Healthy skin is obtainable to all if we just follow a few guidelines to nourishing it properly. If you are using natural skin care products, then you have made a start. What many fail to realize, is that the skin is a reflection of your health. Many look for a miracle product that will magically make their dry skin, acne, blemishes or other skin ailments disappear. This is a non-achievable goal if you are not going to set standards for what you eat. For example, you know a car only runs on gas, so you would not put orange juice in your tank and expect for it to run? Many forget that this same principle applys to our bodies!
This is going to sound strange to some, but the first step to a healthier diet is limiting or completely doing away with fast food, pre-packed, microwave foods and processed foods! Your health is really in someone else's hands or should I say business. These foods deplete the body and compromise your immune system. If you insist on buying processed foods of any kind, always read the label! Organic brands are a wise choice to start, but are not always better. Do not trust to buy any food item just because it has the word "organic" added on the title. It takes a bit of research to know how to read labels, because many companies are very deceptive. Note: Counting calories has nothing to do with the nutiental content of food and is not necessary benefical to your health.
This is going to sound strange to some, but the first step to a healthier diet is limiting or completely doing away with fast food, pre-packed, microwave foods and processed foods! Your health is really in someone else's hands or should I say business. These foods deplete the body and compromise your immune system. If you insist on buying processed foods of any kind, always read the label! Organic brands are a wise choice to start, but are not always better. Do not trust to buy any food item just because it has the word "organic" added on the title. It takes a bit of research to know how to read labels, because many companies are very deceptive. Note: Counting calories has nothing to do with the nutiental content of food and is not necessary benefical to your health.
A start to healthy skin
Ingredients to avoid
The skin is a barrier that protects our body from infection and fluid loss; it regulates body temperature, enables you to feel sensation, and synthesizes vitamin D. The skin consists of three layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
The epidermis the outermost layer of the skin (the part you can see). It provides the first barrier of protection from the invasion of foreign substances into the body.
The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis; it tells you how things feel when you touch them. It contains blood vessels, nerves, hair roots, sweat glands and sebum, as well as collagen and elastin.
The hypodermis (also called the subcutaneous layer) it is the lower most and thickest layer of the skin, it acts as an energy reserve. It provides insulation for the body and stores important nutrients. The subcutaneous layer also helps hold your skin to all the tissues underneath it.
The epidermis the outermost layer of the skin (the part you can see). It provides the first barrier of protection from the invasion of foreign substances into the body.
The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis; it tells you how things feel when you touch them. It contains blood vessels, nerves, hair roots, sweat glands and sebum, as well as collagen and elastin.
The hypodermis (also called the subcutaneous layer) it is the lower most and thickest layer of the skin, it acts as an energy reserve. It provides insulation for the body and stores important nutrients. The subcutaneous layer also helps hold your skin to all the tissues underneath it.
Artificial Sweeteners- Acesulfame-K (Sunette, Sweet-no-Safe, Sweet One), Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet). Our bodies cannot break these sweeteners down the same way as naturally occurring sugars; therefore it must be broken down by our liver. Known to cause brain tumors, depression, mood swings, headaches, Parkinson’s disease, lymphomas and leukemia and affect the thyroid in rats. You can find it in: diet foods, diet soft drinks , drink mixes, baked goods, low calorie desserts, gelatins, puddings, frozen desserts, yogurt, some childrens vitamins, etc…
Refined (white) Sugar - Refined sugar is stripped of any naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. It draws on the body's reserve of vitamins and minerals (robs nutrients) in order to metabolize. It raises the insulin level in the blood and weakens the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food (depresses the immune system). This can cause conditions such as: weight gain, depression, lethargy, irritability and other health problems, like diabetes.
Refined (table) Salt- Commercial salt is stripped of all its minerals and heated at such high temperatures that the chemical structure of the salt changes. In addition, it is chemically cleaned and bleached and treated with anti-caking agents (alumino-silicate and alumino-calcium silicate). Unfortunately refined salt builds up in the body and leaves deposits in organs and tissue, causing severe health problems.
