, go the slow, gentle route! Mild discomfort is normal, since when we remove a food from our diets we often crave it. But cravings aside, no one should have to endure intense side-effects like my partner and I did.

If you have any questions about a particular cleanse or you want to know more about the kit I tried, send your questions my way! I may not answer right away, as I may be thigh-high in chocolate. But I promise to answer within 24 hours.

Still grumpy, Sage

Photo Credit: darkpatator

Interview With A Naturopath - Top 5 Health Choices, And A Smoothie!

Here you are folks, my very first VLOG! This week I interviewed Vancouver, BC based naturopath Dr. Heidi Rootes. She shared with me her Top 5 Healthy Choices for a healthy year, and showed us how to make a delicious protein breakfast smoothie. Thanks Heidi, for an awesomely informational time!



I hope you enjoyed my first vlog! I'll be posting more, so if you'd like me to answer your questions send them to me . If I answer online you'll win a prize!

Be well, Sage

Spiced Hot Chocolate - Fruit Of The Gods!

Newsflash: Consuming hot chocolate can be good for one's health!

Ok fine, it's not new news that chocolate is a daily must for most. In fact, some may consider it an addiction - or at least an obsession - since its sweet,mildly caffeinated creamy goodness is really hard to resist. Some doctors claim that a little before PMS helps the sufferer remain composed. Of course I've loved chocolate forever, even before it hit health news as a potent antioxidant. And I love to drink it loaded with kicks and bites! Translation: I spike mine with spice, which makes hot chocolate a beverage that does more than keep the roses in your cheeks.

Cacao: The Fruit Of The Gods

Hot cacao addictions began in South America about 2,000 years ago, when the Mayans blended cacao with hot water to drink. It was nothing like its Nestle counterpart - it was bitter and thick, and fueled with hot pepper and vanilla. By 1400 AD, it was an essential part of Aztec culture, as cacao was considered the "Fruit Of The Gods". In probably the first ever "try it, you won't like it, it's an acquired taste, but you'll get migraines and the shakes if you try to stop" themed drug push, the Aztecs armed their Spanish visitors with barrels of the stuff to export back to Spain - and the rest, as they say, is histeria.

Swapping the hot spices for cane sugar, keeping the vanilla, and serving cacao in gorgeous little pots made this beverage the must-have for centuries (this, people, was pre-coffee. Imagine the day when the mocha was created? I'll bet people passed out with happiness. But I digress).

Hot Chocolate VS Hot Cocoa - There Is A Difference!

Before I go any further, I must advise you people that there is a huge difference between "hot cocoa" and "hot chocolate". "Hot cocoa" is made from powder with most of the rich cocoa butter from the ground cacao beans removed. "Hot chocolate," on the better hand, is made directly from bar chocolate, which already contains cocoa, sugar and cocoa butter. Thus the major difference between the two is the cocoa butter, which makes hot cocoa significantly lower in fat than hot chocolate, while still preserving all the intrinsic health-giving properties of chocolate. They say fat, I say full-flavor. Raise that chocolate bar!

Chocolate Higher In Antioxidants Than Wine

This post puts my mulled wine post to shame. I bragged about the polyphenols in grape skins and seeds, but they've got nothing on chocolate. A study conducted by Cornell University showed that hot chocolate contains more antioxidants than wine and tea, therefore reducing the risk of heart disease ( I would have LOVED to have been part of that study. If anyone has an in, dial me up, ok?). In a single serving of cocoa, the researchers found 611 milligrams of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and 564 milligrams of epicatechin equivalents (ECE), compared with 340 milligrams of GAE and 163 milligrams of ECE in red wine, and 165 milligrams of GAE and 47 milligrams of ECE in green tea. Here's another fact that kinds puts my raw-rhetoric to shame: turns out that a larger amount of antioxidants are released when the beverage is heated. I eat it, drink it, and rub it all over me - I'm not complaining!

Sage's Famous Hot-Hot-Hot Chocolate Recipe

So here we are folks, as promised. My famous beverage for you, containing BOTH cocoa powder and bar. I know you'll love it!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups organic soy/rice/almond/hemp OR just plain old cow milk
• 1/2 cup chocolate liqeur
• 1 tsp pure organic vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup organic agave or honey
• 1 TBS unsweetened organic cocoa
• 1 1/2 TSP ground organic cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground organic ancho chili powder
• 2 organic cinnamon sticks
• 1 dried organic red chile - IF YOU DARE, but take it out before serving!
• 2 1/2 ounces organic bittersweet chocolate, in pieces
• 1/4 organic soy whip or cow whip cream

To Make:

• On medium heat, in a pot whisk milk, liqueur, vanilla, sweetner, cocoa powder, 1 TSP of cinnamon and chili powder.
• Add 2 cinnamon sticks and red chile and gently stir in.
• Add chocolate pieces, whisking again until melted, simmer, and whisk until thickened.
• Add soy or cow whip and keep whisking with remaining 1/2 TSP of cinnamon.

Ladle into cups and enjoy. Disfrutese!

Love, Sage

Photo Credit:

macinate

Top Ten Cosmetic Ingredients To Avoid - How To Read Cosmetic Labels!

