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Everyday Products That Can Cause Cancer

By: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Healthy Home, Organic Beauty, Wellness , , , Permalink 0

Everyday Products That Can Cause Cancer | The Organic Beauty BlogNot to be alarmist, but I really do believe that making informed decisions about what we put in and on our bodies is the first step to preventing disease and extending our life spans significantly. A leading cancer institute recently released a list of common foods and products that have been linked to cancer.  Though it is really important to be aware of this these risks, it is also valuable to point out that genetics, environmental factors, and exposure to other toxins and carcinogens greatly effect the degree to which certain foods/products will effect you.  For example, someone who eats a clean, organic diet, and uses organic cleaning and grooming products (like all of us Organic Beauties!) may be less effected by the regular consumption of coffee than someone who is on the Standard American Diet and uses conventional, toxic products on their body and in their home.  If any of the following products figure prominently in your diet and lifestyle, it might be time to rethink your habits!

  • ALCOHOL:  Regular consumption of alcohol has been linked 3.5% of cancer deaths worldwide.  Alcohol increases risk of breast and ovarian cancer, colon cancer, mouth, esophagus, pharynx and larynx cancers, as well as liver and stomach cancers.  Women especially should limit their alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day (men up to two).
  • COFFEE:  Coffee has recently been labeled a class 2B carcinogen (along with chloroform, DDT, and gasoline exhaust), but the research around coffee consumption (who should and should not drink it, and how much is safe) is still relatively inconclusive. A recent study found that coffee decreased risk of prostate cancer in men who consume 6 cups or more per day.  At the same time, other studies have found that drinking 2 or more cups a day increases risk of bladder and lung cancers.  Coffee has also been linked to a host of other health problems.  Unless directed otherwise, try to limit coffee consumption to a cup a day..  Green tea and yerba mate are great alternatives to get that caffeine fix, and have a lot of beneficial properties as well!
  • ANTIPERSPIRANT:  Aluminum, a known carcinogen, is the main ingredient in antiperspirants, which block your pores and inhibits the release of toxins from your body.  Both the aluminum and this blockage causes an increase in toxicity of the lymphatic system, which can cause a whole host of problems, including breast cancer, lymphoma, prostate cancer, as well as other diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  For non-toxic alternatives to antiperspirant, see my article “Smell Like a Rose, With No Lasting Side Effects!”
  • BODY WASH AND BUBBLE BATH:  Almost ALL conventional beauty products contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which has been linked to many different forms of cancer and a whole mess of other complications.  Parabens feature pretty prominently in these products as well. Children and babies are especially susceptible to this chemical, which is very common in most bubble baths and children’s soaps.  For yourself, and definitely for your children, start reading your ingredients and consider switching to a natural or organic product.  (Click here to read more about revolutionizing your beauty routine).
  • TALCUM POWDER:  You can find talc in makeup, powders, and baby powder (where it’s especially dangerous for the same reasons you read above).  Exposure to talc (which has similar properties to asbestos) significantly increases risk of ovarian and lung cancers.  Try using corn starch-based baby powders and organic mineral makeup instead!
  • CELLULAR PHONES:  We’ve been hearing debate on this topic pretty much since the introduction of cell phones into our culture.  Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement stating that radio frequency electromagnetic fields, including cell phones, are “possibly carcinogenic” to people (a class 2B carcinogenic classification), and could increase risk of developing brain tumors and acoustic neuromas.   CDMA phones (by Verizon and Sprint) are generally a bit safer than GSM phones (by AT&T and T-Mobile), due to the fact that they emit a steady stream of medium range radiation, as opposed to the pulsating radiation of the latter class of phone.  The safest route is to use headphones…NOT Bluetooth devices!  And never keep your phone in your pocket, close to your chest or reproductive organs.

{adapted from my post on One Minute News]

Nip Seasonal Allergies in the Bud

By: Friday, June 3, 2011 Diet and Foods, Healthy Home, Holistic Health, Lifestyle, Wellness , , , , Permalink 0

Seasonal Allergies | The Organic Beauty Blog

After a blissfully allergy-free spring, I walked out of the house yesterday morning and instantly started sneezing and sniffling.  I check the allergy report for Brooklyn and saw that the pollen level was labeled as high.. which definitely explained why so many other people on the train and in my office seemed to be suffering from similar symptoms.