Refined (white) Enriched Flour- Refined white flour is produced from the whole wheat grain after it is stripped of it's nutrients. The result is a dead grain then "enriched" with synthetic vitamins. The body treats this type of flour like a sugar, resulting in basically the same health problems associated with refined sugar.
Hydrogenated Oils- The process used to make hydrogenated vegetable oil creates trans fats. Trans fat promotes heart disease, diabetes, interferes with vision in children, hinders liver detoxification and is linked to cancer. You can find it in: processed chips, microwave popcorn, crackers, cookies, pastries, pies, cakes, most fast foods, butter and margarine.
Refined Oils- The refining process usually includes using a chemical solvent (often hexane) for oil extraction and very high temperatures (of over 400 degrees) for processing and deodorizing. The resulting oil lacks nutrient value and is packed with trans fatty acids.
Canola Oil- There is no such plant named canola. Canola oil was developed in Canada from the rape seed plant. Rape seed oil is not a food. In fact it is highly refined, poisonous and toxic to humans and animals. Canola oil is strongly related to symptoms of emphysema, respiratory distress, anemia, constipation, irritability and blindness in animals and humans.
Cottonseed Oil- Commonly found in shortening, mayonnaise, dressings, sauces and in fast food chains for frying. Cotton is classified as a nonfood crop, and farmers use many agrichemicals (pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) when growing it. Another hydrogenated toxic oil to avoid.
Vegetable Oil (Soy Oil)- Soy oil is labeled as "vegetable oil" in supermarkets today and is highly refined. Avoid this oil, because the same health problems may occur due to the denaturing of this oil.
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)- You can find it in: most canned soups, salad dressings, chips, crackers and frozen foods. It is also found in most spice and flavoring blends. MSG is an excitotoxin (chemical transmitters that excites your brain cells to death). Side effects and disorders related to MSG include: seizures, brain damage, allergies, headaches, strokes, tumors, numbness, etc. MSG is often disguised in food as “natural flavoring”, “spices”, “seasonings” or included in the following: anything fermented, anything protein fortified, anything ultra pasteurized, autolyzed yeast, barley malt, broth, bouillon, carrageenan, gelatin, hydrolyzed oat flour, malt extract, maltodextrin, pectin, plant protein extract, potassium glutamate, sodium caseinate, soy protein, soy sauce, stock, textured protein, whey protein, yeast extract, yeast food, over-the-counter medications (especially children’s), nutritional supplements, prescription drugs, IV fluids given in hospitals and in the chicken pox vaccine.
Propyl Gallate- It's used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling and is often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT. You can find it in: some processed meat products, chicken soup stock and gum. Propyl Gallate is a suspected carcinogen. It is also known to cause kidney, liver and gastrointestinal problems.
BHA and BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene)- Both keep fats and oils from going rancid and are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. Repeated studies show that BHA and BHT increase the risk of cancer and accumulate in body tissue, causing liver enlargement.
Nitrite and Nitrate- Nitrite and nitrate is commonly added to bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish, and corned beef to stabilize the red color and add flavor. These compounds transform into cancer-causing agents.
Potassium Bromate- You can find it in breads, rolls and pizza dough. It is known to cause cancer in animals and humans.
Artificial colors or FD&C colors- Most are derived from coal tar, which is a carcinogen (may interfere with nerve transmission in the brain and causes genetic damage). These chemicals are linked to allergies, tumors, cancer, hyperactivity and ADD in children, may contribute to visual and learning disorders or cause nerve damage. Used in beverages, candy, baked goods and some pet food.
Soy- Another popular food found in almost everything, yet misrepresented. Soy products such as: oil, isolate, milk, deli foods, soy sauce, prepared and pre-packaged, etc... are highly processed, toxic and often GMO (genetically manipulated organisms). This is sad, but true. Also many of these soy products are hard to digest. When purchasing products made with soy, purchase organic or non GMO as stated by the manufacturer.
