NaturalWellbeing Blog

COngrats

2010-03-15T13:16:00.001-07:00

Photo by 89186997@N00

As you all know, I am in love with my shiny, fabulous, bouncy new hair.

This month's testimonial winner has a great story about her own case of hair trouble, and how she found gorgeous, new life with one of my favorite products! Congratulations Patsy of Florida, you're our Testimonial Of The Month!

Here's what Patsy has to say:

"I have been taking Hair Essentials for five weeks now. My hair is so shiny and has become thicker in just this short time.

I was very distressed with my hair and thought I may have to get a hair piece, but now I am so happy with my hair.

It has not looked this good in such a long time. I have tried many other products which did not work, but decided to give this one a try. I will definitely continue on this product.

I take three capsules with my evening meal. I wish I had taken a before and after picture as it is really amazing the difference this product has made with my hair and how I feel about myself.

By the way, I am 72 and happy to know that my hair can still look as good as it does.

Now I can really be happy with myself when I go to my class reunion in April! Even my family has noticed the difference in my hair."

Patsy, we are thrilled for you!

Every month I post an amazing story, sent in by a satisfied Natural Well being customer who's life has changed for the better.

Have a great story you want to share with me? send it my way, to

Love, Sage

A Healthy Prostate: What You Need To Know

2010-03-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

Photo by bravenewtraveler

Men, cop a feel.

Go ahead: put your finger on it. No, not mine, yours!

That's right, your own. Don't know what I'm talking about? Then you've just significantly increased your chances of letting your prostate cancer go undetected.

THAT catch your attention?

Prostate Cancer: One Of The Most Common

By the time you're 80, my man, you will have an 80% chance of developing prostate cancer. Whoa. According to Prostate Cancer Foundation "one new case occurs every 2.7 minutes and a man dies from prostate cancer every 19 minutes. Prostate cancer affects 1 out of 6 American men."

There are some contributing factors, like age, race, and genetics. And while the cure-rate is almost 100% when detected early, it's still completely life altering to undergo. Prevention is key!

Photo by enochchoi

What Is The Prostate

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ at the base of the bladder. It's part of the male reproductive system, partly responsible for making semen and giving it its liquidity.

Because of its location, when it becomes enlarged it can make urination difficult, and cause problems with erections and ejaculation. No fun!

Prostate Cancer Screening: A Public Health Disaster?

Recently, I've been reading about the debate raging over whether prostate screening is valuable enough.

Most doctors recommend that their patients over 50 have a prostate exam (the dreaded up-the-bum) once per year. Quit complaining: it's a fast way to tell what's going on in there!

Another option is the lab exam, most often PSA screening which shows how much of the prostate antigen a man has in his blood. High levels can be present when a man has a prostate tumor, but can also be present as a man's prostate enlarges as he ages.

Because the test can't distinguish whether the levels are high due to a tumor, a biopsy is next recommended. Aggressive treatment follows. I'm reading now that prostate tumors are slow growing, and that the treatments can seriously harm the body - and consequentially a man will fall ill due to treatment, and not the prostate cancer itself.

Whatever screening option you opt for, you definitely have to engage in feeling yourself up, too. Hey, have your partner feel themselves up too - we women do our own breast self-exams - and make it a party!

Photo by puntodevista

The Prostrate Self-Exam

I'll keep this short and sweet. You can do this in the shower with some soap, or wherever else you may be comfortable. You can use a thin glove, or nothing. Here's a fast How To:

1. Make a fist with one hand. Use the fingers of your other hand to feel the flesh between your thumb and the fist finger - this is what your prostate feels like. Release your hands.

NOW:

2. Insert finger into rectum, as far in as you can go until your palm touches your scrotum.

3. As we said above, the gland is walnut-sized and is located at the base of the bladder. You'll feel it, as we've just described.

NOTE: If you feel anything hard, like a knuckle, call your doctor.

If you feel anything that is as firm as the knuckle, then that needs to be brought to a physician's attention.

Tips On Maintaining A Healthy Prostate

Obviously, staying in touch with your body is key to having a healthy one - prostate or anything else. And there are other things you can do, to stay healthier, longer:

Ejaculation - Of course! It's recommended that the prostate be emptied at least a few times per week, through intercourse or masturbation.

Exercise - Obesity adds extra pressure through weight onto all of our organs. Riding the body of excess weight means lowering the pressure - and blood flow increases oxygen and helps remove toxins from the body through sweating. Of course, if the prostate is swollen then biking and jogging may be painful - try walking on an incline.

Diet - A healthy diet rich in fruits, veggies and fish have all shown to be beneficial to the health of the prostate.

With that said, here are some fabulous foods for the health of your prostate!

Top 5 Foods For A Healthy Prostate

1. Pumpkin Seeds - Compounds found in pumpkin seed oil can interfere with the multiplication of testosterone into DHT. This can help prevent Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, a common condition of the enlarged prostate.

2. Tomatoes - Packed with lycopene, the compound that gives tomato (and watermelon!) it's rich red color, eating these can significantly lower your chances of developing prostate cancer (According to research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.)

3. Green tea - Green tea is a potent antioxidant, linked to lowered rates of cancers in Asian cultures. Drink a few cups per day!

4. Broccoli and Cauliflower - Eating more than one serving of broccoli and cauliflower a week may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by up to 45 per cent, says a new study from Cancer Care Ontario.

5. Onions - Onions posses an abundance of quercitin, a compound found to have anti-tumor qualities. It's said the George Washington drank the water of a boiled onion whenever he felt an illness hanging around!

And don't forget:

Fruits and veggies - Naturally high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, fresh fruits and vegetables can help boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Eat lots!

Herbs and Supplements - Many plants - like saw palmetto - and their components are potent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants - keys to a healthy, long life!

Summary

The bottom line: enjoy a healthy lifestyle, eat well, and have lots of orgasms. Feel around once a month. You'll be giving your body the opportunity to be one of those 5 men who don't develop prostate cancer - and at least you'll have an amazing time getting there!

Love you guys, Sage

The Ultimate Seniors Residence And Home-Care Guide

2010-03-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

Photo by qole

Like many Americans, I am watching as my beloved parents grow older, wiser, and more beautiful. They've taught me well: how to take care of myself, prevent illness and age gracefully. Still, aging is inevitable and it's happening all around me.

And unfortunately, like many Americans I am watching my beloved Grandmother grow older, and frailer.

My Grandmother is 94. She lives, incredibly, on her own in the home that she and my Grandfather built in the 1940's. In the last decade I have witnessed her break her hip, lose her sight and her hearing. Her memory is increasingly unreliable, and I worry that she may fall and not be able to reach help. Yet, despite the pleadings of her daughters and granddaughters, she just doesn't want to leave home.

I think that all of us want to stay in the comforts of our own home for as long as possible; but for many people, as they age living alone becomes impossible. As we age, we can often times lose the ability to care for ourselves - which can result in accidents in the home, and even death. Moving to a more supportive environment, like a seniors residence, can ensure that our elders are cared for and watched over, that they are eating regularly, and that they maintain a social lifestyle.

In honor of my Grandmother, I've compiled a guide on how to determine what kind of senior care is needed, how to determine if it's necessary, and what to look for in a new home!

Does Your Beloved Senior Need Assisted Living?