Seasonal allergies affect nearly 40 million Americans, which becomes really apparent this time of year. There are over-the-counter medications, of course, but many people experience side effects (dry mouth and throat, fatigue, headaches, hoarseness, feeling jittery or spacey) that can be as bad as the allergies themselves.  And long term use of prescription allergy medication is responsible for a whole host of unpleasant effects like high blood pressure, glaucoma, osteoporosis, and stunted or delayed growth in children.  Luckily, there are steps we can take to treat the symptoms naturally, or prevent seasonal allergies altogether!

Neti pots are by far the most effective weapon against seasonal allergies, and can be used as both a preventative measure and as treatment.  Basically, netis are traditional ayurvedic tools that look like little tea pots (traditionally ceramic, though commercial, store-bought netis are plastic) with a special spout small enough to fit in your nostril.  When filled with lukewarm water and a powdered saline solution, the liquid irrigates and cleanses the nasal passages, and also thins the mucus built up in there, flushing it out of your nose.  If you are prone to seasonal allergies, start using a neti pot daily a little before your symptoms would typically start.  Regular use will strengthen your nasal cilia, improving their ability to remove allergens, bacteria, and other irritants from your nose before they start causing problems.  If you’re already experiencing symptoms, you can start using your neti morning and night to flush out allergens and ease congestion.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a magic cure-all that I’ve written about before (see: The Magic of Apple Cider Vinegar), and healing the symptoms of seasonal allergies is just one of its many benefits.  When I got to work, sniffling and sneezing yesterday, I instantly poured myself a glass of water with a tablespoon of organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, and I kid you not, an hour later, I was totally fine.  And the effects lasted for the entire day!  I started my day off today with the same formula before I even left the house, and had absolutely no sign of allergies.. even though the pollen count was even higher today!

If you’re lucky enough to have access to local honey (like, seriously, from-within-a few-miles local is best), that can be a huge boost to your allergy fighting powers.  Regularly consuming local honey (and chewing on the honey combs too) helps to desensitize your immune system to the pollen in your area, effectively rendering it harmless to your body!  Eat 2 tablespoons of local honey (raw and organic, whenever possible) every day starting two months before allergy season, and you’ll notice a big difference!

Lastly, the right supplements can help your system fight off seasonal allergies.  Studies have found that high levels of vitamin C (around 2000 mg a day) significantly helps those prone to allergies avoid symptoms, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant qualities.  Omega 3 fatty acids (which are another general cure-all) have also been found to decrease inflammation and symptoms of seasonal allergies.  Eating lots of foods like salmon (wild-caught) and walnuts, and/or supplementing with a high quality fish oil (around 2g a day) will help with allergies as well as a host of other health benefits.

So next time you start sneezing and sniffling, don’t reach straight for the OTC medications or sprays.. Try some natural solutions first that will boost your overall immunity and health, without any long or short term side effects!

Safer Sunless Tanning

By: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 Healthy Beauty, Product Reviews , , , , Permalink 0
Safer Sunless Tanning | The Organic Beauty BlogAs the weather heats up and those pasty white legs start emerging from their layers into the late spring sun, many people (male and female alike) feel the need to quickly get some color to lessen the glare (and embarrassment) of those day-glo limbs.  Often times we remedy this by baking in the sun, SPF-free, for as soon as the weather permits, working on that “base tan” that will usher us into the summer months.  Though I myself have been known to commit this offense, let me be the first to admit this is a TERRIBLE idea.  Coming out of the colder weather, when our skin has not been receiving much sunlight, we are significantly more susceptible to getting a dangerous sunburn if we’re exposed to UV rays without the necessary protection.  Risk of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, doubles for people who have experienced a sunburn 5 or more times in their lives.  Think about all those innocent summer sunburns in childhood… do you really want to compound that risk?

Some people, presumably those who have no exposure to media, advertising, or common sense, still favor a few sessions in a tanning bed to get that preliminary summer color.  People, this isn’t 1995.  There is now irrefutable evidence that points to tanning beds as even more dangerous than the sun.  I’m not even going to go into the multitude of ways that tanning beds are terrible, aging, carcinogenic monsters (that’s a whole different article).. but needless to say, just stay away!

The much safer option of sunless tanning has long been a popular solution for people looking to get that summer glow without the cancer risk.. But is it really safe?  A closer look reveals that not all sunless tanners are the same.

