Super Antioxidant Glutathione

The coolest part about Glutathione (pronounced gloota-thigh-own) is that it is produced naturally in our body  all the time!  It is the combination of 3 amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamine with a SH (sulfur) group that enables this molecule to be able to bind to free radicals and toxins.

Why we love glutathione:

• It recycles antioxidants
• Fights infections
• Critical component of the detoxification system
• Decreases recovery time
• Increase immunity
• Brain health
• Antiaging benefits

In a "normal" body glutathione is recycled, but when the toxic load becomes too much to  handle that is when the body can get into some trouble.  When the  body becomes overwhelmed with oxidative stress from too many toxins and free radicals it  becomes vulnerable to infections, chronic illness, and cancer.  There are so many great foods to eat that boost our own personal reserves of this antioxidant.

Some foods that are rich in Glutathione:

• Asparagus
• Watermelon
• Avocado
• Grapefruit
• Kale
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
• Strawberries
• Fish oil

In supplement form N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a amino acid is the precursor to glutathione and consequently stimulates synthesis in the body.

The Joy of Juicing

This is one of my favorite topics to discuss since I have juiced religiously for over 10 years and feel that juicing is a fundamental part of optimal health.  Juicing is so helpful for people who have busy lives and simply want an optimal amount of nutrients but don't have time to consume huge amounts of vegetables and fruits each day.

Juicing can:

• Improve the nutrient absorption
• Provide a large amount of nutrients and vitamins
• Add a larger variety of fruits and vegetables to your diet
• Aid in detoxification
• Provide energy

The possibilities are endless when juicing!  I love to get creative and try a new combination.. perhaps with ginger, or fennel, or wheat grass, or....

Check out these books for more juicing options

   

Destination: Vashon Island

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Detoxify your body and support your liver with milk thistle

Milk thistle has been used for medical purposes for over 2000 years principally in liver rejuvenation. The liver is one of the  main detoxification sites in your body so when you focus on that organ the rest of your body can benefit.  Milk thistle is also a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and has been proven to repair and grow new liver cells. Some uses for Milk thistle include:

• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Toxin overload (prescription drugs, alcohol, pesticides)
• Liver disease
• Stress
• Inflammation
• Overburdened lymphatic system

Natural beauty products

A excellent resource to find out what chemicals are in your current products  ( they have 78,000 products listed!) is to to check out Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.  This will give you the knowledge to decide if you want to purchase a product based on their rating scale

Low hazard

Moderate hazard

High hazard

Some of my favorite products which are all rated in the 0-2 low hazards range include:

Jane Iredale Mascara

Bare minerals vintage peach blush

Burt's Bees Tinted lip balm in hibiscus

Soothing benefits of Calendula

Calendula is a wonderful herb to soothe your skin and decrease inflammation.  Calendula contains specific constituents that have been proven in animal studies to increase the process of wound healing, increase blood flow to the area and even promote the production of collagen proteins.  It also contains anti-infective properties that can help with fungal infections. There are countless ways to integrate this herb into you life such as applying it topically to:

• Sun burns
• Rashes
• Acne
• Eczema
• Varicose veins
• Adding it to your body lotion
• My favorite way to use Calendula is to add a hand full of the dried herb to the bath

Here is one of my favorite products that contains Calendula

Gotu Kola: build collagen in your skin naturally

When used topically, gotu kola has amazing anti-aging properties that include stimulating the skin's own collagen production to restore tissue firmness thus creating a fresh and youthful appearance.  Gotu kola also aids in reducing the appearance of scars, cellulite and stretch marks by regulating the action of fibroblasts within your skin and restoring the venous network to the local tissues.  Why spend hundreds of dollars on synthetic products when this plant can provide proven results naturally!  You can create your own skin care product by infusing this herb with your favorite oil.

Pacific Botanicals  Organic Dried Guto Kola