I want to be beautiful, sexy, clean, fresh, gorgeous... just like all the rest of us! I am a self-professed product junkie, and my products have to not only be effective and deliver results, but look hot in my bathroom too. I am dedicated to making the very best out of what Mother Nature has given me, by taking great care of my body inside and out - with the most finely crafted and indulgent personal care created. What really gets me excited are the new naturally-derived alternatives to conventional personal care products, most of all because ourselves react so well to them!

4 Step Beautiful Skin Ritual

At home, I invest a few minutes every morning and night to pamper myself. I incorporate the 4 golden rules of skincare: cleanse, tone, moisturize and protect with a natural sunscreen, my customized beauty ritual designed by moi! I exfoliate my body every day with a dry brush, and apply a nourishing body butter to keep my skin supple and smooth. Bonus: the extra massage and attention boosts my circulation, helping me keep bumps and jiggly bits at bay... My haircare is just as seriously luxe: shampooing and conditioning with essential oil infused products - they bring my mood up as high as the shine it imparts! And my final touch is very persona:: my all-natural wildly seductive organic fragrance, which blends with my natural chemistry to create a sent that is scentually all my own. I'm a wild flower, not a wall flower!

Shopping for all natural beauty is simple, and I take it seriously! I look for brands that not only use natural and organic ingredients as much as possible, but fabulously attractive packaging - and most importantly, effectiveness. And I read my labels!

Conventional products are manufactured with cheap synthetic ingredients, which in the short-term can deliver some surface results, but in the long-term can cause and aggravate conditions like rashes, acne, dry skin, eczema, and sometimes even illness. And pregnant mommies beware: conventional chemicals can not only penetrate your body, but your baby's as well! Check out what my friend Robin has to say about that.

Natural products, on the other well-manicured hand, not only deliver often immediate results but long-term treatment as well. Add to that the obvious environmental impact our eco-luxe picks have on our Earth (no chemical waste, no animal testing, recycled and biodegradable/compostable packaging), and we feel great inside: we smile, and we're even more gorgeous.

It is estimated that humans absorb up to 60% of what we put on our skin. We literally are what we eat! The Environmental Working Group (a consumer watch-dog agency) notes that on average, adults apply 126 unique ingredients on their skin daily and nearly 90% of personal care product ingredients have not been evaluated for safety by any publicly accountable institution.

To illustrate my point, I've compiled a list of top ten ingredients that none of us ever want in our products, and their 10 amazing alternatives. I rest my case!

Top Ten Cosmetic Ingredients To Avoid, And Their Alternatives!

1. SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULFATE: One of the first ingredients to make nono news, this chemical is used in the auto industry as an engine degreaser. Derived from petroleum (more on that below), and frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from/derived from Coconuts", it can cause eye and skin irritation, skin flaking similar to dandruff and other allergic reactions. In cosmetics, it's used to make big bubbles: shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, bubble bath, hand soaps and body washes are the typical forms. And it can combine with other ingredients in packaging to form nitrosamines, which is released into the product (translation: formaldehyde!).

Ew.

Alternative: My favourite alternative to this nasty are glucosides: naturally-derived surfectants from sugar. They are safe and highly effective, and while the bubbles are way smaller, they are super effective at removing surface oils without leaving behind residue.

2. PROPYLENE GLYCOL: The main ingredient in anti-freeze, since it creates a slippery feeling - hence its use in cosmetics to give a velvety, hydrated feeling to the skin. Often listed as PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) . It is a known neurotoxin (gasp!) and can cause contact dermatitis, skin rashes, drying skin. It also penetrates below the surface, so it can deliver other nasties to deeper into the skin and into the bloodstream.

Alternative: Since we all want super velvety soft, hydrated skin, we look to natural oils to bring moisture and protect. Vegetable glycerin, jojoba oil, and nut oils like coconut and hazelnut are superb bases for the good lube.

3. ARTIFICIAL COLORS AND FRAGRANCES: Also listed as FD&C colors / fragrances. Coal Tar by-products, sold on the cheap to manufacturers to mimic naturally occurring colors and scents. Have been known to cause contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, asthma, and even cancer in young children, totally not good in our books! That hot new fragrance could very well make your man sweat, all right - with an allergic reaction.

Alternative: Pure essential oils derived from plants and flowers, vegetable/fruit pigments and earth minerals make the best fragrances and colors: vibrant, headily sensual, and totally non-toxic. Bonus: natural fragrances have the added aromatherapeutic benefit of being mood altering (hello, love potions!), and mineral pigments can offer natural SPF protection.

4. STERALKONIUM CHLORIDE: Used as a fabric softener in the clothing industry, and found in hair care like conditioners to impart a soft feeling. Long term usage can make hair extremely dull, dry and life-less, totally the opposite of what it's used for in the short term! Not to mention conditions like dandruff and contact dermatitis. Again, not sexy.

Alternative: Natural softeners and defrizzers like avocado and shea butter add immense moisture, and shine, without weighing hair down. Hair is unbelievably bouncy babysitter-ish, and c'mon, don't we all want that?