Most sunless tanners, particularly sprays, contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a color additive that is still largely controversial.  For what it’s worth, the FDA has thus far only approved topical uses of DHA, but not sprayed methods during which the chemical could be inhaled.  Some adverse reactions to DHA inhalation include fainting, dizziness, coughing, and rashes, which are definitely not symptoms of a healthy and safe chemical.  Until more research is done, experts suggest avoiding spray tanning altogether.

This leaves lotion self-tanners as by far the safest choice for sunless tanning.  As with all beauty products, the majority of conventional, pharmacy bought self-tanners feature ingredients that read like a laundry list of chemicals to avoid.  Parabens, dioxane, BHT, and pretty much anything with a long, chemical name that is difficult to pronounce are best to avoid.  These common additives have been linked to birth defects, many forms of cancer, and liver, kidney, and skin problems, just to name a few.  But luckily, there are lots of more natural self-tanning lotions out there, some even with organic, anti-oxidant ingredients.  If you take the time to read your ingredients, educate yourself about what common chemicals to stay away from, and maybe even do a little research to find brands that create safe, quality self-tanning formulas, you can totally have your beautiful, pre-summer base tan without compromising your health!

Some healthy sunless tanners to try:

  • Lavera Self-Tanner is non-toxic, and features organic ingredients like jojoba oil, soy, lavender and aloe to soothe skin while gently providing color, and it doesn’t have that terrible, self-tanner smell.
  • Chocolate Sun Cocoa Glow Sunless Tanning Cream smells amazing, is 92% organic, and has super rich, antioxidant ingredients that actually moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
  • Josie Maran’s Argan Self-Tanning Cream isn’t quite as impressive with its ingredient list (it has DHA and some other mostly innocuous chemicals), but it is still chock full of good stuff like organic argan oil (obviously), caffeine (to fight cellulite), and antioxidants like matcha and ginseng.  Not quite as natural, but definitely super effective.

[From my feed on One Minute News]

Public Pressure For Better Ingredients!

By: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 Healthy Eating , , Permalink 0

Public Pressure For Better Ingredients! | The Organic Beauty BlogNew studies released recently both in the US and abroad are really starting to underline to degree to which the FDA has dropped the ball regarding health policy, and having any sort of real vested interest in the health of our country.  Major food manufacturers like Kraft, Wal-Mart, Mars Candy, and Coca-Cola are continued to be given the green light by the FDA to use toxic food colors, dyes, preservatives, and other carcinogenic ingredients in the everyday foods consumed by the majority of our country, while these same ingredients are banned from foods all over Europe.  Why is the FDA so blatantly ignoring research like the Southampton Study and studies done at the Center for Science in the Public Interest that draw clear parallels between ubiquitous food additives and cancer, childhood disorders like ADHD and autism, and serious food allergies?
In short, because they don’t have to.  The public pressure in the United States to change food policy is still so limited compared to other parts of the world that the FDA can afford to stay in the pocket of industrial agriculture and make claims that the levels of toxic chemicals in our food is “within acceptably safe limits” and that “more research is needed” to determine the dangers of these additives.  Really guys?
Public and governmental pressure in Europe has caused American companies to remove artificial colors and many toxic additives from the overseas versions of their products, but here under the watchful eye of the FDA, we are still feeding our children (and selves) toxic carcinogens.  Look at a comparison of the ingredients in the American and U.K. versions of Kraft Mac and Cheese:

  • U.S. Version of Kraft Mac & Cheese:  Enriched Macaroni Product (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate [Iron], Thiamin Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Riboflavin [Vitamin B2], Folic Acid), Cheese Sauce Mix (Whey, Modified Food Starch, Whey Protein Concentrate, Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Contains Less Than 2% of Parmesan Cheese [Part-Skim Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Dried Buttermilk, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Blue Cheese [Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Sodium Phosphate, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Cream, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Enzymes, Yellow 5, Yellow 6).
  • U.K. Version of Kraft Mac & Cheese:  Macaroni (Durum Wheat Semolina), Cheese (10%), Whey Powder (from milk), Lactose, Salt, Emulsifying Salts (E339, E341), Colours (Paprika Extract, Beta-Carotene)

Kind of appalling, isn’t it?  We need to follow in Europe’s footsteps and put enough pressure on the FDA and our food manufacturers to show that Americans are, in fact, just as smart and savvy as our friends across the pond, and that are lives and health are worth just as much.  As a start, you can sign this petition from Healthy Child Healthy World to get Kraft to implement the same changes here in the States..

