The Help Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg

MASSAGE SCALP DAILY (SOME SAY 3 TIMES A DAY) Try different recipes or just a regular scalp massage. Massage your scalp with a mixture of essential oils daily for at least 7 months. Add 8 drops each of Rosemary, Thyme, and Lavender essential oils to 8 ounces of shampoo. Pour a small amount of the mixture into your hands and rub it into your hair, gently massaging your scalp. Let the mixture sit for three minutes and rinse thoroughly. OR Frederic Fekkai More Nighttime Follicle Boosting Treatment from sephora.com or from amazon The niacin-derived compounds stimulate blood flow and activate cell receptors that influence hair growth. After applying these compounds for 6 months, 69 percent of women with hair loss saw significant increases in fullness. LIE UPSIDE DOWN! Lie on a slant board OR have your head hanging off the edge of the bed for 15 to 20 minutes per day. This will cause blood to flow to the scalp. YOGA Yoga helps a lot in slowing down and preventing hair loss. There are specific poses. If you're interested, let me know. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER Try to Avoid: • Hard brushing • Tight braids • Pulling hair too hard when blow-drying • Blow drying if and when you can • Commercial shampoos or rinses with artificial colors, preservatives, and dyes • Harsh chemical products and hair spray Try to: • An acupuncturist can help develop an herbal formula that is tailored specifically to you, in addition to using the traditional needles to help restore hair growth. Herbs have a greater synergy with acupuncture, so you may see a greater benefit if you use both. • Use a satin pillowcase helps because your hair is less likely to catch and pull on it as it would on a cotton pillowcase. A side benefit is that it helps save your hairstyle for another day, so you aren't pulling out more hair in the styling process. You can get them on amazon. • Use the most natural hair products you can find. • Look for ingredients such as biotin, silica. aloe vera gel, vitamins C and E, jojoba oils, chamomile, marigold, ginseng, or passionflower. Most health-food stores carry a variety of natural hair care products. • Hair is fragile when it is wet. Gently pat your hair dry and squeeze out remaining moisture with a towel. • Calm a hectic schedule. Stress signals the body to produce cortisol, which elevates levels of hair-loss-promoting hormones. CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS • Poor Diet and vitamin and mineral deficiencies • Stress • Thyroid problem – especially if you have dry skin, weight gain, and fatigue • Taking large doses of Vitamin A (100,000 IU or more daily) for a long period of time • Genetics/Heredity • Harsh chemicals and hair dyes • Poor Circulation (daily scalp massage, brushing, lying on a slant board, yoga) • Acute Illness • Surgery • Radiation Exposure • Skin Disease (biotin is essential here) • Sudden Weight Loss • High Fever • Iron Deficiency (Up to 90 percent of women who experience hair loss also suffer from low iron levels). • Diabetes • Drugs – such as those used in chemotherapy • Ringworm and other fungal infections • Pregnancy • High concentration of metals in the body • Autoimmune diseases • Scalp Infections • If one is experiencing "male pattern baldness" type hair loss, where the hairline begins to recede and is thin only on top and not all over, it can be caused by metabolic syndrome. Fat distributed around the waist can actually cause a rise in androgens (male hormones) causing this problem. It can also revert back to normal if you can get the fat off your waist. WHEN TO SEE A PHYSICIAN If you are losing large amounts of hair, see a physician. It is normal to lose 50 to 150 hairs a day. If your hair appears to be dramatically thinning, it might be a sign of an underlying condition. While culprits can be as serious as thyroid disease and lupus, hair loss is most often caused by poor diet and stress. GOOD BOOKS The Hair Loss Cure: A Self-Help Guide by David H. Kingsley How to Beat Hair Loss by Antonio Alvi Armani, MD