Special Note: There are so many dangerous ingredients added to our food, skin and health care products. Please do your research, we just covered some of them!
Refined (white) Sugar - Refined sugar is stripped of any naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. It draws on the body's reserve of vitamins and minerals (robs nutrients) in order to metabolize. It raises the insulin level in the blood and weakens the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food (depresses the immune system). This can cause conditions such as: weight gain, depression, lethargy, irritability and other health problems, like diabetes.
Refined (table) Salt- Commercial salt is stripped of all its minerals and heated at such high temperatures that the chemical structure of the salt changes. In addition, it is chemically cleaned and bleached and treated with anti-caking agents (alumino-silicate and alumino-calcium silicate). Unfortunately refined salt builds up in the body and leaves deposits in organs and tissue, causing severe health problems.
Refined (white) Enriched Flour- Refined white flour is produced from the whole wheat grain after it is stripped of it's nutrients. The result is a dead grain then "enriched" with synthetic vitamins. The body treats this type of flour like a sugar, resulting in basically the same health problems associated with refined sugar.
Hydrogenated Oils- The process used to make hydrogenated vegetable oil creates trans fats. Trans fat promotes heart disease, diabetes, interferes with vision in children, hinders liver detoxification and is linked to cancer. You can find it in: processed chips, microwave popcorn, crackers, cookies, pastries, pies, cakes, most fast foods, butter and margarine.
Refined Oils- The refining process usually includes using a chemical solvent (often hexane) for oil extraction and very high temperatures (of over 400 degrees) for processing and deodorizing. The resulting oil lacks nutrient value and is packed with trans fatty acids.
Canola Oil- There is no such plant named canola. Canola oil was developed in Canada from the rape seed plant. Rape seed oil is not a food. In fact it is highly refined, poisonous and toxic to humans and animals. Canola oil is strongly related to symptoms of emphysema, respiratory distress, anemia, constipation, irritability and blindness in animals and humans.
Cottonseed Oil- Commonly found in shortening, mayonnaise, dressings, sauces and in fast food chains for frying. Cotton is classified as a nonfood crop, and farmers use many agrichemicals (pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) when growing it. Another hydrogenated toxic oil to avoid.
Vegetable Oil (Soy Oil)- Soy oil is labeled as "vegetable oil" in supermarkets today and is highly refined. Avoid this oil, because the same health problems may occur due to the denaturing of this oil.
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)- You can find it in: most canned soups, salad dressings, chips, crackers and frozen foods. It is also found in most spice and flavoring blends. MSG is an excitotoxin (chemical transmitters that excites your brain cells to death). Side effects and disorders related to MSG include: seizures, brain damage, allergies, headaches, strokes, tumors, numbness, etc. MSG is often disguised in food as “natural flavoring”, “spices”, “seasonings” or included in the following: anything fermented, anything protein fortified, anything ultra pasteurized, autolyzed yeast, barley malt, broth, bouillon, carrageenan, gelatin, hydrolyzed oat flour, malt extract, maltodextrin, pectin, plant protein extract, potassium glutamate, sodium caseinate, soy protein, soy sauce, stock, textured protein, whey protein, yeast extract, yeast food, over-the-counter medications (especially children’s), nutritional supplements, prescription drugs, IV fluids given in hospitals and in the chicken pox vaccine.
Propyl Gallate- It's used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling and is often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT. You can find it in: some processed meat products, chicken soup stock and gum. Propyl Gallate is a suspected carcinogen. It is also known to cause kidney, liver and gastrointestinal problems.
BHA and BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene)- Both keep fats and oils from going rancid and are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. Repeated studies show that BHA and BHT increase the risk of cancer and accumulate in body tissue, causing liver enlargement.
Nitrite and Nitrate- Nitrite and nitrate is commonly added to bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish, and corned beef to stabilize the red color and add flavor. These compounds transform into cancer-causing agents.
Potassium Bromate- You can find it in breads, rolls and pizza dough. It is known to cause cancer in animals and humans.