[From my feed on One Minute News]

Gluten: Mortal Frenemy?

By: Saturday, May 21, 2011 Diet and Foods, Healthy Eating, Nutrition , , , , Permalink 0
Gluten Mortal Frenemy? 2 | The Organic Beauty BlogGluten has been getting a lot of attention of late, as celebrities and health practitioners promote the benefits of a gluten-free diet, while other medical professionals and nutritionists taut it as a necessary nutrient and poo-poo the recent rise of gluten-free eating trends. With all the confusion, questions about gluten are ones I receive most often from my clients and readers.  What exactly is gluten?  Is it bad for everyone?  What are the benefits of a gluten-free diet?  Do I need to eliminate gluten? Read on to demystify this food once and for all.
What is gluten, and why is it problematic?
Gluten is a protein composite present in many breads, grains, and cereals like wheat, barley, and rye, as well as many vegetarian meat-substitutes.  It has a gluey texture that holds together dough and can give a hearty texture to fake meats.  It is this same gluey substance that can gum up the sensitive microvilli that line our intestinal walls, causing a whole slew of uncomfortable symptoms ranging from bloating and gas to malnutrition, skin problems, chronic fatigue, depression and even autism (you can find a more exhaustive list below).  As estimated 1 in 133 people have a genetic predisposition to the more sever end of these problems (see Celiac’s Disease Foundation for more information), others have a legitimate allergic reaction to wheat, but for most people (an estimated 1 in 20 Americans), sensitivity to gluten is a bi-product of an already damaged gut.  Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and alcohol that are low in nutrient- and fiber-rich foods can increase mucus in the intestines, making it very difficult to comfortably digest gluten (as well as dairy and soy).  Prolonged use of antibiotics and exposure to environmental toxins can also cause this damage to occur.  The recent rise in awareness and diagnosis of gluten-related disorders is due in no small part to these factors now being so much more present in our daily lives.  Eliminating these co-factors from our diet and lifestyles (in addition to temporarily eliminating gluten and other irritant foods) can give the damaged gut a chance to heal, and thereby, help us to again enjoy glutenous foods (in moderation).  So, in short, gluten is usually not, in itself, unhealthy.

Do I suffer from a gluten sensitivity?

As I hinted at above, eating glutenous foods can have terrible effects on a body that has an already damaged gut, wheat allergy, or genetic predisposition toward Celiac’s disease.  The symptoms in all three of these cases tend to overlap quite a bit, so determining which you may be suffering from might require some professional guidance.  Symptoms of gluten sensitivity can include:

  • Abdominal cramping and bloating
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea and/or constipation
  • Anemia
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Joint pain
  • Eczema
  • Fatigue, low energy, and weakness
  • Asthma or other breathing problems
  • Infertility and irregular menstrual cycle
  • Depression and mood swings
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Autism
If you regularly experience any of the above, do a little experiment:  completely eliminate gluten from your diet for 2 weeks, and see if the condition improves.  If it does, well, there’s your answer.  If a lifetime of avoiding gluten doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, work with a holistic practitioner to naturally heal your intestinal villi and gradually incorporate gluten back into your diet.  If you are diagnosed with Celiac’s, I’m sorry, but the GF life is the life for you.  But there are so many delicious alternatives to gluten out there now, that with a little guidance, I promise, you won’t even miss it!
A lot of people just assume that experiencing these symptoms is normal, and ignore what their bodies are telling them.  In addition to being generally unpleasant, letting these symptoms go untreated can lead to much worse issues down the road… Left untreated for long periods of time, a gluten intolerance can lead to osteoporosis, neurological disorders, bowel cancer, and diabetes. So if you even suspect that gluten may be the culprit of any of the above symptoms, definitely try eliminating it for a period of time and see how you feel.  (And as always, feel free to contact me if you need more guidance.)