Lots and lots of tips here. Sorry to overwhelm everyone. When carrying out any of these methods, remember to be patient. Normal hair growth should resume within 6 months after starting any supplement or making any dietary or other change. ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENTS NATROL BIOSIL from amazon or VitaminShoppe.com – Natrol Biosil is well-absorbed by the body and proven to deliver key proteins like keratin and collagen directly to the hair roots to increase growth and thickness. Great for skin, hair, and nails OR HORSETAIL is a good source of silica (which aids in hair growth and makes the hair stronger). Silica is necessary for strong, shiny hair. OR YOU CAN TRY TAKING BOTH Silica makes hair strong and shiny, but the amount your body holds tend to decline with age. Good food sources include: beets, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. Or you can take 60 mg silica daily. B COMPLEX – 50 mg twice a day or 100 mg once a day with meals. B vitamins are essential for the health and growth of the hair. B vitamins run low during high-stress times and are essential for healthy hair growth. Try to get a good B Complex that includes: Biotin, Inositol, Choline, and PABA. BIOTIN plays a key role in forming keratin, a protein that comprises healthy hair. Taking a 2400 mcg supplement can thicken hair shafts and encourage new growth. [Not everyone needs to take that much unless if they're concerned about hair loss. Most B-complex supplements have sufficient biotin otherwise] Biotin plays a key role in forming keratin, a protein that comprises healthy hair It helps in preventive treatment for baldness There are no known cases of biotin toxicity, particularly since it is water-soluble It is interesting that biotin levels fall progressively throughout pregnancy (and that is when many women lose hair). Best Natural Sources: Beef Liver Brewer’s Yeast Unpolished Rice CARLSON’S LIQUID FISH OIL KELP – 500 mg daily – supplies needed minerals for proper hair growth ZINC – 15 mg daily – protects your hair Wheat germ, oysters, pumpkinseeds, chicken breast, eggs SUPPLEMENTS FOR MORE SEVERE HAIR LOSS PROBLEMS If your hair is dry and brittle, you may improve its texture by supplementing your diet with primrose oil or flaxseed oil. Buy it only in refrigerated opaque bottles. GLA SUPPLEMENTS – a type of omega-6 fatty acid that’s essential for healthy hair. Found in black currant oil or evening primrose oil. Don’t use GLA if you take an antiseizure Rx. Take it on a full stomach in 2 divided doses, equally spaced during the day. Take up to 500 mg EPO 2-3 times daily or 2000 mg total daily Expect to wait up to 8 weeks to see results. VITAMIN E – improves hair health and enhances hair growth. Take 400 IU of vitamin E a day. Take d-alpha, NOT dl-alpha NUTRITION Eat more PROTEIN – plain Greek-style yogurt, lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs Up to 90 percent of women who experience hair loss also suffer from low iron levels. Personally, I prefer to get my iron from foods than in supplements. Supplemental iron makes many constipated. Eat at least 3 daily servings of IRON-RICH FOODS like lean beef, green leafy veggies, legumes, dried fruit, and nuts. Try to always take iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods, such as tomatoes, to increase absorption by up to 4 times. Headaches and fatigue are also signs of anemia. Iron is a double-edged mineral for women. Menstruating women lose iron-rich blood every month, plus pregnancy, nursing, and strenuous physical exercise dramatically increase the need for this mineral. But later in life, excess iron, which accumulates in the body after menopause, may increase women’s risk for cancer and heart disease. If you’re over 50 or have experienced early or surgically induced menopause, see your doctor for a hematocrit, hemoglobin, and/or ferritin test to determine if you need iron. The ferritin test, which assesses stored iron, is most important here. If your levels approach anywhere from 150 to 200 ng/mL on the ferritin test, do avoid extra iron in supplements, iron-enriched grains, and cut down on red meat. You might want to consider an iron-free multivitamin Studies indicate that iron can help improve short-term memory loss and concentration. If you aren't using iron cookware regularly, you may wish to take 10 to 15 milligrams of elemental iron a day. Jarrow Formulas IronSorb Elemental Iron From Protein Succinylate -- 18 mg - 60 Vegetarian Capsules Iron oxidizes. If you take too much iron, it can lead to cancer. This is why there are few multivitamin formulas for postmenopausal women that contain iron. If you have had cancer, or if there is a high incidence of cancer in your family, you may want to take a formula without added iron unless a blood test determines that you are iron-deficient, in which case, natural sources may be far superior. Eat more of the following foods rich in B Vitamins and other needed minerals and vitamins essential for hair. Nuts Beef liver Brown rice Bulgur Lentils Oats Soybeans Sunflower seeds Walnuts Lecithin Unprocessed Whole Grains Wheat Germ Rice Bran Citrus Fruits Eggs Cabbage Salmon Leafy Greens including spinach Make sure that your diet contains ample essential fatty acids. Eat fish 2—3 times a week (not deep-fried). OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS – salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel – 2-3 times a week – Carlson’s Fish Oil is great. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of pure water daily The Standard American Diet is too rich in foods that actually starve the hair, such as fat, sugar, and refined foods. Eastern medicine says that eating too much meat can cause hair loss. This might very well be true. Cut down on sweets. Eastern medicine says that eating too much sugar can cause baldness on the sides of the forehead. Sugar is often a contributing factor in hair loss. After sugar is removed from some people’s diets, the hair-loss process is either halted or totally or partially reversed. JUICING is very beneficial, for overall health also. Juicing is one of the best things you can do for your health and beauty. Try to juice as often as you can. There are specific juice recipes for hair health.