5. PTHALATES: Used to soften plastics and create fragrances. These difficult to pronounce chemicals are toxic and regulated under environmental law. They interfere with the male reproductive organs by blocking androgens - male hormones - and are known to damage sperm, reduce fertility, and are especially dangerous to developing fetuses. Pregnant women should avoid dibutyl phthalate in nail polish. Phthalates are frequently components of fragrance, which often contain dozens of chemicals - the entire mixture simply appears as "fragrance" on the ingredient list. So reading labels cannot assure there are no phthalates in a product.Often listed as: Fragrance, Dibutyl Phthalate(s), Diethyl Phthalate, 1,2-Benzenedicaroxylic Acid, Dibutyl Ester, Dibutyl 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylate, Dibutyl Ester1,2- Benzenedicaroxylic Acid, DBP, and DI-N-Butylphthalate. Pthalates have been banned across Europe, and some large American manufacturers have recently removed the chemical from their nailpolishes.

Alternative: When it comes to fragrances, we know we love the essentials: the oils and infusions provided by Mother Nature herself, using pure, unadulterated scents created with only natural oils guarantees us a phthalate free product. And while it's not possible to create a completely chemical-free nail polish, we love a good brand that uses water-based technology instead of plastics. The polish doesn't last as long, but then it gives us yet another excuse to go get manicured!

6. PETROLEUM BY-PRODUCTS: Also known as petroleum jelly, petrolatum, liquid paraffin, mineral oil. It's another super cheap by-product of an industry - this time oil - used in cosmetics because it gives a feeling of moisture. The truth is that petroleum by-products can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, creating dry skin and chapping, which of course makes the consumer want to use more product! More product, more dryness... What a vicious circle.

Alternative: Natural waxes like beeswax combine with soothing oils like sweet almond oil, and can create a "jelly" similar to petroleum; as well, the combination can blend to create amazingly nourishing lotions and butters. The difference from its chemical counterpart: truly smoothed, healed skin. We mentioned we're really well-manicured, right? Right.

7. HYDROQUINONE SKIN LIGHTENER: A skin bleaching chemical that can cause mercury poisoning, adrenal gland problems, and ochronosis: a disfiguring and irreversible skin disease. Also listed as: 1,4-Benzenediol, 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene, P-Dioxybenzene, 4-Hydroxyphenol, and, P-Hydroxyphenol. It can be found in some skin lighteners. Also potentially dangerous to the liver. Hmmm... Sounds like it makes a serious mountain out of a little brown spot, to me.

Alternative: Vitamins A and C, Kojic-acid from rice wine production, and Turmeric are all potent scar and age-spot lighteners. We also love rose hip seed oil, for its ability to assist in skin cell turnover. They may take a little longer to work, but they are incredibly effective AND gentle. Just make sure the turmeric is a color--ess form, otherwise you'll be orange!

8. PARABENS AND FORMALDEHYDE: Are widely used preservatives in cosmetics, used to inhibit bacteria growth in a product. They can be found in the form of methylparaben , ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts. They are potential allergens, creating skin irritations and contact dermatitis, and are considered to be hormone-disrupting and estrogenic (they were linked in a small study to breast cancer, fueling the consumer demand for removal in personal care). Parabens can be found in almost any product containing water/oil, and I've seen products list ingredients with more than one (sometimes 5!) forms of parabens. That seems really unecessary to me!

Formaldehyde: This is used as a preservative in personal care products. It's a known human carcinogen, immune system toxicant, and respiratory toxicant, and can cause surface skin irritations. Also known as Formaldehyde Solution (Formalin), Formic Aldehyde, Merthaldehyde, Methanal, Methyl Aldehyde, Oxomethane, Oxymethylene; the preservatives Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea also release formaldehyde, and are listed in ingredients as Germall II and Germall 115. Formaldehyde can be found in facial moisturizers and cleansers, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, styling gel, sunscreens, foundations and many other products. Embalming oneself is just so not sexy!

Alternative: Phenoxyethanol is a commonly used natural alternative, derived from rose. Powerhouse antioxidants like C and E can offer preservative effects, as well as grapefruit seed extract, rosemary extract, and essential oils. They increase shelf life of a product: a moisturizer might last up to one year, instead of 1 and 1/2 like its conventional counterpart.

9. TALC: Talcum powder is a cosmetics grade powder that is identical to asbestos: a totally carcinogenic chemical. Used to absorb moisture and applied to the underarms and genital area, this ingredient clogs pores and causes skin irritation. It has also been linked to vaginal and ovarian cancers, possibly due to its use on genitalia, and respiratory problems.

Alternative: No one likes to be a Sweaty Sarah, so I look for products containing finely milled cornstarch. It's silky, super absorbent and completely non-toxic! And of course, safe for babies.

10. ANIMAL PRODUCTS: While I don’t mind a lovely soak in a milk bath, or a suds with a goat's milk bar, I really don't advocate sudsing with animal fat ie. Tallow. Sodium tallowate is animal fat used to bond to oils (like attracts like), and therefore help to cleanse the skin; placenta is used in some cosmetics to impart youthful looking skin and hair. Animal products introduce extra hormones into the human body, and also come with a loaded ethical question. And I say, again, ew!

Alternative: When it comes to the suds, saponified vegetable oils like olive provide superior bubbles and a gentle, nourishing cleansing. And eating clean, healthy diets, drinking plenty of fresh water and using naturally-derived products that don't interfere with the body's hormones are the keys to feeling and looking younger, longer! Not to mention living with a light conscience...

