What's on your label?

Have you ever read the ingredients on your bottle of face wash, moisturizer, toner, shampoo, liquid soap, deoderant, etc...? It is shocking that most of these ingredients are allowed to be used on peoples skin and that they have been "approved". Even some companies who claim to be "natural" or "organic" are still using these detrimental ingredients to some degree. 

Our skin is the largest organ of our bodies, so anything you put on your skin, immediately becomes absorbed into your bloodstream! 

Some people shy away from "REAL" natural products because they don't last very long on the shelf, but wouldn't you rather use a product that may go "off" after a few months, than getting cancer from using these synthetic, carcinogenic ingredients?............ It should really be a no-brainer. 

Natural body products should be very simple, but yet they are very effective....How did we get away from the basics? 

Here is a little list of a few well known products and their ingredient list....YIKES!

Most of these ingredients should be AVOIDED! (especially by your little ones!)

It is a good idea to do your research and find out what these ingredients are and the health risks that you are taking by using them. Use of these may and do contribute to Cancer, Infertility, Endocrine disruptors, Auto-Immune disfunction, Heavy Metal Toxicity, Allergies, Asthma, Headaches, Skin irritation, Rashes, Vomiting, & Hair loss.

Nivea Moisturizing Lotion

Parafinnum liquidum, PEG-150, methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben, simethicone, BHT, parfum, limonene, geraniol, linalool, hydroxycitronellal, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexane carboxaldehyde, citronell

Nivea Pure & Natural

Aqua, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Alcohol Denat., Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Methylpropanediol, Octyldodecanol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glyceryl Stearate, Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha- Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Parfum

Jason – Pure natural hand & body lotion

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (1), Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (1), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance (Parfum)
(1) Certified Organic Ingredient

Mary Kay - TimeWise® Age-Fighting Moisturizer 

Water, glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, cetearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, triethanolamine, hydrogenated lecithin, behenyl alcohol, propylene glycol, dimethicone, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2,ceteareth-20, linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, silica, carbomer, diazolidinyl urea, lauramine oxide, disodium EDTA, betaine, glyceryl polyacrylate, methylparaben, sodium PCA, C9-15 alkyl phosphate, tocopheryl acetate, sorbitol, propylparaben, serine, threonine, proline, arginine, glycine, alanine, lysine, glutamic acid, thermus themophillus ferment.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Lotion

Water, Propylene Glycol, Myristyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Polysorbate 61, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Synthetic Bees Wax, Carbomer, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Aloe Vera Extract, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate)

 ·         82 percent of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients with the potential to harm the brain and nervous system.

·         69 percent of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients that may disrupt the hormone system.

·         3.6 percent of children are exposed to ingredients with strong data linking them to cancer, including chemicals classified as known or probable human carcinogens.

·         80 percent of children's products marked as gentle and non-irritating contain ingredients linked to allergies and skin or eye irritation according to government and industry sources.

   

AVEDA HYDRATING LOTION 

Aqueous Extracts: Anthemis Nobilis (chamomile) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Coco-caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Maleate, Cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Panthenol, Dimenthicone, Simmondsia Chinesis (jojoba) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran Oil, Stearamidopropyl PG-dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Glyceryl Laurate, Fragrance (parfum), Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Eugenol, Hydroxycitronellal, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Diazolidinyl Urea

www.cathys-corner.ca

How to stay trim & Healthy

What is the best way to stay trim and healthy without dieting? Here are 11 key tips to help..... These principles should be applied for life!

1- Proper sleeping and eating schedule. Very important! You should be eating and sleeping roughly at the same times everyday for proper hormonal balance, bowel regularity, and health. (also, lack of sleep contributes to added fat ) Did you know night shift work is actually one of the most detrimental sources of ill health?

2- Learn how to deal with stress and if possible eliminate it! This is the biggest killer of health.....it messes up the hormonal system while adding extra pounds of flab, and also reduces life span. Sometimes we need to evaluate our lives, figure out what's important, and if possible eliminate some "cancerous" situations.....job, friends, acquaintances, spouse relationship, etc.