Stay clear of processed foods. They’re loaded with salt, a big cause of kidney stones. Drink lots of water. Eating more magnesium and potassium-rich foods – avocados, green veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, strawberries, turmeric, and apricots. Cut back on alcohol, soda, and red meat. Take these herbs to keep your kidneys healthy and prevent kidney stones and other problems: Dandelion – take 500 mg twice a day or drink as a tea Stinging Nettle – Taken in tea (1 tbsp steeped in 1 cup hot water) or supplement Gravel Root – helps break down stones, making them easier to pass. Add 1 tbsp of dried herb to 3 cups hot water. Let steep, covered for 10 minutes. Drink ½ to 1 cup 3-5 times a day. Marshmallow Root Tea – To soothe urinary tract and make passing stones less painful. Steep 1 tbsp of dried herb in 1 quart cool water overnight. Drink 2-4 cups a day. Black Tea – reduces your chances of developing kidney stones.

I googled "Blueberry Crepes Gatlinburg copycat recipe" - don't know if this is any good, but it's certainly worth a try. :)

Absolutely brilliant post. You said it so well. :)

Peela, if you have time, can you please share any newsletters, sites, or books that you find useful? Thanks. :)

Peela, yes, I am a bit of a research-nut when it comes to health-related stuff :lol:. Hence, why I always love your posts. :grouphug: Yes, the common-sense advice would be to cut out caffeine, but I can't seem to cut it out completely. I wish there were natural alternatives that actually worked as well. I need a buzz at times. Come to think of it, I don't think I've had fibrocsystic breasts, just monthly discomfort and tenderness. And not every single month, although I do have it most months. Not wearing a bra all the time helps also. I agree that diet is a big factor. I have not had a mammogram yet and don't plan on having one anytime soon. I'm 42 and this year I hope to start having breast thermography. Have you heard about this? Of course, I do monthly self-exams also. Very interesting. Glad that you found relief. Wow, sorry you've had to go through all this. This is one of the reasons I don't like mammograms, although all those call-backs, false-positives, or whatever they call it, and radiation ... sorry, don't mean to scare you. But all of that is just not my cup of tea. I'm going to postpone mammograms for as long as possible. Mind you, I know that on most forums, when I say this, I get lots of negative reactions. :glare: Catherine, yes, exercise helps me also. Not completely, but quite a bit. I need to look into progesterone cream. I keep hearing about it, but know very little. I worry about excess facial hair (always a problem for Middle Eastern background me) and other side-effects. I don't really know how I feel about adding hormones myself and messing with my body. I guess I need to read up on this.