New Superstar Ingredients To Look For And Why

And now, a few upcoming stars on my radar:

Rice and its 8 parts: Rice bran is rich in phytic acid, a B-complex vitamin that can help improve blood circulation and stimulate cell turnover when used topically, naturally revealing fresh, new skin;rice starch is incredibly soothing, making rice water an effective remedy for treating dry, itchy skin and exzema-like conditions. Its protein helps replace proteins lost as we age, like the proteins found in our hair (bring back that luster!), and its wax acts to help keep the skin hydrated.

Turmeric: According to recent research, turmeric applied to cultured melanocytes was found to cut melanin producing receptor modules by 60% Translation: turmeric is a super effective skin lightener!. It is now being formulated into sunscreens. Traditionally in places like India and Indonesia, it has been used as an anti-aging ingredient due to its high levels of antioxidants.

Honey: Honey is one of the sweetest ingredients to make it into the cosmeceutical industry! It is antibacterial, antimicrobial, and incredibly healing, lubricating and soothing. For thousands of years (read since recorded history!) it has been used to effectively treat wounds and burns topically; internally, it can help to soother and heal ulcers. And most recently, honey has been found to have antibacterial properties that are so strong that they can be used against antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. On skin it is amazing in treating acneic conditions: it can help pull bacteria to the surface, heal infections and help renew the skin. When used in haircare, since honey is a humectant (which means it attracts and retains water) honey is a natural fit for a variety of moisturizing products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners.

Red Tea: Grown high in the mountains of South Africa, this red-is-the-new-green-and-black tea contains nature's highest concentration of skin-saving antioxidants that repair collagen damage and strengthen the skin. Phew! It can calm and soothe skin that's prone to rashes and irritations, including rosacea. And it makes a faboo red-tea latte.

I believe that well-manicured hands down, choosing to be beautifully naturally is the only way to go. After a weekend with the most glamorously, indulgent products, I can guarantee anyone a life-time sentence of true, purely beautiful beauty! Case closed.

Stay beautiful, Sage

PS Print out this list and take to the store with you!

Photo Credit: geishabot

Neti Pot - Why Nasal Cleansing Is Essential

Have you ever suffered a cold or allergy, where no matter how much you steamed, sneezed and blew you just couldn't get everything out? I know that feeling all too well, and while it's been a while since I've been down with a cold, the last time brought me to my smelling senses. I learned about nasal cleansing, and it literally changed my life! I now rarely have stuffiness, post-nasal drop, or even sneeze reactions, ever.

I first tried nasal irrigation last year, when I picked up my preschooler's nasty little cold. Within one day, my sinuses were so full of mucus that I couldn't lay my head on a pillow - it hurt too much! Sneezing, steaming and blowing offered little relief, even though clearly an enormous amount of mucus was inside of me (dear readers, you must know by now that the subject of bodily functions is fair game. After all, isn't that why we're all checking in here?). I was plugged. My naturopath recommended a neti pot, and after just one session almost all the pressure and discomfort was gone! I've been using it ever since, almost daily.

The practice of nasal cleansing - known as neti, meaning "nasal cleansing" in Sanskrit - is a cleansing practice traditionally used in India before practicing yoga, as a way of preparing the body for deep breathing. It involves using warm liquid, which is inserted into the sinuses to flush out mucus, debris and allergens - like pollen. Unlike blowing our noses, which usually only offers temporary relief, nasal cleansing almost completely flushes out unwanted substances trapped in the depths of our sinuses. It is a practice that not only benefits all people with colds, but those of us with allergies, and very polluted living conditions. During my last trip to London, England, I neti'd every night - and you wouldn't believe the amount of black gunk that emerged! I'm so glad I got that pot through customs.

Nasal cleansing can be done simply with a cupped handful of warm, salty water - but this is messy, and involves shorter, sharper inhalations that can be difficult to perform. Cleaning the sinuses is so much easier with a specially created neti pot!

A neti pot is like a tea-pot, with an extra-long spout. It is used to pour liquid into one nostril, catching mucus and debris from the sinuses and gently pushing them out the other nostril. Almost every day I use warm water mixed with Himalayan Salt, and a drop of tea tree oil. After just one flush, my entire sinus region feels fresh, clean, and so much lighter! Using a neti pot is easy, but takes a little practice to do. Check out the great demo video, shown above!

In the beginning, tilting the head at the wrong angle and using a fast pour can feel like taking a hit of wasabi to the brain! Finding the right angle and slow, gentle flow, makes for practically an enjoyable experience. When searching for a pot, there are many available. I love THIS ONE, while another great option is HERE.

In the US, most people visit the doctor for sinus-related ailments. I believe that if we all neti'd, we wouldn't be the nosy society we seem to be.

'Snuff said?

Love, Sage

Congratulations, Samantha! You've Won Testimonial Of The Month!

Dear readers, it's a new year with new stories to tell.

Something struck me in particular this cold and flu season, which was the intense media coverage of the dreaded swine flu! It seemed like everywhere we turned, unless we vaccinated and basically sequestered ourselves away, doom was imminent. I've recommended boosting our own immunity naturally (in addition to washing hands tons), with supplements designed to maintain a strong immune system.

This month we heard from Samantha, who had first-hand experienced exposure to the swine flu. She writes how she stayed healthy on a steady supply of Cold and Flu Essentials!