3- Eat only fruit in the morning roughly until noon. Our body's are in an elimination process approx. from 4am -Noon. When we eat too much heavy food in the morning, it interferes with this process. (In the winter, you may do a warm broth or blended soup). This morning routine can increase your energy and is a great way to keep regular bowel habits. (eliminating at least once a day is a must!)

4- Food combine. Eat proteins and starches seperate from each other. If you are having a meat, fish, or egg dish, eliminate the starch (potato, rice, pasta, bread, etc). If you want a starch, have that as the main part of your meal and eliminate the protein. Also have a raw dish with it (salad or cut up raw vegetables) and some steamed vegetables.

5- Always start with something raw before eating your meal....ex: have some bites of your salad or raw veggies first before consuming the cooked food. This supplies your body with needed raw enzymes for proper and easy digestion.

6- Do not eat after 8pm! Your body should not be digesting food when you are winding down for the evening and getting ready for sleep. When we sleep, the body's job is to repair & heal. The more time the body spends digesting, the less time for healing!

7- Never drink with meals. No exceptions. When you drink with meals, you are diluting your digestive juices which impairs digestion. Alcohol is the worst, but even water is a no-no. Wait at least an hour (or more) after you eat before consuming any liquid.

8- Stay hydrated during your day (away from meals)  .....drink herbal teas, fresh vegetable or fruit juices (not bottled), & pure water with fresh lemon. If it is hard for you to drink water, try putting a berry flavored herbal tea bag in a jug of water and keep it in the fridge. A nice, natural iced tea with no sugar! Also consuming raw fresh fruit & veggies helps stay hydrated due to its high water content.

9- Consuming healthy fat on a regular basis! Our body's are made from fat......do not think that real fat makes you fat! Steer clear of fat free products which are loaded with chemicals and sugars! (these actually make you fat & unhealthy)
We need all different sources of fats to stay healthy.....ex: raw nuts, raw seeds, avocado, organic butter, raw virgin coconut oil, MCT oil, flax oil, good quality cod liver oil, unrefined vegetable & nut oils, & organic egg yolks.

10- Reduce or eliminate white refined sugar intake, corn and glucose syrups, & aspartame! (all artificial sweeteners) Check your labels. These not only contribute to weight gain, but also to diseases & ailments of the body.

11- Go for a brisk walk everyday for at least 20-45min.(outside and/or treadmill) Do not stroll. You should be sweating when you are done.Take advantage of hilly areas. Also adding some strength training should be considered at least 3x a week.

Check out some of Cathy's other health tips!

Nervous about using herbs?

Herbs have a long history throughout the beginning of time as healers and are completely safe for us to use.....contrary to what you have been told. These are actually the first true medicine or "conventional" medicine of humanity. They have been used to prevent & treat disease, illness, discomforts, & injuries. They can be used internally as a tincture, tonic, syrup, tea, or in capsule form, and externally as a poultice & compress, or infused in oil for salves, ointments, oils, & creams.
It always boggles my mind how people can say that  "herbs may be dangerous" or they better check with their doctor before taking anything natural....huh?
But we don't think anything of it to run to the doctor or pharmacist to get the new drug of the moment or the name brand drug that has a loooonnng list of unnatural side effects and has been proven to harm and even kill people. Hmmmmm........?
Do you ever see or hear of people over dosing on herbs? How about becoming addicted to them? or getting another illness or major side effect from taking them? Count how many deaths per year from taking a natural herb that grows in nature or that you can grow in your garden......close to none!
There are hundreds of thousands of deaths each year alone just from taking pharmaceutical drugs! And our media, government, and medical system has the gall to tell us to stay away from those "evil" herbs.
It's absurd! People seem to forget that the pharmaceutical industry is a multi-billion dollar BUSINESS.....Yes that's what it is, a BIG business.