I have suffered from this intermittently for years. I know that it is related to my caffeine intake, which, I have a hard time, cutting out entirely. Not that my caffeine intake is particularly high, but in the months that I have more caffeine, I notice that bre@st lumpiness and tenderness is much worse. So, I thought to share what I'm trying. I am already noticing improvement. I would love to hear what has worked for you also, so please do share if you know of anything. ---- Fibrocystic breast is a condition that develops when fluid is not being evacuated fast enough from the breast causing cysts to form in them. These lumps move around the breast, grow and shrink, but they are benign. Normally the fluids in the breast are transported out by the lymphatic system. But if there is too much fluid some may get deposited in different areas of the breast, tissue grows around them creating these lumps. Again, these cysts are harmless, but they should be monitored, and a woman should check her breasts frequently (particularly one week after her period) in order to find and control the cysts. Discomfort, tenderness, and noticeable growth are normal especially around menstrual periods when estrogen levels change, it may be that the cysts disappear after the monthly period. However if the lump is hard, does not move freely and does not go away, check with a doctor immediately. Coenzyme Q10 helps remove toxins from the body and controls fibrocystic breasts Helps fight cancer - CoQ10 has been found to be low in people with cancer, but particularly breast cancer. Breast tumor tissues contain lower levels of CoQ10 than healthy breast tissue Two-thirds of volunteers who consumed 200 mg daily cut their migraine attacks in half. Consider taking CoQ10 if you are over 35 Natural food sources: almonds, broccoli, potatoes, eggs, rice, spinach, and wheat In many studies Evening Primrose Oil has shown to reduce size of lumps. Relieves peri-menopausal symptoms and PMS symptoms Helps with mood swings, cramping, tiredness during periods Don’t use EPO if you take an antiseizure Rx. Take it on a full stomach in 2 divided doses, equally spaced during the day. Take up to 500 mg EPO 2-3 times daily or 2000 mg total daily Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects breast tissue against fibrocystic breasts. Reduces mood swings, anxiety, and menstrual pain Take 400 IU of vitamin E a day. Take d-alpha, NOT dl-alpha Vitamin B6 manages fluids and hormone levels Works as a natural diuretic May help fight breast cancer Manages fluids and hormone levels, helping fight fibrocystic breast disease Women are more likely to become deficient in B6 as they age B6 requirements increase when high-protein diets are consumed. Limit, as much as is possible, coffee, regular tea, colas, chocolate and any other foods that contain caffeine. Caffeine definitely increases fibrocystic breasts. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce breast tenderness, bloating, cramps, and PMS. Take a good fish oil, such as Carlson’s, as well as eating foods high in Omega-3s: Walnuts Chia Seeds Flax seeds – 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily Fatty Fish like salmon, tuna, sardines Foods to Limit – that are high in Omega-6s (which cause inflammation) Red meat - especially if it is produced by industrial farming techniques and if it does not carry an “omega-3” label Dairy products Eggs not marked “omega-3” Sunflower oil Corn oil Safflower oil Soybean oil Turn to natural diuretics - parsley, cucumbers, and cabbage are healthy for you and will keep you naturally flushed. Increasing your intake of fiber can help control the hormonal fluctuations behind fibrocystic breast disease. Eat whole-wheat bread, brown rice, beans, and fruits. A deficiency of iodine may be a factor in the development of breast lumps. Because iodine is concentrated in breast tissue, it can protect against fibrocystic breast disease and even breast cancer. Iodine is critical for breast tissue function and has been shown to be lower in cancerous breast tissue. Research has found strong evidence that women who are deficient in iodine are more prone to breast cancer. Back in the ’70s, scientists noted geographic differences in the rates of breast cancer (as well as endometrial and ovarian cancer), depending upon dietary iodine intake. Where iodine intake was lower, the incidence of these cancers was higher. Diets low in iodine can lead to more circulating estrogen levels in the body. What most people don’t realize is that next to the thyroid, iodine is concentrated in breast tissue. Iodine helps to normalize the impact of estrogens on the breast. Iodine decreases or turns off the estrogen receptor sites in the breast. So when there is a lack of iodine, breasts overreact to estrogen, which then leads to pre-cancer and then full-blown breast cancer. Women with fibrocystic disease (benign breast lumps) are four times more likely to develop breast cancer, the Mayo Clinic finds. But double-blind research at Queen’s University in Ontario has shown that iodine treatment improves fibrocystic disease in 70 percent of the women tested. When bromide gets into breast tissues, it displaces iodine. Some women with fibrocystic breast disease find their cysts and tenderness disappear after iodine supplementation. What to Take: Increase your intake with mineral-rich sea vegetables (agar, hijiki, kombu, nori, and wakame) at least twice a week. You can eat as much seaweed as you want. Brown seaweeds are highest in iodine. They include all forms of kelp. Fucus, also known as Bladderwrack, is considered to be the best for underactive thyroids. Hijiki and Sargassum are two other forms of brown seaweeds. Red seaweeds include dulse, nori, Irish moss, and Gracillaria. Since toasting doesn’t affect seaweed’s iodine content, you can eat it dried or dried and toasted. Toast some in the oven or in a dry frying pan to see if you prefer that taste. You can also powdered seaweed to your food or add larger pieces of seaweed to soups, grains, or vegetables. Seaweed should be an enjoyable addition to your diet, not an unpleasant experience. If you simply don’t like its taste, you can get it in capsules. Use 5-10 grams of mixed brown and red seaweed for thyroid problems. This is about 1 ½ teaspoons per day. If you’ve been told that your thyroid is borderline-low, eating seaweed makes sense. But remember, you need to eat seaweed every day or take iodine in a different form. Not all seaweeds are safe to eat. Some come from polluted waters. Be more cautious and talk to a naturopath if you’re on thyroid meds and want to try seaweed. I have not yet tried this, but would like to look into it next time we travel to the U.S. Use iodine-rich Seaweed Gomasio to season your food. The RDA for iodine is 150 mcg. This amount was set based on the amount needed to prevent goiter. This amount will prevent goiter but it will not prevent breast cancer or its precurser fibrocystic breast disease or other serious diseases. Breast tissue and other reproductive organs require much more iodine than the thyroid gland. Many researchers now believe that you may need 100 to 400 times the RDI. Breast tissue needs many times more iodine than the thyroid gland. The average consumption of iodine from seaweed by the mainland Japanese is nearly 14 mg. They have some of the lowest incidence of iodine-deficiency diseases like goiter, hypothyroidism, and cancers of the reproductive system (breast, ovaries, and uterus). As our intake of iodine has declined, breast cancer has increased. Instead of using seaweed to boost your iodine levels, you might consider taking an iodine supplement. Iodoral is a very good one. I have just started taking it. You may need 1 to 4 tablets of Iodoral, a combination of 5 mg of iodine and 7.5 mg of potassium iodide. Additional research finds that vitamin C improves the transport of iodine in the body, so it may be best to take Iodoral with Vitamin C. Studies show that women who weigh about 110 pounds need at least 5 mg of iodine a day for normal breast function. If you’re heavier, you may need more. Start off slowly over a 4 week period. Take 1 pill for 30 days Then 2 pills for 30 days Then maybe 3 for 30 days Then 1 in morning and 1 in evening for 30 days Can then go back to taking 1 or 2 a day to maintain Your body will know....listen to it... One Iodoral tablet provides 12.5 milligrams of iodine/iodide which is about the amount the average Japanese consumed in 1964 in their everyday diet. Iodoral is the best way to get the recommended amount of iodine. When we take 50 mg of iodine/iodide a day, it acts as an adaptogen, regulating various body functions. Substances that interfere with iodine Chlorine – present in most city water supplies – unless you de-chlorinate your water, you are being exposed to thyroid-lowering gases whenever you bathe, shower, or have a drink of water. Fluorine Bromide or Bromine – found in some pesticides – try to eat organic whenever possible Bromide is even used in some asthma drugs Mountain Dew, Fresca, and orange Gatorade all contain bromide in the form of brominated vegetable oils. Drinking beverages with bromide causes low thyroid function in some people. These toxins are in our water, hot tubs, non-organic foods, and some soft drinks. If you don’t have enough iodine, chances are you have too much fluoride and bromide. Sufficient iodine pulls these toxins out of your body. Aspirin, blood thinner meds, and steroids can result in iodine deficiency thyroid problems. If you’re taking these, ask your doctor to check your thyroid function.