Samantha writes,

"I first started taking Cold and Flu Essentials when my boss came down with a very mild case of the Swine Flu earlier this year. I took the recommended dosage, and was able to avoid getting sick from her. I am someone that doesn't believe in vaccinations for viruses, so Cold and Flu Essentials was a key element in keeping me healthy.

As well, just after Christmas this year, I ended up getting a minor flu from my step daughter. Normally a flu for me turns into a nasty cold that lasts up to two weeks. Since I had already been taking Cold and Flu Essentials, I can feel my body fighting it off and the symptoms (although annoying) are less severe then they would normally be.

As a skeptic, at first I was hesitant to try this product, but after seeing the results I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an immune system boost, or who wants to get over a cold/flu virus quicker then normal."

Each month, your testimonials are entered into a random draw and a prize winner is hand-drawn. The winning testimonial is posted here, by me, and the writer receives via email an online Gift Certificate for use on NaturalWellbeing's site!

Congratulations, Samantha! And happy shopping!

Love, Sage

Would you like a chance to win a NaturalWellbeing Gift Certificate? Send your testimonial to , and I'll enter you! Monthly winner will be posted here by me, and contacted by email.

OMG My Man Is PMS-ING!

I think my man is PMS-ing. Poor guy, I know how he feels!

For the last few months I've noticed that periodically (like, every 4 weeks or so), my guy's normally calm, gentle demeanor turns ugly. He becomes crabby and sensitive. I catch him gorging on carbohydrates and sugar, (read: chips for breakfast, oodles-of-noodles for lunch, and cake for dinner) all the while complaining of feeling broken-out, crampy and bloated.

And sometimes, for no reason at all, he cries.

In general, PMS (or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) is a very complicated issue. Even though it is estimated that over 80% of all women suffer from one form or another, researchers aren't 100% sure about every contributing factor. That said, one definitive cause is a monthly drop in estrogen, with other contributing factors including dietary deficiencies and diets high in sugar and caffeine, lack of sleep, and stress.

Women and men each have monthly hormone cycles, with estrogen and testosterone levels fluctuating. A woman's hormonal cycle is clearly marked in red by the arrival of our periods every month, punctuated sharply by multiple precursor symptoms.

Interestingly, a study published a few years ago shows that the majority of men claim to suffer from a range of symptoms most usually associated with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). The cause? Most often a sudden fall in testosterone - the hormone responsible for sex drive, sperm production and muscle tone. A man's cycle isn't marked with such obvious red checks as a woman's, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't have his period! In my opinion, it's just invisible. Or not, if you count my man's example of irritable outbreaks, pimples and loaf-inhaling.

PMS affects everyone differently, and varies in its severity. Of the over 200 symptoms of PMS (basically every symptom known to man - and woman), most women experience only a few, and regularly. Common symptoms include:

- irritability
- tension
- dysphoria (unhappiness)
- stress
- anxiety
- headache
- fatigue
- mood swings
- increased emotional sensitivity
- changes in libido

For around 5 - 10 days per month, the above illustrates perfectly my gorgeous guy. He definitely has his period, PERIOD.

Scientists can't agree completely on treatment for PMS, as much as they can't agree on it's causes. However, there are some obvious lifestyle changes that can minimize and even eliminate the symptoms. For example, since switching to an alkaline diet and practicing happiness, my PMS has gone from wanting to kill people to a rushed trip to the drugstore for organic tampons - in other words, practically forgetting that it's that time of the month.

Men and women can both benefit from the following:

- Calcium and Magnesium: Research has shown that individuals with minimal symptoms have higher levels of calcium and magnesium.

- Essential Fatty Acids: Essential fats from the diet provide our bodies with necessary nutrients to function. Optimal function balances out our hormones, naturally - easing symptoms like depression, mood disorders and concentration levels.

- Acupuncture: In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is the organ most affected by stress, anger, and frustration. Stagnation of liver energy, or "qi", by emotions, alcohol, and spicy and fatty foods can lead to PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness and abdominal bloating and cramping.

- Diet: Reducing sugar and salt can help relieve symptoms of bloating and cramps. Instead, opt for dark green leafy greens rich in iron and calcium, as well as fruits in their natural state. Eliminate caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety, depression, and breast tenderness.And avoid alcohol, it's dehydrating and full of sugar - not to mention a depressant And PMS turns most of us into blubbering messes anyhow, right? Forgo!

- Deep Breathing: Breathing exercises, meditation, aromatherapy, and yoga are some natural ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Pure air in, toxic air out. Relax. Enough said?

- Exercise: Regular aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling may help relieve PMS symptoms. In one study, the frequency but not the intensity of exercise was associated with a decreased PMS symptoms.

So the next time your man turns into a blubbering, bloated mess right before his eyes, know that it's probably PMS. Show him a little empathy, in the form of a massage, some tea, maybe a hot water bottle. You know, the kind of thing we wish they'd do for us.

And if that doesn't work, give him a cookie. It works for me.

Love, Sage

Photo Credit: somegeekintn

Hard To Swallow - When Capsules Taste Toxic, What Am I Tasting?