10 Ways To Tell If Your Beloved Elder Needs A New Home

1. Inactive Lifestyle - Your once super-social nana would rather stay home alone.

2. Run-down Home - Your gardening gramps can't keep up with the exterior work.

3. Communication Change - You find you don't hear from your relative as often.

4. Unanswered Mail - Bills and mail remain unopened.

5. Changes in Visits - You aren't visited as often as you were before.

6. Weight Loss - You notice a sudden change in weight loss, or gain.

7. Wounds or Bruising - Unexplained bruises or other injuries show up, signalling difficulty getting around the home.

8. Messy Home - Chores and daily duties are neglected.

9. Damaged Environment - Blackened pots, broken dishes and glasses from accidental occurrences.

10. Concern For Well-being -Ultimately, if you feel any concern at all for your elder, they probably need help!

Moving away from one's home is never easy, and it's not always obvious to someone that they actually can't live alone! It's up to us, the sons and daughters, to look for the signs that our elders need a more supportive environment, like a retirement community or a home.

Photo by remus

What Kind Of Support?

Once you have determined if your family member needs a more supportive environment, it's important to know what kind of help is necessary! Each person is unique, and their circumstances will be, too. Here's a list of different types of care:

Home Support Services - Designed for the most independent folk, these services are non-medical in nature and range from meal deliveries, to transportation, from housekeeping to friendly visits.

Home Care Services - These are for those who are still relatively independent, but who require some sort of care or therapy. Provided temporarily or on an on-going basis, they can range from physical therapy to teaching clients how to care for themselves.

Supported Living Community - These are residences that are self-contained apartments, but part of a community that offers meals, housekeeping and community events. Residents can enjoy living within the community and outside of it, while taking advantage of the services provided daily.

Assisted Living - Accommodations that provide varying levels of care, including meals and recreation. Often times nursing services are available, including bathing and dressing.

Long-Term Care - These residences are for individuals with health concerns who need 24-hour supervision.

Alzheimer Care - Specialized for the individual who has memory loss, and who require varying levels of supervision.

Hospice Care - Or Palliative Care, this kind of accommodation aims to reduce the suffering of ailing individuals who have, or are at risk of developing, life-threatening illness.

Once you determine what kind of care is appropriate, you need to know where to find it! A great site that I have used is Eldercare Locater, "a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Eldercare Locator is your first step for finding local agencies, in every U.S. community, that can help older persons and their families access home and community-based services like transportation, meals, home care, and caregiver support services." (from their website).

Photo by mcohenchromiste

How To Choose A Residence

Choosing the right residence is crucial to the well being of your loved one. I have heard and read horrific stories about abuse within senior residences, and I know my Grandmother has, too. This is one reason she is so adamant about staying in her own home!

It's so important to ask the right questions for your beloved elder. Know what to look for in a residence, and how to tell if it's a healthy, healing place for them to be!

Some things to consider about a residence are:

- Proximity to family, hospitals (if the residence doesn't offer 24-hour emergency care), and place of worship

- Proximity to shopping

- Scheduled outings and social events

- Quality of food and safety

- Cleanliness of the residence

So how to determine these things? Start by scheduling a tour of the residence, and ask if you can wander around on your own. Observing what a day might be like: have a meal with the residents, and engage them in conversation. Ask yourself:

- Are the residents happy? Ask them! What are their likes and dislikes about the residence?

- Ask some residents if they have a family member with whom you could chat, to see what their experiences with the residence have been.

After your scheduled visit, try dropping-in another time. See if the residence is any different than during your scheduled visit.

Checklist For Residences

And take along this checklist for your reference! This checklist is a great way to make sure you remember to ask all the right questions, and that you don't forget anything after your visit. It's a PDF format, downloadable and printable.

A Special Note On Alzheimer's

Many seniors are able to live well, as long as they are cared for properly. Alzheimer's is degenerative and progressive, and can mimic the natural signs of aging.

10 Symptoms Of Alzheimer's

1. Difficulty performing daily tasks - like making a meal.

2. Disorientation - not knowing where one is, or what time or date it is. often times, people with Alzheimer's risk getting lost even on their own street.

3. Memory loss that can affect every day activities - short-term memory loss, like forgetting whether or not one has made an important phone call or run an errand - or even has something cooking on the stove.

4.Problems with words and language - inability to remember words, or putting together sentences.

5. Difficulty with thinking - not being able to balance a checkbook or not being able to recognize numbers.

6. Personality changes - acting out of character, withdrawing, and acting fearful are classic symptoms of Alzheimer's.

7. Poor judgement - misinterpreting the weather and wearing too little or too much clothing.

8. Loss of inspiration - losing initiative to become involved in activities.

9. Misplacing things - forgetting where one put things, or putting the in inappropriate places - like a watch in the fridge.

10. Changes in moods - mood swings.

If you think your elder is suffering from or developing Alzheimer's, make sure you find them proper care! Find out more about Alzheimer's through the Alzheimer's Association HERE.

Watching a loved one age is never easy, especially when they can no longer care for themselves. Finding great senior care that you can trust can offer your elder a happier, healthier rest of their life!

In love, Sage

What Every Vegetarian Needs To Know About Protein

2010-03-01T20:40:00.001-08:00

For every vegetarian out there who is eating a well-rounded diet, there are many more who aren`t getting their nutrients. More specifically: not getting enough protein!

I have been a vegetarian since I can remember, refusing at age 5 to eat regular family dinners cooked with meat. A common concern posed to me throughout my life has always been: how do you get enough protein?

Getting enough protein as a vegetarian is easier than most people think, although it takes some planning and education.

Let's start at the very beginning. It's the very best place to start! The very first thing every vegetarian should figure out about protein is:

How Much Protein Do You Need?

Protein contains amino acids. We need amino acids so that our body can create enzymes (functional) for digestion, as well as healthy bones, skin, hair, teeth and nails (structural). It is also necessary for the production of antibodies, which help our bodies to fight infection and illness.

The human body is able to create a number of amino acids on its own, but another 8 are required essentially, and these we need to get through our diets. If we don`t eat enough protein, our body will basically eat its own muscles to get those essential 8 amino acids (a.k.a. starve itself).

Protein needs will vary from individual to individual. The RDA recommends that we take in 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram that we weigh (or about 0.36 grams of protein per pound that we weigh). On average, the needs look like this:

Children ages 1 - 3 need 13 grams
Children ages 4 - 8 need 19 grams
Children ages 9 - 13 need 34 grams
Girls ages 14 - 18 need 46 grams
Boys ages 14 - 18 need 52 grams
Women ages 19 - 70+ need 46 grams
Men ages 19 - 70+ need 56 grams

But again, this is average. Athletes need much more protein than someone who is moderately active, and it`s important to know as specifically as possible how much you need.

Here's An Easy Way To Calculate Your Protein Needs:

Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 = this is your weight in kg
THEN multiply your weight in kg x (0.8-1.8 gm/kg) = this is your daily protein needs in grams.

I weigh 120 lbs, and I exercise 3 - 4 times per week heavily. So according to the calculations above, (54.54 kg x (1.4)) my daily protein needs are 76.35 grams.

The number in brackets should be closer to .8 if you are relatively healthy but not very active. If you are active daily, exercise 3 - 4 times per week or more, are stressed, pregnant or recovering from an illness, use a number from 1 to 1.8.

Now that you know how much protein you need every day, you need to know:

The Difference Between A Complete VS Incomplete Protein

As we learned above, the human body requires protein for its essential amino acids, in order to function optimally. When a protein is made up of all essential amino acids, it is called a complete protein - and when it`s lacking, it`s called an incomplete protein.

Animal foods are complete proteins, like beef, lamb, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Most Fruits, veggies, grains, seeds and nuts in their whole states are incomplete proteins, which is why many people think that without eating meat we vegetarians are missing out.