:grouphug: Rosie, btw, love your siggy quote. ;)

I generally prefer secular curriculum - particularly when it comes to science. Yet, I do believe in God and in all the major religions. We're Baha'is. Perhaps I shouldn't even be posting on this thread :001_huh:.

My dd (now 12) loves Kiki.

As always, loving what Peela says. :) I also feel that inflammation plays a major role. If anyone wants specifics, let me know. Inflammation plays a role in many, many health conditions - acne and psoriasis ... all the way up to cancer and heart disease. I recently read this in a book that I highly recommend, not just for those who are concerned about cancer, but anyone wanting to improve overall health - The Anti Cancer book He writes: The link between blood sugar levels and inflammation may seem far-fetched. How could a candy, a lump of sugar in a cup of coffee, or a slice of white bread with jam affect physiology? Yet this link is patently obvious when it comes to pimples on the skin. ... certain population groups whose way of life is very different from ours had no experience of acne (which is caused by an inflammation of the epidermis, among other mechanisms) ... yet acne is a rite of passage that affects 80-95% of Western adolescents. A team of dermatologists examined the skin of 1200 adolescents cut off from the rest of the world in New Guinea as well as in Paraguay. In these two groups they found no trace whatsoever of acne. They attributed their discovery to nutrition. The diets of these contemporary sheltered groups resembled those of our distant ancestors: no refined sugar or white flour, thus no peaks of insulin or IGF in the blood. In Australia, researchers convinced Western adolescents to try a diet restricting sugar and white flour for three months. In a few weeks, their insulin and IGF levels diminished. So did their acne.

I always like coolibar.

My favorite reads in the past few years, or maybe a bit more than the past few years ... The Kite Runner then wait about 6 months (or else it's Afghanistan overkill) before reading his even better book Thousand Splendid Suns - this one, by far, is amongst one of the best books I have ever read The Help The Five People You Meet in Heaven Tuesdays with Morrie - pretty much any Mitch Albom book – we even got the DVDs of three of his books and really liked them - light reading, but very deep The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende and anything else by her ... am crazy about Isabel Allende, although this one will always be my favorite Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg ... fabulous :) Anything by Maeve Binchy ... sweet and light, and oftentimes funny Funny in Farsi Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett The Secret Life of Bees The Book Thief A Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory Most John Grisham books – more so his older ones The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I saw her in a car when I was a child growing up in Wales. The car drove way too fast and many were upset. Later on, back in '85, she visited Grenada, and I saw her from very close up. The funniest part were a bunch of Rastas (rastafarian ... think of the movie, Cool Runnings) who were making funny comments, as in making a pass and saying how she looked nice, etc. I wish I could do an impersonation, but it's not very easy unless if we met IRL :)

