Tag: Diet

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Hair – Our Shining Crown

Human hair is stronger than aluminum, copper or nylon strands of similar size and the strength comes from its chemical constituency, made up mostly of keratin (fibrous structural proteins also found in nails and the outer layer of the skin).

There is an extensive variety of hair types, ranging from straight to wavy/curly, and it is important that an appropriate hair care is chosen for each type. As an example, curly hair is already naturally extremely dry and therefore does not require frequent shampoo treatment. Some of the many potential factors behind hair and scalp problems may be related to mechanical and chemical damage (over-styling), stress, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, electro-magnetic field radiation, heredity, birth control pills, diabetes, weight loss, chemotherapy, parasites, heavy metals toxicity (from environmental sources, cosmetic products ).

In order to achieve healthy hair, it is important to ensure that the body is supplied with all essential nutrients such as silica, B-vitamins and biotin. This can be accomplished by addressing all nutritional deficiencies and maintaining a diet rich in whole grains, quality proteins, vegetables and fruits. It is also beneficial to determine the presence of toxins from sources such as clothing, cosmetics, personal care or household products and work towards their elimination.

Here are few additional hair care tips: minimize heat exposure and drying/colour-altering sunlight (best achieved with a simple fashionable hat), use natural products free of synthetic chemicals such as detergents, emollients and ammonium compounds, rinse hair properly with cold water (add a hint of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar), get a regular trim, use hair masks at least once a week and massage the scalp.

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Stress – Friend or Enemy ?

Physiological and/or biological stress is an organism’s response to a stressful event during which the body’s sympathetic nervous system is engaged resulting in fight-or-flight response. Much like in the rest of nature, most biochemical processes of the human body are designed to converge towards and maintain a steady state called homeostasis, often simply referred to as equilibrium. Despite a persistent desire of the body to achieve this state, stressors such as environmental factors and internal as well as external stimuli continually disrupt the homeostasis, introducing deviations and oscillations to the body’s functions.

Stressful events have historically posed a direct threat to one’s survival and were short-term in their nature, while majority of present day stressful events do not pose direct threat to survival, tend to be long-term in nature and are a result of the modern human society and lifestyle.

Examples of common stressors:
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  • Physical Stressors: lack of sleep, poor diet, excess caffeine, illness, chronic pain, bacteria or parasites
  • Job Stressors: commuting, time pressures, job insecurity, excessive working hours, workaholism
  • Family Stressors: caring for a chronically ill relative, relationship difficulties, arguments with children
  • Social Stressors: fear of crime, living in an urban area, poverty, low social support
  • Environmental Stressors: pollution of the environment (air, water, etc.)

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While the body is able to deal with short-term stress successfully, long-term daily stress exposure will lead to chronic imbalances and problems. Body’s shift to persistent fight-or-flight response leads to permanently activated state, with the parasympathetic system turning off, leading to substantial physical and chemical consequences. Such conditions often result in adrenal exhaustion, subsequently leading to symptoms such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and/or weight gain (due to high cortisol levels). The severity of the condition is often compounded by bad dietary habits like consumption of coffee, caffeinated/energy drinks, soft drinks, sugar, artificial sweeteners as well as highly processed foods.

So how can stress be managed? Wake up with a smile, formulate realistic daily schedules and respect them as much as possible, take breaks, smile, have a laugh, allow time for enough sleep, relax, replace junk food with whole foods, fresh vegetables and fruits, take a walk outside, increase physical activity, exercise, go on vacation, meditate, visit a spa or yoga studio, get a massage or try acupuncture and biofeedback.

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Acne & Other Skin Problems

Being part of the integumentary system, skin is the largest organ of the human body and accounts for approximately 15% of the body’s weight. The skin is involved in multitude of functions, including detoxification, temperature regulation as well as protection and isolation from the external environment. Skin is also actively involved in the body’s natural vitamin D production process, which is an important element of our immunity and plays a significant role in numerous chemical processes within the body. The built-in sensory receptors of the skin in conjunction with automated responses make up a mechanism for balancing the body’s state with respect to the surrounding environment. For example, sweat is induced upon consumption of hot meal or exposure to external heat in effort to cool body’s core temperature. In addition, skin plays a critical role in detoxification and the skin’s surface condition serves as a very good indicator of body’s internal environment and general health. Conditions such as acne, dryness, sensitivity, blemishes, eczema, rashes, burns, dandruff, psoriasis and allergies might be an indication of deeper rooted problem(s) within the body. Skin is a sensitive organ and there are many factors that affect its performance, such as internal/external hydration, sun exposure, smoking, sugar, coffee & other stimulants, clothing, stress, birth control pills, toxins from variety of personal care products (parabens-preservatives, sodium laurel sulphate-foaming agent, etc.), free radicals and more.