I don’t have any of these symptoms, but isn’t a gluten-free diet healthier?
There is no easy answer to this, but in short, no.  Gluten is not inherently unhealthy.  That being said, SO many people suffer from gluten sensitivities that they are not even aware of and a slew of related symptoms that avoiding it can be a great relief.  For those that have established that gluten is not an issue for them, there is no direct benefit Gluten Mortal Frenemy? | The Organic Beauty Blogfrom avoiding it.  I have found, however, that there are those for whom wheat can have a negative impact on weight.  If you find that wheat and wheat products make up a large portion of your diet, going gluten-free can have the nice little side effect of helping you cut down on processed grains, particularly those with white flour (which have a direct impact on weight gain).  Gluten-free grains like quinoa are super high in protein and other beneficial nutrients, making them definitely preferable to common wheat-based foods like pasta and white breads, and if going gluten-free helps to make the transition to healthier grains, then it could be a great choice!  For those looking to lose weight, going gluten-free can also help a lot with making healthier choices when eating out (ie: a vegetable dish over pasta with cheese) and traveling (ie: some dried fruit or nuts instead of pretzels).
Ok, I want to go GF.. But what do I eat?
Just walk down the aisle at your local Whole Foods or health food store and you’ll see what a huge market GF has become.  Everything from breads to pastas, cookies to flours (even chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream!) are now available gluten-free.  BUT, if you’ll notice, all of those foods I listed should definitely not be topping out the list of what we should be consuming regularly.  As with any healthy diet, the bulk of what we eat should be home-cooked, where we have control over the ingredients we use.  There are so many amazing websites and cookbooks full of delicious gluten-free recipes (Gluten Free Goddess is a personal favorite of mine) that it’s really just a matter of readjusting the ingredients you use regularly, and you can still enjoy all of your favorite meals!  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process of making the transition to a gluten-free diet, or need help determining if you might have a gluten sensitivity, I can help!  Check out NU Health & Wellness for more information.
Sources:
Beck, Melinda (2011).  Clues to Gluten Sensitivity, The Wall Street Journal

Spring Detox: Shed Winter Weight and Get Your Energy Back!

By: Monday, April 25, 2011 Diet and Foods, Healthy Eating, Holistic Health , , , , Permalink 0
Spring Detox | The Organic Beauty Blog

I’ve written a lot about the benefits of seasonal cleansing, but it being spring, I want to go into a little more depth about the importance of getting your system detoxified and cleaned out after a long winter.  Basically, if you’re only going to do one cleanse a year, this is the time to do it.  If you’re up to doing a more intensive cleanse, check out my article on how to detox and cleanse the right way. For those who aren’t quite ready to go all out, you can reap a lot of the benefits of a detox just by consciously incorporating cleansing, seasonal spring foods into our diets to reverse the effects of winter.

In the winter months, our bodies naturally crave more warming, protein-rich, heavier foods that insulate us (physically and even psychologically) against the cold, comfort us, and provide an additional boost to our immunity to keep us healthy.  Often times, those foods cause us to gain a bit of winter weight (which is totally normal, and can even be healthy!)…  However, come spring, our bodies have an innate need to shed that weight, detoxify the organs from the heavier winter diet, and get light and healthy for spring.  Spring’s harvest provides us with all of the foods to start making this happen:  astringent bitter greens and roots, antioxidant berries, and super nutrient-rich sprouts, which all serve as an antidote to the heavier vegetables, grains, and in some cases meat and diary that we’ve been consuming all winter.  The spring is a time of rejuvenation and cleansing in nature, and it has the same purpose for the human body: to detoxify the system and to reset our ability to burn fat.

In early spring, animals are naturally drawn to eating more bitter roots that serve to cleanse the intestines of built up mucus from our winter diets.  We, too, should focus on incorporating spring’s root vegetables into our diets for this same purpose.  As we transition out of the the colder months, we should eat more celeriac, beets, new potatoes, radishes, turnips, jicama, and fennel, which are all super cleansing and break down our intestinal mucosa.  You can supplement and intensify this effect with dandelion root tea, which also has a detoxifying effect, particularly on the liver.  Make sure to up your water intake during this period, and cut down (if not completely eliminate) heavy foods rich in mucous like dairy, oily or fried foods, processed sugars or artificial sweeteners, and anything overly salty.  In addition to gently cleaning out your intestines and detoxifying your organs, you will also be eliminating excess water weight from winter.

Once you’ve begun to clean out your intestines, the next step is to fertilize your gut with healthy bacteria.  Having the proper balance of intestinal flora is vital for proper digestion (and elimination), which is what keeps old, stagnating food from getting stuck in your system and causing bloating, weight gain, and a whole mess of other unpleasant digestive issues.  Luckily, mid-spring provides us with a bounty of delicious and astringent leafy greens and sprouts that refertilize your gut and also make up a perfect light, low-fat seasonal diet.  As you move into April/early May, try to comprise as much of your diet as possible of watercress, baby spinach, dandelion greens, chicory and endive, as well as bean and alfalfa sprouts which are all super high in nutrients and full of healthy flora.  These light, fresh and springy foods are the perfect antidote to slow, heavy and cold winter foods, and will do remarkable things to your body and your energy levels.