Niacin (up to 500 mg) is wonderful for lowering both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Be careful at first, since niacin causes you get to hot and flushed. The flushing is actually good for you. Take it with food to reduce flushing and discomfort. Don’t use niacinamide, it’s not effective. Don't use flush-free types either. I would recommend that you take it when you know that you'll be home for an hour or so, and also, not right before bed. Omega-3 fatty acids lower cholesterol. Carlson’s Liquid Fish Oil is great. Get a very good fish oil. I get my supplements for the most part from amazon or vitacost - love their prices and reviews. NUTRITION Refined Sugar is often said to be the worst thing for people with high cholesterol. Natural sugars – from honey and fresh fruits are good. Pectin is found in many fruits and vegetables – such as citrus fruits (particularly grapefruit), tomatoes, potatoes, and spinach. Pectin is also found in beans. In one experiment, men who ate 1 ½ cups of cooked beans a day lowered their cholesterol by 20 per cent in just three weeks. Try to have at least one cup of cooked beans every day. All beans including kidney beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, and lentils are good. Carrots Try to eat two carrots a day. Some have lowered their cholesterol levels by 10 to 20 percent just by eating two carrots a day. Polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats Try to eat fish at least three times a week – particularly oily fish such as wild salmon. Extra Virgin Olive oil – and certain other foods like nuts, avocados, canola oil are very good. Eliminate all hydrogenated fat, which is found in margarine, shortening, and processed oils, as well as many baked goods and processed foods. The less saturated and solid fats (margarine, processed cheese, lard, and fats from all meats – beef and lamb) the better Wheat Germ is very good too. A few tablespoons a day, is what you need. Oat bran is said to reduce cholesterol. You should eat ½ cup of oat bran a day cooked as cereal or made into muffins. Although oat bran has more soluble fiber, oatmeal can also lower cholesterol. Almonds and Other Nuts Eating a handful of nuts 5 or more times a week can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Reach for almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and walnuts. These are packed with monounsaturated fatty acids that raise HDL while lowering LDL. Like a broom, these fats help HDL sweep the cholesterol buildup to the liver for excretion. Snack on these nuts or sprinkle them in salads and stir-fries. Sprinkle walnuts over a salad or toss with roasted root vegetables. Eat high-fiber foods, ideally at least 50 grams per day. Beans, whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruit all contain beneficial fiber. CHIA SEEDS Rich in essential fats (EFAs), chia seed offers a healthy balance—30% omega 3s and 40% omega 6s. It’s also a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, swelling in water and providing a feeling of fullness while helping to sweep toxins out of the intestinal tract for a safe detox. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons on salads, veggies or add to frappes or smoothies, soups, and stews and watch your energy soar and elimination increase. Studies show that soluble fiber lowers cholesterol. And since chia seed has been found to reduce belly fat and diabetes, it also helps protect your heart. improves calcium absorption) and vitamin D. EXERCISE Regular, Brisk Exercise such as one hour of walking at least three times a week will work wonders. More physical exercise helps raise your HDL cholesterol and lower your LDL cholesterol. OTHER TIPS Small, Frequent Meals Try to eat smaller and more frequent meals rather than a few big meals. Cholesterol soars when only one or two meals are eaten daily. It decreases when small, frequent meals are obtained. Relaxation can lower cholesterol (easier said than done!). Yoga is great!

You might not want to hear this, but no skin care product will help as much as really and truly limiting milk and sugar, particularly refined (white) sugar. Milk and sugar are the top two breakout culprits. Diet and nutrition are key. The more natural, the better. Think Mediterranean. If you want more specifics, let me know. I have read this time and time again. Skin care problems are so often related to inflammation. There are ways to deal with this. Again, let me know if you want specifics. I just don't want to overwhelm you, since you've received great advice so far.