I'm on Day 10 of my cleanse. I am super sensitive. Highly, incredibly sensitive, to everything! And this morning when I took my Hair Essentials capsules (I'm growing out my hair, review to come, I'm practically sitting on my hair now, super excited) I had a really tough time getting them down - all of a sudden they tasted terrible. In fact, they tasted like a big, poisonous chemical, all bleached out and pesticidy. Heinous!

It's not uncommon for pills and capsules to be bitter pills to swallow: often times they are over-sized, or coated with yucky tasting chemicals. Not mine! My capsules have no chemicals in them, so why even in my over-sensitive state did my vegetarian, non-toxic capsules taste so nasty? The taste was almost gross enough for me to put the kibosh on reaching for mermaidian hair lengths. Gasp!

Immediately my first thought was that my capsules had been tainted with a certain chemical, so I put in a call to the manufacturer, AZ Naturals. I was relieved to hear that the manufacturing facility, located in Arizona, not only had strict manufacturing policies but diligent testing capabilities:

• ATP Screening


• Total Plate Count Testing


• Lactic Acid Bacteria Testing


• Mold & Yeast Testing


• E. coli / coliform Testing


• Staph. aureus Testing


• Salmonella Testing


• Foreign Organic/Inorganic Matter


• Organoleptic ID Testing


• Infrared Spectroscopy (Mid-FTIR and Near-FTIR)


• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)


• Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS)


• Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

• High Performance Thin Layer
  

• Chromatography (HPTLC)


• Botanical Microscopy


• Atomic Absorption (AA)


• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)


• Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)


• Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis)


• Pulsed Photo Stimulated Luminescence – PPSL


• Moisture Testing


• Potency Testing


• Stability Studies


• USP Tablet Disintegration, Friability, and Hardness Testing Methods.

I was advised that my vegetarian capsule consists of cellulose, rice flour, magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide - bland enough! Conclusion: capsule not the culprit.

Instead, it turns out that the capsules work the same way tofu does: picking up the blended ingredients and taking on the taste. I was simply tasting the herbal blend. Phew! No longer Ew.

I shall continue to take my fabulous lengthening, miracle working pills. And soon, very soon, I will share with you the results - at great lengths!

Love, Sage

Photo Credit: draconianrain

PS: Day 6 - Candida Cleanse Update

Live Forever - Scientists Predict Immortality In 20 Years

I want to live forever. Or at least I think I do, as long as I'm young, healthy and, ahem, beautiful. I mean, who doesn't?

While throughout history most philosophers and spiritualists have advised that our very souls are immortal, our physical bodies belong on this plane and therefore the effects of time: old age. We are born, we age, we die. But our souls live forever! Hmm. I live my life, I grow old, I leave my body - but I float around in spiritual space enjoying being bodiless forever. Sounds tempting, but not nearly as fabulous as having a gorgeously youthful, ageless body to enjoy our earthly heaven! According to history, it seems like most of the general population would rather take the latter (myself included).

Since recorded history, man and woman alike have been searching for physical immortality. Eternal youth is a gift frequently sought in myth and legend, and stories of things such as the philosopher's stone, universal panaceas, and the elixir of life are common throughout global history.

Recipes for immortality have stood the test of time (so to speak), in that the age-old subject of living forever refuses to die. Throughout history, great thinkers and feelers have dreamt up seeming miracles: from hippopotamus dung and leeches - Cleopatra's favorite face mask - to drinking ambrosia (I have no idea what the heck that is, but it sounds tasty. I'll take!). All who have come before us have desired immortal life.

Now in our evolving high-definition world, we're clamoring for longer, healthier lives. We want porcelain, pore-less, wrinkeless flesh, high-beam teeth, perfect bodies. And once we have that, we want to maintain it forever! And while physical immortality has seemed like a stretch for most of us, maintaining the life of skin cells doesn't: hence the intense popularity of anti-aging skincare, lasers for erasing wrinkles, and human growth hormones for rejuvenation. So far, so good.

But lately, I've been reading alot about the science behind living forever. It seems as though scientist at the forefront of this research are saying that in a decade or two, we will know how to stop the aging process and even reverse it! According to an article this past September in the UK based Telegraph, scientist Ray Kurzweil claims humans could become immortal in as little as 20 years' time through nanotechnology, and an increased understanding of how the body works. I quote:

"Ultimately, nanobots will replace blood cells and do their work thousands of times more effectively... Within 25 years we will be able to do an Olympic sprint for 15 minutes without taking a breath, or go scuba-diving for four hours without oxygen... Heart-attack victims - who haven't taken advantage of widely available bionic hearts - will calmly drive to the doctors for a minor operation as their blood bots keep them alive... Nanotechnology will extend our mental capacities to such an extent we will be able to write books within minutes... If we want to go into virtual-reality mode, nanobots will shut down brain signals and take us wherever we want to go. Virtual sex will become commonplace. And in our daily lives, hologram like figures will pop in our brain to explain what is happening... So we can look forward to a world where humans become cyborgs, with artificial limbs and organs."

Whoa.

That far exceeds my fantasy of taking up martial arts at the Earth age of 60, and maybe having my second child at age 95. Oh, and doing it with the face of a 35 year old. I'm in!