But going meat-free doesn`t mean that we can`t get enough protein! While a few plant kingdom foods are complete proteins, including the ancient grain quinoa (pronounced key-noah) and soy beans, one can combine incomplete proteins (like beans and rice) to create a protein that is complete.

Contrary to popular belief, incomplete proteins don`t need to be eaten at the same meal - in fact, according to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention as long as incomplete proteins are eaten within the same day, our bodies can create a complete protein. So you could, for example, have a bowl of plain beans for lunch and a bowl of rice for dinner, and the two would count towards your complete protein requirement. But that`s not nearly as yummy as properly food combining!

How To Combine Foods

Food combining means taking 2 or more incomplete proteins and putting them together to create a complete protein. It can be as simple as eating split-pea soup with a slice of whole grain bread, or even beans and rice.

As long as we know which foods to combine, we can make sure we get enough protein every day! Food combinations that make a complete protein are:

Legumes (beans) + seeds
Legumes + nuts
Legumes + grains

Common meals made up of food combinations are:

Beans and rice or corn/flour tortillas
Corn and beans
Edamame or chick pea hummus with pita
Nut or seed butter on sprouted grain bread
Pasta with beans or nuts (ie. pesto)
Split pea soup with whole grain or seeded crackers or bread
Veggie burgers on a bun

It`s so easy for vegetarians to get enough protein by eating meals like those described above. But remember: in order to get enough protein, you have to know how much protein your body needs. So the key here is knowing how much protein is, gram for gram, in each food! Many people are surprised to learn just how high in protein vegetarian foods can be. Have a look at some common animal-free foods:

Large Egg 7 grams/egg
Milk 8 grams/cup
Cheese (eg. Cheddar) 7 grams/ounce
Bread 4 grams/slice
Cereal 4 grams/1/2 cup
Vegetables 2 grams/ 1/2 cup
Soybeans (dry) 10 grams/ounce
Peanuts 7 grams/ounce
Lentils (dry) 6.5 grams/ounce
Red beans 6 grams/ounce
Baked potato 9 grams/8 ounces
Cashews 5 grams/ounce

To find out per gram how much protein is in a particular food, check out the USDA Nutrient Data Library. Just enter your food and the food group you want to search.

A Super Food For Super Digestion

Some people are deficient in protein because they simply can't digest it! This class of people includes young children and the elderly.

For people who can't digest bulky protein, a class of plant foods called "superfoods" can offer valuable supplementation. A great example is Spirulina, a super blue-green algae that grows in fresh water. It is grown under controlled circumstances, harvested, dried and powdered; it can be taken in capsule or powder form. Known as a complete protein, it contains all the essential amino acids necessary for our bodies. It's 85-95% digestible, and it has a whopping 60% protein content - higher than beef or soy!

Go easy, though. It's also really high in beta carotene as well as many other vital nutrients, so it is not to be used as a singular protein source. Instead, a tsp a day can significantly contribute to anyone's required protein amount.

And finally:

Is It Possible To Get Too Much Protein?

High intake of animal protein have been linked to various ailments like osteoporosis, since eating too much of it can cause the body to excrete extra calcium; too much protein is also super taxing on the liver and kidneys, since these are the organs used to excrete toxins. Animal products are also higher in fats, which can clog arteries and contribute to greater health risks. The troubles associated with high protein diets relate mostly to meat-eaters, but like anything too much of a good thing can mean trouble.

Most people already eat more than enough protein without even knowing it. Whether consuming animal or plant protein, the bottom line is to eat with awareness, and moderation. And enjoyment!

To your health, Sage

Photo Credits: kaibara, mymollypop , mesohungry , satoru_kikuchi

Happy Birthday, Pisces!

2010-02-28T22:55:00.000-08:00

You Pisces peeps tend to float along with the current of life, and don't like to upset the boat. I don't blame you - this world's confrontational enough for you sensitive creatures! And this year has been pushing you to the limits of your shores, so to speak. Dearest Pisces, if this year has had you feeling like you've been swimming up stream then I bring you good news: you're about to feel the love!

All Pisces great and small are deeply poetic about love - romantic and platonic. In fact, many a Pisces I know work tirelessly to generate a loving, peaceful world. This dedication requires careful balance, and the ability to cross bridges over troubled waters. But for Pisces to help bring love to our planet, you need to keep your own heart strong! Keep the love flowing, with an herbal formula like Viatri designed to maintain a healthy heart.

With the drive to make a difference in the world, the Pisces battery tends to run dry quickly. This makes Pisces easy prey for stress, and lowered immunity. Keep on swimming, by staying active and looking after your heart health!

Have a look at your own reflection, Pisces. Remember that the world around you is but a representation of yourself, and enjoy life! You'll make your own waters - and this planet - a great place to be. Happy Birthday!

Love, Sage

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

2010-02-23T22:18:00.001-08:00

I am asking myself this very question, tonight at 10:18 pm. It is late, but there's no way I'm winding down for bed yet. Why? I just had a hot date with a cup named Joe, and boy did he set my jets on fire!

Ok, so it's pretty obvious that for a restful night of sleep one shouldn't have caffeine in the evening. But what about a hint of caffeine? A blush? A whisper? What if I need just a little perk of percolating power to help me finish my work?

Just how much caffeine is too much, dammit?!

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is an alkaloid that stimulates our own nervous system. Of course, our coffee-culture knows this all too well, hence the common "Want to grab a Starbucks?" and the ubiquitous coffee-cup-to-go.

As in all of nature, nothing is designed by accident. Caffeine is actually a natural pesticide, created by plants like the cacao and tea trees, and coffee shrubs. When a pesky bug attempts to chow down on its stems or leaves, the bug quickly becomes over-stimulated and takes a hike. A speedy one.

Caffeine is also a psychoactive drug, though most of us would never know it! Taken in such small amounts, like in coffee, tea and chocolate, we're most likely to experience the jitters more than anything else. I think the only time I've thought of coffee as my drug has been when I've tried to quit it - and I will never do that again! I just can't seem to function without my first coffee of the day. Thank goodness I don't have to worry about that, since caffeine is totally legal. Phew.

What Does Caffeine Do In The Body?

Caffeine essentially stimulates the central nervous system. This can cause an increase in heart rate and blood flow, and the brain receives more oxygen. Yeah, I knew that too. This is why it helps us to feel more awake in the mornings! The effects can last up to an hour or more, which is why most people advise against drinking or eating it past the afternoon. My case in point!

How Much Is Safe To Ingest?

A common question. Most experts will tell you that 250 - 300 mg of caffeine per day is safe. Don't forget that caffeine can be found in a variety of plants, and not just coffee! Some people take way more than the recommended amount, by virtue of the fact that they're having coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, and even medicines! Have a look at the following chart:

Coffee
There is a large difference between drip-brewed coffee and instant coffee; brewed coffee has nearly 50% more caffeine.

330 mg - 16 oz Starbucks Coffee Grande
150 mg - 16 oz Starbucks Caffe Latte
135 mg - 8 oz (approximately 1 cup) regular brewed coffee
95 mg - 8 oz instant coffee
62-64 mg -1 oz Espresso
2-5 mg - 8 oz regular decaffeinated coffee (brewed or instant)

Tea
Those trying to cut back on caffeine should steep black tea for less time or switch to green tea, which tends to have far less caffeine.