Artificial colors or FD&C colors- Most are derived from coal tar, which is a carcinogen (may interfere with nerve transmission in the brain and causes genetic damage). These chemicals are linked to allergies, tumors, cancer, hyperactivity and ADD in children, may contribute to visual and learning disorders or cause nerve damage. Used in beverages, candy, baked goods and some pet food.
Soy- Another popular food found in almost everything, yet misrepresented. Soy products such as: oil, isolate, milk, deli foods, soy sauce, prepared and pre-packaged, etc... are highly processed, toxic and often GMO (genetically manipulated organisms). This is sad, but true. Also many of these soy products are hard to digest. When purchasing products made with soy, purchase organic or non GMO as stated by the manufacturer.
Special Note: There are so many dangerous ingredients added to our food, skin and health care products. Please do your research, we just covered some of them!
What not to avoid
The information we've enclosed is and should be alarming, but a wake up call to those who want to look and feel healthier. Realistically speaking, it is nearly impossible to avoid all of these ingredients listed above on a daily basis. Do the best that you could! We suggest shopping at wholesale stores, because it is cheaper and easier to find quality oils, grains, salt, sugar, additives, etc. Research the internet and read, read, read and read! When you go to the supermarket bring a list of ingredients to avoid (there are many others that we did not list). We also suggest checking out your local farmers market to buy your meats. Buy meat that do not contain antibiotics and hormones, also look for wild caught seafood. This is much more achievable if buy your food from a local farm or farmers market. Overall, it is more expensive to have a healthier diet, but much more beneficial and cheaper than being sick! We have enclosed a list of food items that are better health choices.
Organic Unrefined Evaporated Cane Juice or Sucanat- We recommend this sugar, because its vitamins and minerals still remain and the natural balance of sucrose, glucose and fructose. If you cannot find this sugar or it is too expensive for you, choose a another grade. White sugar is the worst and last grade of sugar that is why it is so cheap! Next would be, "Raw Sugar" also called Turbinado or Demerara, "Sugar-in-the-Raw" or Muscovado sugar". These sugars are easier to find and are more affordable.
Raw Honey- When buying honey look for local raw unpasteurized wildflower honey with minimum filtration. This honey has beneficial properties for the stomach, spleen-pancreas and lungs, also excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Raw honey purchased directly from super markets is very expensive. Google local honey from whichever state you are from. Instantly, you will have a list of farms that sell honey in your area for a more reasonable price.
Maple Syrup- The brands of syrup sold in the supermarkets are high fructose corn syrup mixed with other terrible ingredients. Choose organic or Canadian brands of maple syrup instead. This is a healthier and tastier choice. Maple sugar is also available as a sugar alternative.
Frying Oils- The smoke point is the temperature to which an oil can be heated before it smokes. The oil or fat you use for deep-frying should have a high smoke point. We recommend the following oils for frying: Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Unrefined Peanut (ground nut) Oil, Organic Unrefined Rice Bran Oil. The easier one to find here is virgin coconut oil, always choose organic if you cannot find unrefined and organic. We recommend Extra Virgin Olive Oil for sautéing and stir frying.
Salt- We recommend Celtic Sea Salt or Himalayan Rock Salt. Keep in mind, that just because something states "sea salt" does not mean it is superior quality. Always look for whole sea salt that has been sun dried and hand harvested. This salt taste so much cleaner and enhances the flavor of food without the toxins. Unknown to most, natural salt is actually healthy for you, because it provides vital minerals for the body.
Flour- There are many types of flours to choose from besides wheat, such as: various grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Always choose whole grain flour, which contains the bran, germ and the endosperm (tissue produced under the seed), preferably stone ground. Try to avoid "enriched" flour and "bleached" flour.
Juice- When choosing a juice beverage, look for juice that contains 100% juice without the additional harmful ingredients. Try to avoid juice from concentrate (extracted fruit juice, boiled down, frozen, thawed, then the lost water is replaced). This type of juice has no nutrient value. Look for 100% juice, non-pasteurized and not from concentrate. If you cannot find all of the above, instead buy 100% juice not from concentrate preferably organic.