So then, according to this research, it's up to me to do my best to preserve myself, so that I still look and feel young enough when the technology becomes available. Color me already preparing. How? Behold:

- Alkaline Diet: According to many, reducing acidity in the body is the best way to anti-age and avoid disease. Healthy cells must maintain a slightly alkaline pH level, and our bodies are rebalancing to achieve this state all the time. When the build up of acidic elements are so great (this happens through acidic diet, as well as stress and environment) it starts to destroy healthy cells around them. Some cells change their formula in order to survive in an acidic environment. If they are successful, this is the beginning illness such as cancer: cancer cells are acidic while healthy cells are alkaline. Even if the cancerous tumors are completely removed surgically, as long as the acidic conditions in the area remain, the chances are that new tumors will develop around the same area. Sage says: GO RAW! Here's a great link.

- Exercise: Not only does exercise help create an uber-youthful body, it can be fun, reduce stress, and help eliminate toxins through sweat. Whether walking on a treadmill or busting out the dance moves, getting into the groove every day is one of the best, easiest ways to stay younger, longer!

- SPF and Skin care: There's a reason why women (and men) have forever (pun intended) diligently applied products to the skin. Gentle massage stimulates circulation, blood flow and speeds up detoxification, revealing fresh, new skin. And as we age (sigh) our skin cell's natural abilities to renew slow down, which leaves us appearing sometimes older than we are. In this day and age, looking younger has never been easier - and there are a bevvy of amazing products on the market! My absolutely favorite line is Eminence Organics, a Hungarian spa-line developed 40 years ago rich with organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables. My picks: Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque and their SPF 30 Sun Defense Minerals.

And hello: sun damage is like the most leading cause of premature EVER! Use SPF, every day.

- Supplement: This goes without saying. In this day and age, even our organic foods are lacking the nutritional content they once had. Soil, water and air have become so polluted that the foods we eat don't offer the same nutrients: supplementing with the basics, such as antioxidants and vitamins can help our bodies function optimally.

- Be Happy: When you're happy, you love life. You want to be here, now. Living in the moment helps keep our stress levels down, and enjoyment of life up.

And speaking of happiness, I have no intention at all of living forever if I'm not happy. Right? I mean, what would be the point? I'm no party pooper, especially at my own party.

It has been said that there is no way to happiness, happiness is the way. In my humble opinion, happiness is the best anti-ager on the planet. That is, until I can grow my own boobies. I will happily wait for that.

Love forever, Sage

Photo Credit: 27149250@N00

Send Me Your Questions - Win A Prize!

Hey everyone,

I'm kicking off 2010 with my very first VLOG! Every month I'll be bringing you fun, entertaining info, live.

My first VLOG is an interview with Dr. Heidi Rootes, an amazing naturopath from Vancouver, BC. She's such an incredible gal - I know you'll love her! I'll be asking her your questions, so make sure to send them my way. If your question makes it on my VLOG, you win a prize!

Stay tuned, Sage

Holiday Detox Recovery Tips!

Hello all,

After a hectic holiday season, most of us are thrilled to get back to the grind! And many of us are feeling a little worse for wear, even in the week following New Year's Eve (I know I am, which is why I'm on this hideously intense cleanse. See my post from yesterday. RRRRRRRRR!).

In my humble opinion (humble pie! How I love to eat pie! Sorry, that's the sugar talking), everyone benefits from a seasonal detox, and the New Year is the perfect time to do it. Hardcore cleansing aside (and a pain in my side), gently removing toxins can be simple, and smooth. Here are a few of my favorite ways:

- Juice! Have a glass of green juice everyday - try parsley, spinach, apple and celery (my fave), and reap the benefits of added nutrition and purification. Juicing with greens helps to cleanse the liver of impurities, draws toxins from our bodies, and regenerates us with vital nutrients. It's simple, fast, and enjoyable!

- All those holiday treats can actually leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. A sensitive being like me doesn't do well with overly fatty, acidic, sugary foods, which often triggers acid reflux (indigestion, heart burn and the like). Acid Reflux Essentials cools and reduces the sensations, so I feel better - and helps to restore my digestive tract to its balanced state.

- Aren't the holiday's supposed to be relaxing? I myself can't be leisurely during festivities - instead, I find my anxiety cranked up a few notches. Stress = cold sores, for many of us. Trilex helps my liver to remove toxins that can provoke a viral outbreak - it starts working right away, and I feel it tingling. Cleanse the liver! Bring it!

- Sleepless nights can wreak havoc with our immune systems, and hormone balance. When the holiday madness ends and I settle back into my routine, I often have trouble sleeping! When we sleep, we help our bodies to rejuvinate. A sleep aid like Natural Sleeping Essentials helps those of us returning from holidays (jet lag) and recovering from them (in-law-lag).

- Speaking of hormone imbalances, when my hormones start swinging my skin starts complaining. Oh how my skin reacts! To draw out impurities and restore my skin to its natural luster, I love Biolee Facial Treatment Mask, which deeply exfoliates, cleanses and soothes my skin.

Normalizing after the holidays is so important for us - on so many levels. I invite you to kick off the Re-New Year with a purified, restored you! What a great way to begin 2010.

Love, Sage

PS Day 4. I want to rip my skin off. I'm just saying.

Photo Credit: naturalmom

Yeast Buster - I Ain't Afraid Of No Candidiasis

Dear readers, allow me to apologize in advance. I am on Day 3 of a cleanse. And boy, am I crabby.