75 mg - Starbucks Tazo Chai Tea Latte
40-70 mg - 8 oz regular black tea (the longer it is steeped, the higher the caffeine content)
25-50 mg - 8 oz green tea (the longer it is steeped, the higher the caffeine content)
18 mg - 16 oz Snapple Iced Tea
17 mg - 12 oz Nestea (sweetened or unsweetened)
14 mg - 8 oz Sobe Green Tea
10 mg - 12 oz Lipton Brisk Iced Tea (lemon flavoured)
2 mg - 8 oz decaffeinated black tea

Sodas
Many people are not aware of the large difference in caffeine between Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Classic, or that drinks such as Sunkist Orange contain caffeine. The comparison below is for standard-sized cans (12 ounces) of soft drinks.

56 mg -Mountain Dew
47 mg - Tab
47 mg - Diet Coke
42 mg - Sunkist Orange
41 mg - Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper
38 mg - Regular Pepsi and Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi
35 mg - Coca-Cola Classic
31 mg - Diet Pepsi
29 mg - A&W Cream Soda
23 mg - Barq’s Root Beer

Energy Drinks
Energy drinks derive their boosting effect through caffeine; most have a similar amount of caffeine to a Starbucks Caffe Latte.

160 mg - 16 oz Monster Energy
160 mg - 16 oz Rockstar
174 mg - 16 oz SoBe No Fear
152 mg - 16 oz SoBe Adrenaline Rush
144 mg - 16 oz Full Throttle
144 mg - 16 oz Fury
143 mg - 16 oz AMP Tall Boy Energy Drink
100 mg - 12 oz Enviga
80 mg -8.5 oz Red Bull
47 mg - 8 oz Vault

Chocolate and Other Treats
The amount of caffeine is higher in dark chocolate than milk chocolate, which contains less cocoa.

30 mg - ½ cup (125 ml) of Haagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream or Starbucks Coffee Ice Cream
18 mg - 1.45 oz Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate bar
9 mg -1.55 oz Hershey’s chocolate bar
5 mg - 3 teaspoons of powdered cocoa mix

Medicine
Medicines often contain large amounts of caffeine. While this is to be expected in NoDoz, for example, many people are not aware that products such as Midol also contain caffeine:

200 mg - 1 tablet NoDoz Maximum Strength
200 mg - Vivarin
130 mg - 2 tablets of Exedrin
65 mg -Bayer Select Maximum Strength
60 mg - Midol Menstrual Maximum Strength

To check out an amazing database of more than 500 caffeinated beverages from around the world, click HERE.

For me, I go by feeling: I know that depending on the time of the month and where my body chemistry's at, I can take from 1 to 3 cups of coffee or tea per day. More than that, and I end up feeling anxious and sleepless. So in my healthful opinion, take as much as you want to feel great. Here, though, are some signs to watch for to know if you've had too much!

How To Tell If You've Had To Much

Aside from the general coffee-shakes, sleeplessness and feelings of anxiety, over dosing on caffeine can cause the following:

nervousness
hyperactivity
shaking
shortness of breath
heart palpitations
headaches
gastrointestinal issues

Kids shouldn't take caffeine like adults can, especially if they have any heart issues. These effects are temporary, so they don't last long. But boy, they don't feel good!

Can Caffeine Cause Health Problems?

Like anything, too much of a good thing isn't a good thing! The symptoms above can indicate all kinds of underlying issues or lead to further problems. Too much caffeine can contribute to anxiety disorders by stimulating the excretion of stress hormones. Indigestion can ensue, as well as insomnia, and decreased immunity.

Keep in mind, though, that foods that contain caffeine often contain highly healthful ingredients, like antioxidants, polyphenols, and trace minerals. As far as I'm concerned, in moderation a little caffeine can go a long way!

I'm off to count sheep. I'll probably get to over 300, but at least I'll be exercising my brain. I'm so glad I have a positive outlook on life!

Still perky, Sage

Photo Credit: qwrrty

Obama To Block Private Health Insurance Rate Increases?

2010-02-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

Look, I'm all about preventing ailments naturally, and holistically treating the heck out of any illness I may manifest. But just in case, just in case, I also pay into private insurance. At least I used to pay, until this year my insurance provider chose to up the premium rates by almost 39%. Like hundreds of thousands of Californians, I was so absolutely outraged that I cancelled my plan. Thanks, Anthem Blue Cross Insurance.

The reason for my provider's spike in rates? They cited soaring costs of medical care, and younger and healthier people (like me) dropping unaffordable plans. How ironic! Their customers are dropping their plans because they're too expensive, and so they up their premiums. Sick logic, no?

Ok, so aside from relying on my amazingly strong immune system, now what do I do as I (and my family) lie defenseless against potentially huge medical bills?

The fact of the matter is that I may never need to worry about huge medical bills, but I just can't afford my insurance premium. Especially if there's a chance that at any time, my rates could go up even more.

Enter stage left: President Obama! This Thursday, dear readers, our president has called for a televised summit. He will discuss, with both Democratic and Republican leaders, the proposal that federal government be given the power to block excessive rate increases.

Color me red, white and blue! This tickles me patriotic like nobody's business. Think about it: if for-profit insurance companies are blocked from raising their rates, perhaps government will then start looking into ways for health costs to come down. This would make sense, right? After all, government is in the business of helping businesses make money - and if health costs come down, perhaps more people can afford health care. More will feel secure in insuring their health, and insurance companies won't lose customers. Win-win, I think.

As far as I'm concerned, affordable health care and insurance is a necessity and not a luxury - it should be justly affordable for all.

Tune in Thursday, February 25th! Check your local listings for the half-day summit. And let's hope the results of this televised summit give us a sign of healthier things to come.

Love, Sage

Photo Credit: booleansplit

My Review: Hair Essentials Are Essential!

2010-02-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

It's in, and the results are: holy shizz it works! Just like my pal Debbie from Long Island, I too have been amazed by this product.

It's true that I am the natural wellness warrior for naturalwellbeing.com, and blog through the site. And it's true that if naturalwellbeing.com didn't exist, neither would this blog. Thanks, NWB.

But I am not a product pusher! I believe that in order to endorse a particular product, there has to be an honest-to-goodness reason why. And so I took it upon myself this past December to have a go at one of NWB's top selling products: Hair Essentials.

To begin with, I must admit that I was a little skeptical. The product page promised:

"The Ultimate Hair Growth Remedy - Works FAST

If you want thick new hair growth, Hair Essentials is the product for you.

Stimulates new hair growth
Promotes shinier, thicker, faster-growing hair
Helps return your hair to its natural color
Works for men and women
Doctor-formulated

Order Hair Essentials today and grow healthy, thick, and shiny new hair. Guaranteed to work or your money back!"

Right. Well, that sounds like what I want to hear, and if you've been with me for a while you know that I have been dreaming of having bouncy baby-sitter hair since the birth of my first child.

Of course I had to try it! Suggested course: 3 months. I grabbed 3 bottles.

I began my first bottle (a one month supply, 3 caps per day) on my birthday, December 11th (see pic on left. Yes, that's me on my bday. Great lighting, don't you think?). After a few days I noticed that my skin was becoming clearer, and more even (hello, Milk Thistle! It was detoxing my liver, and ridding me of impurities.) Strange, I thought, I didn't know that this was a rather nice side-effect! Right on.

Very quickly I noticed that I must take with food, or the result was a sore tummy. Quickly remedied that little issue by taking all three caps with snack! Yum.