Cereal- Choosing a healthy breakfast cereal is easier when selecting one with whole grains that is high in fiber. Look for a cereal that is low in sugar, without trans fat and artificial colors; added nuts or dried fruit is a plus. Always look in the organic section of your supermarket first, this will save time and energy.
Raw Honey- When buying honey look for local raw unpasteurized wildflower honey with minimum filtration. This honey has beneficial properties for the stomach, spleen-pancreas and lungs, also excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Raw honey purchased directly from super markets is very expensive. Google local honey from whichever state you are from. Instantly, you will have a list of farms that sell honey in your area for a more reasonable price.
Maple Syrup- The brands of syrup sold in the supermarkets are high fructose corn syrup mixed with other terrible ingredients. Choose organic or Canadian brands of maple syrup instead. This is a healthier and tastier choice. Maple sugar is also available as a sugar alternative.
Frying Oils- The smoke point is the temperature to which an oil can be heated before it smokes. The oil or fat you use for deep-frying should have a high smoke point. We recommend the following oils for frying: Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Unrefined Peanut (ground nut) Oil, Organic Unrefined Rice Bran Oil. The easier one to find here is virgin coconut oil, always choose organic if you cannot find unrefined and organic. We recommend Extra Virgin Olive Oil for sautéing and stir frying.
Salt- We recommend Celtic Sea Salt or Himalayan Rock Salt. Keep in mind, that just because something states "sea salt" does not mean it is superior quality. Always look for whole sea salt that has been sun dried and hand harvested. This salt taste so much cleaner and enhances the flavor of food without the toxins. Unknown to most, natural salt is actually healthy for you, because it provides vital minerals for the body.
Flour- There are many types of flours to choose from besides wheat, such as: various grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Always choose whole grain flour, which contains the bran, germ and the endosperm (tissue produced under the seed), preferably stone ground. Try to avoid "enriched" flour and "bleached" flour.
Juice- When choosing a juice beverage, look for juice that contains 100% juice without the additional harmful ingredients. Try to avoid juice from concentrate (extracted fruit juice, boiled down, frozen, thawed, then the lost water is replaced). This type of juice has no nutrient value. Look for 100% juice, non-pasteurized and not from concentrate. If you cannot find all of the above, instead buy 100% juice not from concentrate preferably organic.
Cereal- Choosing a healthy breakfast cereal is easier when selecting one with whole grains that is high in fiber. Look for a cereal that is low in sugar, without trans fat and artificial colors; added nuts or dried fruit is a plus. Always look in the organic section of your supermarket first, this will save time and energy.
Extra Helpful Advice
This is a lot to take in at once, especially if this is all new to you. The easiest way to eat healthy is to plan your meals ahead. Prep your ingredients the day before. Make enough so that you may have leftovers for tomorrow. If time is an issue for you or you do not enjoy cooking, keep it simple. If you are bored with the same recipes and feel like you need to venture out to try something new, look for food recipes online instead. You will be surprised at what you find! Incorporate fresh herbs and vegetables into your meal. Instead of buying prepared juice, buy a blender and a juicer. Why spend $3.95 buying a pre-made smoothie or vegetable juice, make your own instead. This is a more affordable and healthier choice, with little time necessary. This gives you an opportunity to incorporate more vegetables or fruits into your diet that you may not enjoy eating. Another creative way is to make soups and stews containing herbs, veggies and grains. I disguise a lot of vegetables that my kids do not enjoying eating by shredding or cutting them small within a stew or soup. Another way to eat more veggies is to make veggie dips (roast fresh vegetables then puree them in a food processor). Make homemade whipped cream (heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract & dash of cinnamon) and top it on fresh fruits in season. This will also motivate you and your kids to eat more fresh fruits. Try making homemade granola as a way to add whole grains into your diet and save money on the expensive pre-packaged choices. Many of these recipes are effortless and are worth every minute of your time.
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