The last step to a super effective, spring detox is to flush out the lymphatic system.  Lymphatic stagnation is something that effects most of us year round, but can have the most profoundly negative effects as we come out of the winter months.  Chronic colds, weak immunity, sore joints, weight gain, headaches, depression, and low energy are all symptoms many experience during the winter months, and a lot of them are due to our impaired ability to flush out toxins and fat through our lymphatic system.  Late spring provides us with the perfect harvest of berries to get our lymphatic system moving again, and flush out all the toxins we have dislodged from our intestines and internal organs.  Once the weather begins to warm and the berry season starts, we can start eating tons of seasonal cherries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries to flush out our newly balanced intestines destagnate our lymphatic system.  As this flushing occurs, energy levels soar, immunity is boosted, and we can say goodbye to sniffles, sore joints, aches and pains.

The seasons provide us with ways to cleanse our system, maintain healthy weight, and be in our best health possible.. all it takes is some intuition to eat what is seasonally available at the time when it is offered by nature.  By taking the time to reset our digestion and metabolism in the spring months, we are able to recharge our ability to burn fat and detoxify our organs naturally, without having to take extreme measures or go on difficult deprivation diets.  Spring’s harvest features the year’s most potent toolkit of foods to get our bodies on track for maximum health.  It is the most vital time for cleansing and gives us the easiest set of directions to follow to lose weight, gain energy, and clean out our bodies.. Just by eating what the season gives us!

For a convenient chart of spring’s seasonal foods, see Dr. John Douillard’s Spring Grocery List. 

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Foods for Your Best Performance Yet

By: Sunday, March 27, 2011 Diet and Foods, Healthy Eating , , Permalink 0
Foods for Best Performance | The Organic Beauty Blog
When I was preparing one of my most difficult roles to date, the title role in Ariadne auf Naxos, I was having a lot of difficulty hitting the high notes in the main aria during our evening rehearsals.  At other times, at home and during lessons, it was no issue at all, but when our 6pm rehearsals came around, 9 times out of 10, I bombed it.  I was getting desperately frustrated when my conductor asked me what I ate before rehearsal.  I usually just grabbed a smoothie on my way, and ate dinner afterward.  He pointed out that this was likely the problem.  But I was so paranoid at that point about making the situation worse with the wrong foods, that I didn’t know where to start.
We all know what foods to avoid before going on stage.  Dairy, coffee, heavy, starchy foods can create mucus or dry you out, making it difficult to sing or project your voice clearly (not to mention hitting those high notes!), and making your body feel weighted down and sluggish. But what are some foods that enhance your ability to perform?
A balanced meal, no less than an hour before going on stage can be the difference between a struggling, lackluster performance, and an energized, impressive one.  Many performers tend to err on the side of extremes, eating too little the day of a performance, or loading up on carbohydrates and rich foods to feel “grounded” and “supported.”  Both of these tendencies are not only unhealthy, but they also keep you from performing at your best.  What kind of foods to eat largely depends on when you are performing.
If you’re performing in the morning, make sure to eat a balanced breakfast with a form of protein.  A couple of organic eggs with some sprouted whole grain toast and berries, or steel cut oatmeal with almonds and cranberries (made on water or almond milk, not dairy milk) are great choices.
If you’re performing mid-day or in the early evening, a slightly larger meal is best to keep your blood sugar level throughout the performance.  A large salad with a variety of brightly colored, organic vegetables, some beans or nuts, and a mild, non-dairy dressing works really well.  My personal favorite pre-performance food (and the one that got me through Ariadne) is sushi with brown rice.  The fish provides a great, lightweight protein, and the brown rice is ideal for slow-burning energy.  Just go easy on the wasabi, which can aggravate vocal chords.  If fish isn’t your thing, a small piece of free-range chicken with some brown rice or quinoa can do the trick as well.
Either way, make sure to drink lots of water or tea, and stay away from alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated beverages day of.  Eating the right foods gives you the energy to get through a performance at the top of your game, helps keep your voice clear and strong, and helps you look your best as well (which is especially important if there are any corsets or leotards involved!).