The month flew by, and I delved into my candida cleanse (oy). The pain of the cleanse didn't put me off including the hair supplements, and I think probably added to the cleansing (hello again, Milk Thistle). Around this time, I noticed that my nails were growing like crazy! Not only that, but I had little baby hairs poking out at my hair line, and (gasp) one lower on my forehead. I swear. Shhhhh.

January 11th found my hair, skin and even nails longer and harder. My roots seemed darker than my normal dark blonde, as if color had been deposited. So strange! I attributed all this to the Horsetail Extract, which contains silica. Silica is an amazing ingredient, which helps our body to absorb more calcium for healthy nails, skin, teeth and hair. I'll say!

So here we are, February 17th. I started my 3rd bottle on the 12th, but I was so excited about how long my hair was after just 2 months that I had to share the results early (see pic on right. Terrible lighting. I don't look that old. Seriously)! My hair is almost 2 inches longer! I am practically sitting on it right now!

I think you can tell that clearly, according to my experience, this product really does wonders. I have never endorsed a product like this in my life, and I am a devotee. Bouncing baby-sitter hair I finally have, and glossy mermaid hair HERE I COME! Pictures to follow, I promise.

Just call me Rapunzel!

Love, Sage

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

2010-02-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

It's time for rewards, people! This month's testimonial hails from Long Island, New York, where Debbie the Ovaanalyza had been busy analyzing her thinning hair. After what reads as a careful analysis of Hair Essentials, she undertook a course of the supplement. Let's have a look at her results:

"I'm a 48-year old female with long straight hair and noticed it thinning drastically within the past year. I attributed it to stress and getting old (aren't we all?) and was desperate to stop the hair loss because my hair has always been a source of joy for me. People always complimented me on it and the idea of going bald was terrifying.

I read the reviews of this product and have nothing but good things to say. After only one month I've noticed the baby hairs sticking up after I blow my hair dry and my hair feels healthier too. The product is easy to use; all you do is take three capsules with a meal and that's it. I take all three at once, which you can do, so I don't have to check the clock and "plan" my next dosage. It's so easy.

I highly recommend this product for anyone who's facing hair loss for whatever reason. It's worth every dime. "

Congratulations, Debbie! 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.

Photo Credit: goodrob13

Vitamin D: How Much Is Enough? - Your Guide To The Best Sources

2010-02-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

It's still winter. It's still cold, and rather dark, and sometimes rather wet. And I'm still feeling funky. With the sun disappearing during the cool, Pacific winters, I suffer from lack of vitamin D! I know my body produces it with the sun, and I can get it in my diet. But how much do I need to get out of this funk? I've done some digging, to find out just how much vitamin D I need every day - and how I'm gonna get it.

What Exactly Is Vitamin D?

There are two noticeable forms of vitamin D: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is produced by invertebrates (slugs, snails etc) fungus and plants in response to UV irradiation. It is not produces by us vertebrates.

The form I want to focus on is vitamin D3, which is made in our skin when it reacts with UVB rays. It's possible to get this vitamin from dietary and supplement sources, and the most powerful source is from the sun!

Vitamin D Requirements: Are You Getting Enough?

Sufficient Vitamin D to maintain bone health and normal calcium metabolism in healthy people looks like this:

Adequate Intakes (AIs) for Vitamin D [4]

Age Children Men Women Pregnancy Lactation
Birth to 13 years 5 mcg
(200 IU)
14-18 years 5 mcg
(200 IU) 5 mcg
(200 IU) 5 mcg
(200 IU) 5 mcg
(200 IU)
19-50 years 5 mcg
(200 IU) 5 mcg
(200 IU) 5 mcg
(200 IU) 5 mcg
(200 IU)
51-70 years 10 mcg
(400 IU) 10 mcg
(400 IU)
71+ years 15 mcg
(600 IU) 15 mcg
(600 IU)

Age	Children	Men	Women	Pregnancy	Lactation
Birth to 13 years	5 mcg (200 IU)
14-18 years		5 mcg (200 IU)	5 mcg (200 IU)	5 mcg (200 IU)	5 mcg (200 IU)
19-50 years		5 mcg (200 IU)	5 mcg (200 IU)	5 mcg (200 IU)	5 mcg (200 IU)
51-70 years		10 mcg (400 IU)	10 mcg (400 IU)
71+ years		15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)

That said, the safest maximum amount to take is 2,000 IU for adults, and 1,000 for children. The amount varies by individual need, based on climate, diet, and deficiency.

How Do You Know If You're Deficient?

Try upping your protected sun exposure, and foods rich in vitamin D. And ask your doctor for a blood test - your deficiencies will show up!

Vitamin D Deficiencies

A deficiency in any vitamin can produce a variety of health problems. Some serious ailments we know of, caused by a lack of vitamin D, include:

Depression
Obesity
Colorectal, breast and prostate cancers
Autoimmune diseases
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular diseases

Loads of folks are deficient in vitamin D, most especially individuals who are over 60, live at northern latitudes, have darker skin, or are rarely outdoors. According to UC Berkeley's Wellness Alerts: "... in Northern US and Canada, blood levels drop markedly in the winter, when days are shorter, the sun is weaker, and we wear more clothes and spend less time outside. Many young people also have low blood levels of D, according to some recent studies. Obesity is associated with reduced blood levels."

The Most Powerful Source: The Sun

According to many, UV exposure is the most powerful source of vitamin D. Sun exposure needed to produce enough vitamin D depends on time of year, latitude, skin color and age. In a sunny location such as Hawaii, five to 10 minutes of midday sunlight on the arms and face or legs two to three times a week can produce adequate vitamin D in people with light skin. Those with dark skin can require 10 to 50 times the sunlight exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D. An SPF 8 sunscreen reduces the production of vitamin D by more than 95 percent but helps prevent skin damage, so getting adequate vitamin D in the diet might be the safest approach.The healthiest way to source Vitamin D by sun exposure, is to know your UV index.

UV Index - What It Is And What It Tells Us

The UV index is an international measurement created by Canadian scientists and standardized by the World Health Organization. It tells the general public how strong UV radiation is, to help educate us so that we know how strong the sun may be on a particular day and in a particular place, and we can protect our skin and eyes. As most people know, over-exposure to UV rays can cause skin burns, damage, photo-aging and cancer, and eye damage and cataracts. In general, the higher the UV index, the greater the need for protection - ie. sunscreen, hat, sleeves etc.

UV Index Chart

2 or less: Low
A UV Index reading of 2 or less means low danger from the sun's UV rays for the average person:
Wear sunglasses on bright days. In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength.
If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen.
Look Out Below
Snow and water can reflect the sun's rays. Skiers and swimmers should take special care. Wear sunglasses or goggles, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Remember to protect areas that could be exposed to UV rays by the sun's reflection, including under the chin and nose.
3 - 5: Moderate
A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Take precautions, such as covering up, if you will be outside.
Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.
Me and My Shadow
An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow:
If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be low.
If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to high levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.
6 - 7: High
A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. Wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Protection against sunburn is needed.
Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
Made in the Shades
Wearing sunglasses protects the lids of your eyes as well as the lens.
8 - 10: Very High
A UV Index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Minimize sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Protect yourself by liberally applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses to protect the eyes.

Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.
Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
Stay in the Game
Be careful during routine outdoor activities such as gardening or playing sports. Remember that UV exposure is especially strong if you are working or playing between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don't forget that spectators, as well as participants, need to wear sunscreen and eye protection to avoid too much sun.
11+: Extreme
A UV Index reading of 11 or higher means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 liberally every 2 hours.

Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and will increase UV exposure.
Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
Beat the Heat
It is possible to go outside when the UV Index is 11 or higher. Make sure you always seek shade, wear a hat, cover up, wear 99-100% UV-blocking sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Or you can opt to stay indoors and take the opportunity to relax with a good book rather than risk dangerous levels of sun exposure.
(Courtesy of the US Environmental Protection Agency)
To find out the UV index forecast in your area, click HERE.
The Sun: Friend Or Foe?
But hold on, according to the American Dermatology Association in its 2008 Annual Report To Members, while the sun is a source of vitamin D, "it is also a source of harmful ultraviolet radiation resulting in thousands of skin cancers each year.".
Also, the ability of the skin to make vitamin D declines with age. At that point food sources of the vitamin become more important. However, there is cause for concern that supplementing with Vitamin D can cause toxicity.
According to the Office Of Dietary Supplements, "Excessive sun exposure does not result in vitamin D toxicity because the sustained heat on the skin is thought to photodegrade previtamin D3 and vitamin D3 as it is formed. High intakes of dietary vitamin D are very unlikely to result in toxicity unless large amounts of cod liver oil are consumed; toxicity is more likely to occur from high intakes of supplements."
Vitamin D toxicity can cause nonspecific symptoms like:
nausea
vomiting
poor appetite
constipation
weakness
weight loss
raise blood levels of calcium, causing mental status: confusion and heart rhythm abnormalities
Eat Your Vitamin D!
Incorporating Vitamin D into the diet can be a great way to get enough, especially in cooler climates.
Dietary Sources Of Vitamin D - IUs per serving*/Percent DV**

Cod liver oil, 1 tablespoon 1,360/340

Salmon (sockeye), cooked, 3 ounces 794/199

Mushrooms that have been exposed to ultraviolet light to increase vitamin D, 3 ounces (not yet commonly available) 400/100

Mackerel, cooked, 3 ounces 388/97

Tuna fish, canned in water, drained, 3 ounces 154/39

Milk, nonfat, reduced fat, and whole, vitamin D-fortified, 1 cup 115-124/29-31

Orange juice fortified with vitamin D, 1 cup (check product labels, as amount of added vitamin D varies) 100 /25

Yogurt, fortified with 20% of the DV for vitamin D, 6 ounces (more heavily fortified yogurts provide more of the DV) 80/20

Margarine, fortified, 1 tablespoon 60/15

Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 2 sardines 46/12

Liver, beef, cooked, 3.5 ounces 46/12

Ready-to-eat cereal, fortified with 10% of the DV for vitamin D, 0.75-1 cup (more heavily fortified cereals might provide more of the DV) 40/10

Egg, 1 whole (vitamin D is found in yolk) 25/6

Cheese, Swiss, 1 ounce 6/2
*IUs = International Units.
**DV = Daily Value. DVs were developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help consumers compare the nutrient contents of products within the context of a total diet. The DV for vitamin D is 400 IU for adults and children age 4 and older. Food labels, however, are not required to list vitamin D content unless a food has been fortified with this nutrient. Foods providing 20% or more of the DV are considered to be high sources of a nutrient.

Great Links! For more info on Vitamin D, check out these links:
Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet

http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

To summarize then:

Careful sun exposure is the best source of vitamin D, but difficult to find in northern, colder climates.

Dietary sources are then preferred, being careful not to consume large amounts of cod liver oil.

Lastly, supplementing with vitamin D can be beneficial, but must be regulated. Individuals supplementing must also take into consideration amount of dietary vitamin D consumed, as well as sun exposure.
And of course, people, let's not forget about that inner sunshine: happiness! You can't tell me that being happy doesn't make us healthier...

Love and sunshine, Sage

Photo Credit: pixietart

Preventing Heart Disease: A Guide To A Healthy Heart

2010-02-09T20:26:00.001-08:00

Can you guess what the number one killer in all of North America is? No, not cancer (although we seem to be in the middle of an epidemic). The number one killer of all North Americans is heart disease.

February is America's Heart Month, and to celebrate I've put together a little guide to help you keep yours happy, healthy and strong.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is often referred to as the silent killer, because so often there are few recognisable symptoms. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world and a major cause of disability. Heart disease can include: coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. In 2009, it was estimated that 785,000 Americans would have a new coronary attack and approximately 470,000 would have a recurrent episode. In fact, the Center For Disease Control estimates that every minute, someone in America dies from a heart attack.

High cholesterol is a leading cause of heart disease; when there is too much fat present in the blood, it can create a plaque build-up. This significantly raises the risk of heart disease and its ailments, including heart attack, stroke, failure, and death. The chance of developing heart disease can be greatly reduced by controlling this risk factor.

Common Causes Of High Cholesterol

Common causes include:

Eating foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol
Smoking,
Leading an inactive lifestyle
Being overweight
Unhappiness and stress (I think this is the main cause, but who the heck am I?)

Unfortunately there are often no common symptoms of high cholesterol. The only way to find out if you have high cholesterol is through a cholesterol test. A cholesterol test is a blood test that will look at the key lipids, or fats, that are in the blood. Either that, or suffering one of the gravest of all heart disease ailments: HEART ATTACK.

Symptoms Of Heart Attack

The five major symptoms of a heart attack are:

Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
Shortness of breath.

What To Do If You Or Someone You Know Is Having A Heart Attack

If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should:

Call 9-1-1 immediately!
Chew Aspirin: When I took my First Aid course this was the first thing they told us to do. Why? Aspirin works by inhibiting the blood’s ability to clot. It does this by interfering with the action of platelets, a component of blood that is involved in the formation of blood clots. Aspirin has also been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory chemicals, which in turn may inhibit the development of atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries." Chewing aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of death during a heart attack. (Thanks again, Center For Disease Control. These peeps are great!)

Prevention

Preventing heart disease and its ailments can be simple, as long as you take care of yourself! This means adopting and maintaining a healthy diet low in animal and saturated fats/salt/sugar (RAW! RAW! RAW!), exercising, managing stress, not smoking, and feeling happy. For more information on heart disease check out THIS LINK.

Supplementation By Nature

Phytosterols, or plant sterols, have been shown in research studies to help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Positive research and studies have shown the effects of phytosterols on cholesterol with one study concluding that consuming 2 grams of phytosterols daily could slash the risk of heart disease by as much as 25%. The FDA has recently approved the following claim on supplements containing phytosterols: Dietary supplements or food containing at least 400mg per serving of free phytosterols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 800mg, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol. Salicin, a natural anti-inflammatory agent similar to aspirin, and Nattokinase, an enzyme traditionally used in Japan as a clot-buster and blood thinner, can also help. Both ingredients work together to minimize chances of developing heart and vascular diseases.

Look for products containing these ingredients if you want to supplement.

This heart-pumping month, strengthen your heart!

Lovelovelove, Sage

Photo Credit: paultomlin

Get It On - Foods As Aphrodisiacs

2010-02-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

Getting turned on isn't so easy as turning on a light switch! Arousal of the amorous kind is a very complex, touchy thing. Our get-it-on-groove can be influenced towards both North (frigid) and South (hot-to-trot) poles by a variety of factors: hormones, psychology, stress, sleep, time etc. While it is a really fantastic thing to be ready to get busy anytime your partner is, it is more often fantastical (as in, a fantasy) that you are both in the mood at the same time.