Acne in particular poses a serious issue today, having become an epidemic affecting nearly 85% of the population in western countries. What has once been a condition generally experienced by individuals in their teenage years, is now affecting people of all age groups. According to research, there are multiple causes that might be behind the acne problems including over-activated TOR C-1 enzyme, inflammation hormonal imbalance, excessive sugar, carbohydrate and alcohol intake, stress and cortisol imbalance, body pH imbalance (acidity), smoking, impaired digestion, assimilation and elimination, gut dysbiosis and candida overgrowth.

Other troublesome skin problems include eczemas, rashes, dandruff and psoriasis. Eczemas and rashes are often experienced by individuals across all age categories, ranging from early childhood to late years. These problems are generally linked to allergies, intolerances and sensitivities that can be very subtle and therefore more difficult to detect. Dandruff might be linked to problems with skin oil production, sensitivity to hair care products or yeasts like fungus. Psoriasis on the other hand does not have a known cause, however hypotheses link it to autoimmune problems and genetic inheritance. Despite not having a known cause, psoriasis conditions often tend to worsen under stress exposure.

Although every case of a person with particular skin problems needs to be assessed and resolved individually, the general guidelines to improving any one’s skin conditions include paying close attention to lifestyle, elimination of processed foods, simple sugars, milk/dairy, coffee & other stimulants along with elimination of stress in daily life. Whole foods rich in fiber and lean meat, salads, stews, soups, vegetables and fresh fruit should be added to the diet.

We are all meant to have a beautiful skin and not suffer from skin problems which often lead to impaired self-confidence as well as separation from society causing myriads of stress to the individual.

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Fatigue or Where Did My Energy Go?

Fatigue is defined as a feeling of tiredness, physical weariness, feeling of heaviness in the limbs, lack of initiative, poor attention span and/or feeling of mental dullness. Although most of us don’t know or realize it, there is actually a multitude of factors causing fatigue, spanning far beyond the commonly perceived notion of simply inadequate or insufficient sleep.

The myriad of causes that are responsible for this condition include: viruses, parasites, allergies, poor digestion and nutritional deficiencies, chronic diarrhea and nutrient loss (e.g. in the case of individuals suffering from Celiac disease), poor excretion (sluggish liver, constipation and increased toxicity from the colon), anemia, hypoglycemia, chronic pain, stress, environmental toxicity, prolonged exposure to noise or electro-magnetic fields, sleep disorders and sleep apnea, structural misalignment (poor posture), illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis, thyroid disorders, cancer, as well as immune-suppressing treatments.

Even more specific causes of fatigue and chronic fatigue might include: yeast/mold infections, gut dysbiosis or bacterial imbalance (i.e. excess Candida Albicans), acute viral infections (colds, flus, hepatitis, mono), chronic viral infections, parasitic infections (amoebas, worms), bacterial infections (staphylococcus, streptococcus), hormonal deficiencies (menopause, thyroidism, low adrenal function due to persistent stress and sugar abuse, pituitary dysfunction), heavy metals toxicity (from environment, food, cosmetic products), metabolic diseases, substance abuse (including coffee, alcohol, sugar and drugs), psychological problems (depression, anxiety, boredom, chronic unhappiness), as well as many others.

Often there are questions to ask such as: What is my purpose in life? Am I leading my life or do I allow other factors or other people to lead it for me? Am I really doing what I’m meant to be doing? Do I have joy in my life? Am I giving my body the nutrients and exercise it needs to function in harmony? Is my digestion and assimilation working properly? These questions become guidelines for exploring the inner self and might help single out specific reasons why fatigue (or other ailments) may be present and consequently might help figure out ways to deal with fatigue in order to get back to leading a more energetic and happy life. We are not meant to suffer, we just need to find the causes of our ailments and address them properly in order to live life to the fullest.

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Arthritis – The Natural Approach

One of the most obstructive health-related problems to an independent and happy lifestyle is the declining health and mobility of the joints. Although this problem is more prevalent with mature and elderly people, it certainly does not spare the young. And while it is not life-threatening, it inevitably limits the lifestyles of individuals and their families, particularly when mobility and pain suddenly become daily companions.

Arthritis is a joint disorder characterized by the inflammation of a joint or multiple joints. Joints that are typically affected include joints of the spine, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, thumbs, fingers, hips, knees, ankles and toes. There are various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus, crystal arthritis (gout), reactive arthritis and septic arthritis. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and it is classified by the degradation of joints and cartilage. It is not systemic (does not spread throughout the body) and it is prevalent in females.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, a condition where the body attacks its own tissues (rather than those that are foreign or infectious), primarily affecting joints (although other tissues might be involved as well).