Some other tips that may be of help. LONG-TERM RELIEF AND PREVENTION Magnesium – There’s a strong correlation between migraines and hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen hormones (right before, during, or immediately after your period) can block the body’s absorption of magnesium, leading to low blood levels of this mineral. Take 200 mg twice a day. Take with meals to ensure optimal absorption. Feverfew – this herb treats migraine pain by interrupting its main cause: inflammatory reactions in your head that aggravate nerve endings and cause the blood vessels to expand. When taken daily, feverfew can prevent migraines as well as reduce their severity, duration, and frequency. Be patient. The results can take up to 6 weeks. If you stop taking it, your migraines might return. 500-600 mg of standardized feverfew daily. Take 2 equal portions on an empty stomach in the morning and evening. Melatonin - taken at night helps some. Low melatonin in our bodies has been linked to migraines. Melatonin is a natural hormone that promotes sound sleep. It acts as an antioxidant. Early in life, the body produces an abundant supply, but as we age, production steadily declines. Melatonin is helpful for more difficult insomnia. risk with inconsistent sleep/wake schedules - late night studying or partying or shift work schedules. • Start with 1 mg just before bedtime. Take 2 hours or less before bedtime. If this is not effective, gradually increase dosage - some say no more than 6 mg, others can handle up to 15 mg. Your body will know. Melatonin dosages vary from individual to individual ~ and most do not need the highest dose. Ease into melatonin in increments. • Use melatonin only occasionally. Do not take melatonin every single night • Do not take melatonin during the day. • When you awaken after melatonin-assisted sleep, you should feel refreshed – not tired or groggy. If you do experience grogginess, reduce the dosage. • Do not give to children. GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) – is an omega-6 essential fatty acid, reducing the severity, duration, and frequency of migraines. GLA significantly lessens nausea and vomiting. 1300-1600 mg daily from borage oil or evening primrose oil. Don’t use GLA if you take an antiseizure Rx. Take it on a full stomach in 2 divided doses, equally spaced during the day. Vitamin D3- 2000-5000 IU daily Calcium and Vitamin D – A calcium deficiency can exacerbate migraine symptoms. Women often suffer from migraines more often than men because women are more prone to calcium deficiencies. Most experience low calcium levels during the premenstrual or ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. Calcium carbonate is the worst absorbed form of calcium there is. More calcium is absorbed from 500 mg of calcium citrate (an acidic form) than from 2,000 mg of calcium carbonate. Calcium needs to be balanced with magnesium. Take twice as much magnesium as calcium. Vitamin B2 – 400 mg daily may cut the frequency and duration of migraines. But you’ll need a Rx for that dosage. Co-Q10 – Two-thirds of volunteers who consumed 200 mg daily cut their migraine attacks in half. Butterbur – get ones with capsules free of Pas, compounds found in crude butterbur that are toxic to the liver. Eat cherries as often as possible. Consuming 20 a day (about 2000 mg of cherry fruit extract) has been proven to provide more pain relief than aspirin and other painkillers. :) REGULAR YOGA is a powerful headache cure. EXERCISE – Begin with a daily 10-minute walk, take up a gentle yoga class, or try the slow movement of Tai Chi. Water aerobics and swimming help also. Acupuncture helps with all sorts of pain. CHIROPRACTIC/MASSAGE – both help immensely with pain Be aware that you should wait for any inflammation to subside before starting either. KEEP A MIGRAINE DIARY for several months to help identify triggers. Track your diet, exercise, stress levels, and symptoms. Some common culprits include chocolate, food additives, hormonal fluctuations, weather, and stress. MORE IMMEDIATE CURES SHOWER AND WASH HAIR EPSOM SALTS Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom Salts. Since migraines are triggered by a mineral (especially magnesium) deficiency, this may help. PEPPERMINT OIL Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil with olive oil and rub the mixture onto your temples. OR A mix of peppermint and lavender oil. 2-3 drops of each rubbed into the temples, back of the neck and on your feet feels wonderful and really helps. TYLENOL, ETC. 1 aspirin, 1 Tylenol and 1 ibuprofen taken with some caffeine will work on the majority of my migraines if they haven't progressed too far..... OR Excedrin Migraine OR Benadryl 0R 2 Excedrin Migraine and a hot bath in a dark bathroom. Then quiet sleep. TOPICAL CAPSAICIN CREAM 0.025% or 0.075% cream 1-4 times daily COLD COMPRESS on head, face, or throat will lessen the pain SLEEP - Get enough sleep. Your body needs a full night of quality sleep to fight pain. Sniffing lavender oil before sleep can help you. GABA - that you mentioned is very good. GABA CALM – take sublingually before bedtime 100-500 mg daily Try to avoid eating or drinking anything for 20 minutes before and after taking this GABA loses its efficacy if taken every single day. Melatonin, also. I suggest alternating. FINAL WORD OF CAUTION If you regularly suffer from migraine pain (especially if you develop auras), be careful of heart attack or stroke. If you have fewer than one migraine a month, you’re 50% more likely to have a heart attack than nonsufferers. If migraines strike at least weekly, you have 3 times the risk of stroke, compared with those who don’t. • Aim to keep your cardiovascular system as healthy as possible. Control high cholesterol and obesity, via diet and exercise. • Quit smoking. • Limit alcohol intake.