You see, after my ginger-bread mansion madness pushed me right off my alkaline, sugar-free diet (read about that HERE), I've had one helluva sugary-holiday season. So much so, in fact, that I have developed an overgrowth of yeast - and I'm paying the price of bread for it! I feel like an inflated loaf. Or at least I did, before I undertook my first New Years resolution: Get Clean!

Let me explain. Although I consider myself to be an extremely healthy person (ok, some might call me fundamental, but they can stuff an olive), I admit that I have a bit of a sweet tooth. If you've been reading along with me for a while, you know by now that I have something of a licorice addiction (and a propensity for enjoying antioxidants in their most festive form). And all that seasonal spiking of the nog, and stuffing of the noggin', really put a spike in my blood sugar - oy!

For the last month I have been suffering with lower-abdominal cramping, bloating, constipation, and midnite bathroom runs (folks, I've been honest with you up to this point, and I'm not letting up now!). Right away I knew my system was under siege, and to combat the gastro-intestinal distress I starting popping probiotics like candy! Still, once an addict always an addict, and December found me hard put to say "no" to my neighbor's cookies. And mincemeat pie (the real deal, peeps!). And even a sneak or four of the "un-used" ginger-bread house decorations. Even though my body was reacting to unhealthy dietary choices, I couldn't stop sugaring; come Dec. 31st I had not only gained a few, but my fingers and joints were aching, my palms were rashing, and I felt like foie gras! I'm experienced to know that what I was battling was a growing case of Candidiasis. My first resolution: a candida cleanse!

Candida Albicans are yeast that normally live in our digestive system: mouth, throat, intestines and genitourinary tract. Imbalances and overgrowth can be caused by exposure to toxins, chemicals, poor diet and excessive stress. Yeast makes bread rise, right? When our yeast becomes imbalanced, we rise, too. Blech. We can experience vaginal yeast infections, thrush, and even rashes in areas on the surface of our skin - like on the feet, under arm pits and in the groin. Common symptoms can include:

- Craving sweets (shoveling them into your mouth at warp speed is a good indication)

- Feeling sick all over

- Heavy antibiotic use, for acne or other illnesses

- Headaches

- Chronic nasal drip and/or coughing

- Allergies

- Chronic yeast infections

- Rashes

A yeast imbalance can seem as benign as a common cold, but let me tell you: it ain't. An imbalance of yeast can cause problems from lowered immunity to more serious ailments - even cancer. Think about it: yeast is fungus, which creates a totally acidic environment. Disease thrives in acidic tissue, and the more of that we have in our bodies the more disease we invite to live within us.

An internal yeast imbalance can be easy to treat naturally, with probiotics and a strict diet. And by strict I mean strict: mainly proteins, oils and fresh veggies. No fruits, nuts, herbs (other than fresh) diary, or sauces - they can all carry mold and sugars, which encourage the sugar growth.

Once Candidiasis shows up on the surface of the skin, however, it's time to take more serious action: with a cleanse. There are many kits on the market today, some using herbal blends and others with traditional digestive treatments. Kits are great to use in addition to a strict diet, since the yeast needs to be killed and flushed from the system. I've used Innovite Yeast Buster before, but found mixing the bentonite (clay for absorbing toxins)/psyllium (fiber for pooping)/caprylic acid (found naturally in coconut and olive oils, this is a key yeast busting ingredient) every day cumbersome. This time I'm taking Renew Life Candigone, which is an easy 2 pills and 20 drops to take. Day 3, and already I can feel a difference.

The only disadvantage to cleansing yeast is the die-off: gases released by dying yeast that can resemble household cleaning solutions in their volatility. Headaches, irritability, lethargy, achiness, and flu-like symptoms can ensue. Detoxing the system of yeast is like any detox - it is common for Candidiasis sufferers to feel worse before they get better, due to this effect!

I can attest to this, too: my alter-ego Bad-ass Bridgitte has taken up residence in my home, and she's a real bitch! But hey, she's cute. And she steams up a mean tofu and spinach dinner. Only 12 more days to go!

Catch you on the sunny-side up, Sage

Photo Credit: adactio

Happy Birthday Capricorn!

Darling Capricorn, you are one sure-footed mountain goat! A lover of nature and earth, you reach for the apex of your own mountain range in all areas of life - particularly career. But stay grounded! Those horns can make your head heavy, and can slow your upward journey (notice yourself butting heads alot? That'll bring the corporate ladder climb to a crawl). All work and no play makes for an im-baaaaa-lanced life, and no amount of success will be enjoyable.

Recognize that no matter what your goals, keeping energized and happy will help you build stability on solid ground. Those hoofs were made for rocky roads, not sand! You need to build a rock-solid foundation with a positive outlook. A little hit of happy energy can escalate that winter mood - try a daily dose of sunshine and a supplement of Maca!

As a mountain-climber, you know more than anyone how to reach past the crevasses before you, finding new ground. Keep balanced, happy and energized this year, and you'll reach the top of your goals!

Love, Sage

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year to all my dear readers!

I hope you will all join me in my resolution to make 2010 the healthiest year yet.

I look forward to offering you every opportunity to embrace health and wellness!

Wishing you abundance and love, Sage