Arthritis is typically associated with number of symptoms that include:
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  • Pain – gradual onset, burning ache, aggravated by movement
  • Swelling – not always present, although acute flares may be accompanied by increased joint fluid
  • Stiffness – loss of motion, typically accompanied by swelling
  • Grinding – possible, although it might not necessarily be due to arthritis
  • Reduced function – over months or years

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There are many factors playing a role in the development of arthritis including:
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  • Sports and activities causing trauma (high joint activity and impact sports eg. running, soccer, racket sports)
  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Biomechanics (shape, alignment, excessive bowing of the legs, knees, etc.)
  • Hormonal influence
  • Nerve supply (altered joint sensation due to nerve dysfunction)
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Predisposition due to previous joint damage (fracture, bone bruising, infection, ligament injury, abnormal joint development, surgery)

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With arthritic conditions the treatment plans often include rest, ice treatments, superficial heat treatments, ultrasound, short wave diathermy, interferential bio-electric stimulation, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, yoga, massage, magnet therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments and most importantly DIET ADJUSTMENT & STRESS REDUCTION.

It is generally suggested to focus on a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, quality meats and should exclude foods which aggravate the condition, such as processed and allergy causing foods, dairy, wheat, soy, eggs, citrus fruits, coffee and other stimulants, simple sugars including alcohol and junk food, as well as vegetables from night shade family (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, etc.).

There are also therapies, particularly popular across Europe and these include a variety of medical, thermal, mineral water spa therapies focused specifically on arthritic problems. These therapeutic medical spas developed numerous procedures to help with this lifestyle restrictive condition and they have been used for hundreds of years to reduce the impact of arthritis on the quality of life.

In addition, there are many simple adjustments which can be incorporated into a daily lifestyle that might help to cope with arthritis. These include but are not limited to: hot baths, hot castor oil packs, temperature-alternating showers, dry towel body massage, regular gentle exercise, such as yoga, and water work-outs.

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InfoZone Recipes

Beet Root Salad

This meal is very nutritious, simple and requires very minimal and brief preparation time.

Ingredients:
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  • 1kg fresh beet roots
  • 1-2 tbsp. olive oil
  • Handful of cilantro leaves
  • Umeboshi vinegar to taste

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Preparation: Steam beet roots for approximately 20 minutes until soft. Cool down, peel and cut to cubes. Mix with umeboshi vinegar, olive oil and chopped cilantro leaves.

Bon apetit !

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Who Is In For a Makeover

MAKEOVER – MAKEOVER – MAKEOVER

Hello Everyone!

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Would you like to BECOME a completely NEW PERSON?

If yes, you are ready for a MAKEOVER!

We are starting our new MAKEOVER program starting in September 20, 2013!

 

For more information about the program, schedule and pricing contact us at: info@thebiosphere.ca

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Scientists Debate New Study on GMO Fed Pigs

A new article has been published in the Food Safety News on the study related to the GMO-Fed Pigs.

You can find the article at:

Scientists Debate New Study on GMO-Fed Pigs

 

 

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Diet-Induced Dysbiosis of the Intestinal Microbiota and the Effects on Immunity and Disease

Gastrointestinal problems and links to Intestinal microorganism, Inflammation, Nutrition, Disease Susceptibility. An article published in August 2012 in PMC. 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448089/

 

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Intricacies Of Wheat

Wheat was among the first grains to be cultivated by agricultural society.  Wheat has been used throughout the world replacing many of traditional grains. In America wheat composes around 30% of the daily diet. Many associate wheat mainly with gluten and gluten sensitivity. However, even though wheat in nature is more acidic with the carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins in the kernel can be relatively nutritious.  Whole wheat is high for example in B-vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, iron and magnesium.  As such wheat was for many centuries used as a valuable feed for masses.

Nowadays, the wheat processing and wheat kernel modifications changed the properties of the grain. Wheat now tends to built fat and cause weight gain, skin breakouts, lethargy and excess phlegm. The changes in carbohydrate/ protein ratio in the kernel are triggering sensitivities even in the individuals that by nature were adapted to feed on wheat. Nowadays a rapid increase in  gluten/wheat sensitive individuals and health problems such as celiac disease are on a rapid rise involving all age groups .   

In the past the celiac disease for example has been considered a problem mainly experienced with children. These days many adults and seniors are being diagnosed. The danger of the problem is that people might feel otherwise healthy while the gluten is damaging the intestinal walls in susceptible individuals who might experience variety of symptoms and associated problems and many times are diagnosed with the celiac disease while undergoing other unrelated tests. The disease is mainly diagnosed in people of caucasian descend. The individuals with diagnosed celiac disease are set on a gluten free diet for the rest of their life. However, these individuals must be aware also about gluten that can be found in variety of products such as post stamps, lipsticks, creams, pills …. At this time the only known prevention for the disease is breastfeeding and proper diet that includes grains that naturally do not contain gluten such as millet, quinoa and teff.