Exfoliating Homemade Sugar Scrubs

By: Friday, March 25, 2011 Healthy Beauty, Healthy Home, Holistic Health, Organic Beauty , , , , Permalink 0

Homemade Sugar Scrubs | The Organic Beauty Blog

Ever notice how near the end of winter your skin starts looking a little dull and listless?  Dry, winter skin causes a build up of dead cells on your skin that make the outer layer look a little less than fabulous.  Though there are a lot of good facial scrubs on the market, sometimes all those added ingredients aren’t all that necessary.. I’ve found that a really effective, super easy, and decidedly cheap option is a simply at-home sugar scrub.  I did one this morning to wake up my skin a little bit, and noticed an immediate improvement in the brightness, smoothness, and moisture of my skin, not to mention a marked shrinking of a pesky zit I woke up with.

I recommend using a raw, organic sugar of a medium coarse size (a little finer than Sugar in the Raw, but not nearly as fine as table sugar).  This size gives you a really good exfoliating effect without being too harsh on the skin.

Continue Reading…

Better Sleep for A Better You

By: Sunday, March 20, 2011 Holistic Health, Wellness , , , , Permalink 0
 “We have in our society this idea that you can just get by without sleep or manipulate when you sleep without any consequences,” said Lawrence Epstein, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “What we’re finding is that’s just not true.”
Better Sleep for a Better You | The Organic Beauty Blog
Somehow, in the last 20 or so years, the notion of working hard and playing hard, at the expense of our own health has become the supposed tagline of successful, motivated people.
We proudly declare how little sleep we got the night before, as if it’s a badge of how hardcore and dedicated we are.  Truth is, by robbing ourselves of sleep, we are in actuality robbing ourselves of health and longevity, which is quite a sacrifice to make in the name of dedication to our work.
Good quality sleep is a major foundation of health, equally important as nutrition.  You can eat all the organic fruits and vegetables in the world, exercise like clock work, and drink ounce upon ounce of water, but if you’re not getting enough sleep, all of that is for naught.  Weight gain, skin problems, inability to manage stress and emotions, high blood pressure, and increased risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and other life-threatening illnesses are just some of the negative effects that too little or poor quality sleep can have on your body.
All this in addition to the simple fact that insufficient sleep makes it impossible for you to perform at your best.. at work, on stage, in bed, or simply as a human being.   The old adage, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” takes on a creepy ring of truth when you consider that  neglecting your sleep will bring on that rather final state sooner than you think.

Continue Reading…

Nut Butter Death Match: Almond vs. Peanut

By: Friday, March 11, 2011 Diet and Foods, Healthy Eating, Nutrition , , , Permalink 0
Image via fitsugar.com

Peanut butter has long been a standby of moms and lazy 20-somethings nationwide… More recently, it has gained renown in the world of dieting as a healthy snack and protein-rich breakfast option.  But is peanut butter really the best choice?  Many signs point to no.

Eating peanuts or peanut butter in any quantity beyond a taste here and there carries the danger of introducing mycotoxins into the system, which, even in low doses can have immuno-compromising effects.  Peanuts often times are contaminated with aflatoxins, which are a result of molds that grow on peanuts as they are harvested from underground.    Although the USDA monitors levels of aflatoxins in peanuts and peanut products, the levels they consider reasonably safe are, as usual, a lot higher than what is advisable for smart people who want to limit their exposure to carcinogenic and otherwise harmful toxins.

I first became aware of this less than favorable characteristic of peanut butter when I received a list of dietary recommendations from my doctor to help me fight off some potentially pre-cancerous cells a little over a year ago.  (Incidentally, after adopting all of her suggestions, including eliminating peanuts from my diet, the cells cleared up without the need for any medical procedures).  Being a lover of nut butters myself, I was eager to find a replacement for peanut butter that had just as potent nutritional benefits.  When I started eating raw, organic almond butter, I was so thrilled to find that it not only tasted loads better than peanut butter, but also was arguably healthier! Almond butter has less saturated fat, more calcium and iron, and is substantially higher in vitamin E than peanut butter.  Combine that with the lack of harmful mycotoxicity, and the winner is clear!

ALMOND BUTTER TAKES THE CAKE!

My favorite brand is Once Again Raw Organic Almond Butter. I love the consistency of the crunchy almond butter.  And looking at the ingredients just makes me so happy… nothing but almonds!  There are other good ones out there, but just make sure to read the label.  There should be nothing in there but raw, organic almonds.

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