The Need To Sow Seed

Throughout his and herstory, women and men have looked for ways to become lustily inspired. Let's face it, most men returning home from heavy battle, clad in armor, probably didn't have it in them to be amorous; women, running households and businesses while their men were off at war had way too much going on to get down! Maintaining intimacy aside, the sex act in the ancient world (and still today) was of utmost importance: to create an heir and found a legacy, of course! And so, natural mood enhancers were introduced, to encourage procreation. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates and Aristotle both prescribed lentils for virility. Plutarch, another Greek, prescribed bean soup and artichokes - not only to enhance sexual drive, but to ensure the birth of sons! In ancient Egypt, lettuce was the sacred plant of the fertility God Min. Egyptian lettuce was tall, straight and secreted a milky substance when pressed - totally sexy!

Natural Aphrodisiacs

Aphrodisiacs were chosen for their representation of "seed or semen" - bulbs, eggs, snails - or physical resemblance to male or female genitalia (see photos!). Ancient foods for sex included pomegranate, lotus, fennel, ginger, coriander in wine and radishes mixed with honey.

Here's a look at some modern day aphrodisiacs (thanks to the Gourmet Sleuth!):

Almond: A symbol of fertility througout the ages, the aroma is said to inspire passion in a female.

Aniseed: A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. Used since Ancient Rome and Greece, sucked for increasing desire.

Arugula: Arugula or "rocket" seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.

Asafetida: Any Indian dried, powered herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicky flavor.

Asparagus : Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience.

Avocado: The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

Bananas: The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.

Basil (sweet basil): Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

Broccoli Rabe (And Other Mustard Greens): The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase virility. In the case of broccoli rabe its more likely a myth created to get people to eat this bitter vegetable.

Chocolate: The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two.

Carrots: Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?

Coffee: Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".

Coriander (Cilantro seed): The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.

Fennel: In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".

Figs: An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!

Garlic: The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy a pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce and it and lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later.

Ginger: Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.

Honey: Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to "sweeten" the marriage.

Liquorice (licorice): The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan, glycrrhizin, is 50 time sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to woman.

Mustard: Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare a tenderloin roast (filet mignon) for two with a mustard and peppercorn sauce.

Nutmeg: Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect. A light sprinkling of the spice in a warm pumpkin soup can help spice up your evening.

Oysters: Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.

Pine Nuts: Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.

Pineapple: Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.

Raspberries and Strawberries: Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. "Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples" Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

Truffles: The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

Vanilla: The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. According to the Australian Orchid Society, "Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness." Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat.

Wine: A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the color of the liquid. Caress the glass, savor the taste on your lips. Do remember that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to "arouse" but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

Supplements

Of course, many people now look to quick fixes to get their love-fix. If supplements are your thing, go natural! I've heard way too many strange stories about the side-effects of things like Viagra and Cialis. Try a natural herb-base with Chinese Horny Goat, or Fu Ling.
Now let's get it on!

Love, Sage

Photo Credit: stine1121
Photo Credit: bitterjug

Banish Body Odor - And Get Sweaty!

2010-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

It's no wonder that February is an amorous month - it's cold, it's barren, and it's all we can do to keep from snuggling up to one another. And for me, there's nothing better than getting a heavenly dose of hug from my man! And then some. I especially love to lay my head against his shoulder - unless, of course, he's just come from the gym. Pee-yew! But that's easily remedied by a hot shower, which eliminates any smelliness. Sweatiness of the good kind always ensues.
For some of us, though, curing bad body odor isn't as simple as bathing!

Causes Of Body Odor

Sweat does not smell. You see, sweating is the body's way of ridding itself of toxins, so sweating is a good thing. In fact, it's important that we work up a good sweat everyday to help rid ourselves of accumulated poisons! Daily exercise, saunas, and bathing all help cleanse our systems naturally.

Contrary to much popular belief, it is not the sweat that makes us stink - it's the bacteria present! What happens when we sweat is that bacteria living on our skin attacks the sweat - producing "offensive" odor. This, then, is the main cause of B.O. But it's not the only cause.

Internal ailments, deficiencies and other sorts of imbalances can also cause bad body odor!

Some other common causes include:

Smoking: Not only does smoking leave an unpleasant surface odor in the hair and on the skin, smoking wreaks havoc with internal organs.
Liver Toxicity: Our liver is a major detoxifying organ. When we are over-exposed to environmental and dietary pollutants, the liver can become stressed or clogged. This backs up waste removal, which can add to bad body smells.
Constipation: Pooping is another way that our body's remove wastes. If we can't go, our system is not removing enough of our toxins.
Magnesium or Zinc Deficiency: These two minerals are responsible for major bodily functions. With deficiencies in either or both, toxin removal is slowed.
Meat: People who eat large quantities of meat and animal products tend to have stronger body odor.
Choline: Some people can't metabolize this - found in foods like eggs, fish, liver, and legumes. The result: a fishy smell.

Natural Treatment

Personal care companies manufacture antiperspirant (stops you from sweating) and deodorant (makes you smell nice, though synthetic) like it's going out of style. While these products can help alleviate stinky symptoms in the short-term, they aren't healthy in the long-term! Why? Sweating, as I've explained above, is a natural, necessary process that our body undertakes to remove wastes. By preventing the sweat glands from doing their jobs, our toxins aren't removed. Not only that, chemicals in conventional personal care products can cause all sorts of toxic conditions in the body - making our bodies want to sweat even more.

Try some natural alternatives to getting rid of bad body odor:

Quit smoking!
Try a liver cleanse, seasonally! Spring is always a great time to help move the sluggish winter system along.
Supplementing with Magnesium
Avoid foods containing choline: eggs, fish, liver, and legumes.
Go vegetarian! Or raw, as I always say.
Poop more. Try a diet like THIS, to get things moving! And try some fiber.

So go ahead, get sweaty. You know you want to, which is the point of this article, anyhow.

Hot and bothered, Sage

Photo Credit: randychiu

Can Your Cellphone Harm Your Health?

2010-02-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

You have a cell phone, of course. You may or may not have a landline - these days, why should you? And with new GPS technology, doesn't it just make perfect sense to arm your child with a phone - just in case? In fact, in some developed countries land-lines have become obsolete, as cell-phone technology has become more readily available than the laying of landlines. Cell phones are the radiation wave of the future, and show no sign of disappearing.

But do you know what risks are associated with using them? Even standing near them? Even living near or passing by cell phone towers? Not to scare you, but read on...

Research: Funded And Conducted By The Cell Phone Industry = Propaganda?

The great debate about safety and cell-phone use is a hot one, and is heavily armed on both sides. And consumers are continually calling for research into the safety of usage, as we should. But just like any published research studies, most are conducted and funded by the very industries that want to protect the interests of manufacturing companies. What this means is that most study results are "found" and "proven" by the scientists who find what they want to prove: the safety of that particular study. In other words: much published research is paid for by multi-billion dollar industries only concerned with keeping their products on the market.

Conspiracy theory aside, the truth about cell-phones is that we don't know much. Yet. Cell phone techonology hasn't been around long enough for scientists to really know, in entirety, what hazards can occur with usage. But there has been some research, and it has pointed in a very scary direction.

Cell Phone Radiation

Cell phones emit a particular kind of electromagnetic energy that is disruptive to our own electro-magnetic fields. Studies have shown that electromagnetic energy disrupts normal cell and nerve function, and can cause all kinds of damage. According to this site, there are two types of electromagnetic radiation:

Ionizing radiation - This type of radiation contains enough electromagnetic energy to strip atoms and molecules from the tissue and alter chemical reactions in the body. Gamma rays and X-rays are two forms of ionizing radiation. We know they cause damage, which is why we wear a lead vest when X-rays are taken of our bodies.
Non-ionizing radiation - Non-ionizing radiation is typically safe. It causes some heating effect, but usually not enough to cause any type of long-term damage to tissue. Radio-frequency energy, visible light and microwave radiation are considered non-ionizing.