This is helpful and I'm willing to try it out. I hate using antiperspirants, but often find that I have to, since nothing natural works on me. :confused: And I have tried lots and lots of natural methods - including coconut oil and baking soda. One thing I do want to point out - heavy sweating is one of the many symptoms of a congested lymphatic system. Once I began paying attention to this and doing the following, it really helped. Made a world of difference. Lymphasizing involves: * Dry Body brushing - I do this daily * Deep breathing * Rebounding/Bouncing * Massage Lymphasizing cleanses you out. The lymphatic system is the metabolic garbage can of the body. It rids you of toxins such as trapped protein, bacteria, viruses, dead and cancerous cells, nitrogenous wastes, fat, infectious viruses, heavy metals, and other assorted junk cast off by the cells. Lymphasizing stimulates the free-flowing lymphatic drainage system. The lymph carries the waste away to be disposed of through the urinary tract and other excretory mechanisms. Many people have badly congested lymphatics and don’t even know it. The lymphatic system is often the most over-looked system of the human body. In Europe stimulation of the lymph flow is the fourth most commonly prescribed medical treatment. Most U.S. healthcare practitioners seldom consider the lymphatic system’s critical role in preventing illness or its importance to the over all healing process. There are many symptoms of a congested lymphatic system, but I just wanted to point this out for those who sweat heavily. Once I began dry body brushing and rebounding, my sweating went way, way down. I just would like something more natural that actually works for longer than say 5 minutes.

We used JAG and tried and tried with it. Hated it. :thumbdown:

Peela, once again, thank you. That was my initial gut feeling about this and a few other multi-levels that I have come across. Yes, I came across this site while searching also. So, if I understand correctly, the $30 was a worthwhile investment, correct?

Sometimes mine have hurt, but then I know they're not doing it right. Nonetheless, I despise getting manicures especially. I get bored and want to read. And sometimes I'm just not in the mood for small talk. I hate getting my nails and toenails smudged and ruined before I get home. I need to get those yoga sandals/slippers with toe separators. All in all, I very rarely have a pedicure/manicure after getting a horrible infection years ago. I had to be on bedrest for over a month. These treatments scare me. And this is coming from me, who loves getting massages, facials, waxing, you name it ...

The water/vinegar tests ... You can test vitamins to see if they dissolve in a glass with water. If they've started to break down in 30 minutes, then the acids in your stomach will certainly dissolve them. http://www.supplementquality.com/news/multi_vitamins_minerals.html http://www.ehow.com/how_5641704_test-vitamins-home-dissolving-water.html Gosh, we take so many supplements ... I take the most. The dc take mainly probiotics, D3 (has really, really helped my dc to not get nearly as sick as they used to), and good-quality Fish Oil (Carlson's). My list of supplements is quite long. I don't take the same ones every single day, but I do take quite a lot. I have not had any adverse reactions. I figure that the way the food industry is these days, most of us need some form of supplements. One of my favorite magazines, if not, my very favorite is Natural Solutions. BTW, I really, really dislike Prevention. :glare: In Natural Solutions, they asked an M.D. what top 3 supplements are key. Her answer: Fish oil. I take up to 1,000 mg daily for healthy skin and to keep inflammation in my body in check, which helps prevent degenerative diseases and cancers. I recommend these brands: Enzymatic Therapy, Nordic Naturals, Carlson Labs, and Metagenics. Vitamin D3. I take 2,000 mg daily. Vitamin D is like the vitamin C of the ’90s. It helps everything—your bones, your emotional well-being, your mind; it even helps prevent cancer. Try Solgar or New Chapter. Mushroom extract. Look for a formula that combines the immune-boosting and anticancer properties of reishi mushrooms, the blood-sugar balancing and cancer-fighting properties of the maitake mushrooms, and the cholesterol-lowering abilities of the shiitakes—talk about a trifecta. I like Fungi Perfecti. The only one I haven't yet tried is the Mushroom Extract. Again, I take lots. I'll soon come up with a more organized list of what I take and why I take them if you're interested. Peela, I was so hoping that you would post and I'm glad that you did. :) When you say "multi-marketed"/network companies, sorry to sound dumb, but what exactly do you mean? Do you mean those that give commission to sellers and so on? I think that Nature's Sunshine is such a company. :001_huh: That raises a red flag for me. ETA: Nature's Sunshine is a multi-level company. I googled and do not like what I see. Thanks for letting me know. I wish I knew which brands are naturopathic in this part of the world. What's annoying is that they don't seem to be easily available. I think that Standard Process is a very good brand, but it's rather difficult to just order their products. You have to go through a naturopath. That's hard for us in this part of the world. These are all brands that we have used and liked very much. I have noticed a difference and an improvement from all of 3 brands that you mentioned. :)

Bump. Anyone???