On its Web site, the FDA states that "the available scientific evidence does not demonstrate any adverse health effects associated with the use of mobile phones." However, this does not mean that the potential for harm doesn't exist. And by the way, the FDA is an independent organization that does not do its own research, but grants particular status to manufacturers and products according to their own study results. Buyer, beware!

Radiation can damage human tissue if it is exposed to high levels of RF radiation, according to the FCC. RF radiation has the ability to heat human tissue, much like the way microwave ovens heat food. Damage to tissue can be caused by exposure to RF radiation because the body is not equipped to dissipate excessive amounts of heat. The eyes are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of blood flow in that area.

Cancer, DNA Damage, And More - Oh My!

Much research is showing that cell phone radiation is responsible for an increase in brain cancer (which FYI is the # 1 cancer-killer in children, these days). Not only that, it has been shown to cause other crazy concerns, like:

Harm your blood cells and cause cellular changes
Damage your DNA
Cause nerve-cell damage
Possibly accelerate and contribute to onset of autism, and trigger Alzheimer's disease
Damage your eyes
Cause sleep disruptions, fatigue and headaches

How Much Radiation Does Your Phone Emit?

According to the Environmental Working Group - a consumer watch-dog organization - using a phone with lower radiation than others can help limit exposure to dangerous waves. Find out if your phone is on their Top 10 Lowest Radiation or Top 10 Highest Radiation phones, HERE .

How Can You Protect Yourself And Family

Dump your phone. If you can't, for many understandable reasons, at least turn it off when you're not using it. Cell phones give off high levels of radiation intermittently, even when they are not in use.

Keep your child away from your phone! Children should never use cell phones. Their skulls are way thinner than adults, and radiation waves can penetrate deeper into their brains than ours.

Use a landline. Use a phone with a cord, that operates at 900 MHz - not a cord-less phone, which also emits waves. It is safer, and also less costly!

Keep Your Cell Phone Away From Your Body When it is On: The most dangerous place to be, in terms of radiation exposure, is within about six inches of the emitting antenna. You do not want any part of your body within that area.

Finally: spread the word! Industry isn't going to hand over dangerous news about their products anytime soon, and neither are our governments. Use your un-damaged brains, people, and think for yourselves! It's up to us, the money-spenders, to take a stand. For more info, check out my health guru Dr. Mercola's article on cell phones, HERE.

Always love, Sage

Photo Credit: bexross

Halitosis - How To Treat And Prevent It Naturally

2010-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Ew. Don't come near me, please. I love you madly, but I can smell your breath a mile away, and it's yucky (at least I'm honest). I'll bet you have a nasty taste in your mouth, too. Right? Like you ate a big pile of dog poopy? Yeah. Thought so. But you didn't, of course, so why the heck does your mouth taste and smell like it? Oh dear. This isn't just an ordinary case of morning breath - oh, no. You have halitosis - a common condition affecting millions of people everywhere! But don't worry, I have some tips on how to clean up your bad breath act - naturally.

What Is Halitosis?

The word halitosis is taken from the Latin word "halitus" that means "breath". Chronic halitosis is when a person produces an offensive odor from their oral or nasal regions and they're unable to eliminate it through normal oral hygiene techniques, such as flossing or brushing. Halitosis can happen to anyone of any age, and can be so embarrassing!

Symptoms Of Halitosis

Ok, so you wake up in the morning and you don't want anyone kissing you anywhere near your mouth. Morning breath! Saliva, which acts to naturally clean our mouths of residual foods, also helps clear up bad odors. Since our salivary glands are inactive when we sleep, we wake up tasting and smelling a little funky behind the lips. Normal. Once we eat something, or brush our teeth (both acts activate saliva production), the problem is fixed.

But halitosis is NOT morning breath! It can't be fixed by normal brushing or eating! Read on to learn why...

Common Causes

Halitosis can be caused by a number of medical factors, mostly in the mouth and the lungs.

Sinus infections and abnormal sinus anatomies
Tonsilar infections or tonsilolitis
Lung diseases
Kidney diseases
Liver diseases
Blood disorders
Diabetes
Gallbladder dysfunction
Menstruation
Carcinomas
Certain foods
Extensive dental decay
Periodontal (gum) disease
Oral infections or abscesses
Oral cancers
Xerostomia (dry mouth condition). Many medications can contribute to a condition of xerostomia.
Oral conditions resulting from post-nasal drips or discharges
Allergy conditions
A proliferation of specific types of gram negative anaerobic bacteria. Phew! That's a lotta causes!

Symptoms You May Have Halitosis

So how can you tell the difference between just bad morning breath and halitosis? Here are some typical symptoms:

Yucky taste in the mouth
Your breath is interfering with your social or professional success.
Somebody has commented on your bad breath, or offered you mints or chewing gum.
You feel embarrassed by your breath .
You find yourself using either breath mints, mouthwashes, chewing gum, or internal breath fresheners - all the time!
People step back from you when you are talking to them, or they avoid direct contact with you.
You experience a dry mouth or thick saliva on a regular basis and can’t seem to improve the condition.

How To Treat And Prevent Naturally

Many dentists advise that halitosis is caused by something in the mouth or nasal cavities, such as an infection or an allergy to a food. In my humble, personal professional opinion, halitosis is also caused by an overgrowth of candida yeast - which causes all kinds of imbalances and bodily upsets. Either way, here are some tried and true natural tips to treat and prevent halitosis:

Don't smoke, people. This one is obvious.
Everyday brushing and flossing, with an oxygenated dental system. I LOVE THIS stuff!
Having a thorough dental diagnosis at least 2 times a year
Cleaning the mouth after eating foods
Chewing Xylitol-based gums to clean and moisten the mouth. Xylitol is a plant-based sugar that has clinically been proven to prevent cavities!
Instead of gums and minty candies, try a little parsley after meals - that's right, the garnish on your plate! It is really high in chlorophyll, which can help neutralize the breath.
Keeping a mostly alikaline diet, to avoid acidity in the mouth (and whole body). Read my article HERE.
Drink fresh, pure water and avoid dehydrating substances - including (sob) caffeine.
Avoid alcohol!

Treating and preventing halitosis can be simple, once you identify the cause. C'mon, hurry up. I want a kiss!

Love, Sage
Photo Credit: k790i

Happy Birthday Aquarius!

2010-02-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

You, Aquarius, are among some of the most creative people on the planet! Your love of technology, invention and freedom keeps you aiming for the stars. Of course: you are the free-flowing airy-fairy sign, determined to keep that creative energy flowing!

Your greatest fear is being bored - not being boring, which of course you never are - so you`re contstantly on the moving and shaking. You can at times seem scattered and chaotic, but you, amidst your sparklingly eccentric projects, are in your element. You love your fingers in many spaced-out pies! This keeps you going, going... and hopefully, not going to bed with a cold.

With all this inventive energy, it`s easy for you to run yourself ragged. Keeping all of those ideas burning up in your well-tempered mind, means it`s easy for your immune system to burn up, too! Keep your immune system strong, with Cold and Flu Essentials - perfect for the Aquarian on the go-go-go!

This year, keep your mind going but give your body a break - so you can keep making your dreams come true. Happy Birthday!

Love, Sage

Headaches! How To Alleviate Them Naturally

2010-01-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-14T10:43:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-01-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

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