How far off we have come that we avoid natural foods, fruits & vegetables, and natures herbs & spices to stay healthy and disease free. It's a sad state.
People need to rearrange their thinking, use common sense, and stop believing the propaganda from these companies.
My daughter is 17 years old, and I think I can count on 1 finger how many times I have taken her to a medical doctor. ( it was actually to the hospital when she broke her leg)..... (oh, and when she was born - so 2 times)
If she gets sick, we let it run its course like the human body was designed to do. (so far, she has never even had an antibiotic!) We use some beneficial herbal tinctures, essential oils, colloidal silver water, home remedies which are right in our own cupboards & fridge, and some common sense.
Too many people are scared of their own bodies, and do not believe it is self healing if it is treated with respect. I know of people who preach health to people, but when push comes to shove, they get scared and head to the doctors office or drug store.
I'm not saying the doctor or medical system does not have a purpose. Of course they do, and I am grateful that they have the technology to help save a life if we are in an accident, to set a broken bone, to have a  blood transfusion, help with childbirth, to receive stitches, etc.... But people have become dependant on the system for their over all "health".

We've all heard the terms "conventional" and "alternative" medicine.....why is herbal medicine considered "alternative" when it is the first true medicine? Herbs are proven healers, but I guess you can't  patent nature and make billions.......something to think about.

I once heard a quote from a healthy man who was over a hundred years old. Someone asked him what his secret to a long healthy life was, and his response was....... "I stay away from the doctors & their drugs".
Sounds like some good advise. :)
www.cathys-corner.ca

Supplements or Food?

Did you ever wonder why so many people spend so much money on "health" supplements? I must confess, I have fallen into the supplement trap quite a few times myself, but always seem to come back to my senses. My common sense knowledge, and research, tells me that there is nothing that comes close to our Creators food that has been miraculously designed for us. Everything that is grown for us, has it's nutrient profile in exact ratios that are meant for our bodies to assimilate, thrive, and to stay healthy and disease free..... When we are sick, diseased, or have an annoying ailment,  it is from a lack of proper food nutrients from real, living food, not a pill or a supplement deficiency!

In my opinion, isolated vitamin supplements that are created in a lab can be very acidic to our bodies and are hard to properly digest and assimilate...not to mention the unacceptable fillers, colours, binders, and preservatives they include. Our bodies were not designed to consume isolated nutrients that are missing an astounding number of important co-nutrients (most we don't even know about) that work together for proper assimilation.......You can never duplicate nature.

Sometimes we may feel we need to include an isolated nutrient into our diet to help overcome a specific ailment or disease.....that's fine for an emergency or to take for a short time. But in fact, we should be trying to heal ourselves with proper living raw foods and a natural whole foods diet, not taking overpriced supplements thinking they are going to permanently fix the problem.
The problem is, our diets are based on way too much overly cooked foods, microwaved foods, processed starches and grains, factory farmed meat, farmed fish, animal by products and processed meats, eating scavenger animals like pork & shellfish, eating fake vegan "meats", commercial factory eggs, fried foods, white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, regular table salt, alcohol, coffees, soda pop and Slurpees, pasteurized dairy products, isolated soy products, artificial flavourings, artificial sweeteners, artificial colours, refined and bleached oils, hydrogenated oils, bottled fruit juices, candies, cookies, chips, crackers, muffins, foods in a can and box, meal replacement shakes, meal replacement bars, and of course synthetic pharmaceutical drugs.....No wonder our health is in a crisis and disease is rampant. What would you expect?

People will often use the, "in moderation or balance" reasoning, but they don't understand that if you eat a little bit of these foods everyday, that this is not "balance",  this is actually your diet! Why would I want to "balance" my healthy diet with junk?
Yes, none of us are perfect and we all want a treat once in a while, but we must strive for a clean, unadulterated diet MOST of the time to keep our bodies functioning like they were designed to do..... then we can afford to have something we shouldn't occasionally.
Remember, YOU are the one in charge of your health and body, NOBODY else....... not a supplement company, pharmaceutical company, your government, or your doctor.
We need to stop blaming "genetics" or "bad luck", and get back to the natural principles of eating........ we have been given the god given tools to be healthy, it just depends on what you choose to do with it.

Cathy Francilia: www.cathys-corner.ca

Why use Essential Oils?

Have you ever wondered what the big deal is with essential oils?
When I first started using them about 20 years ago, it was mainly just for the smell. I knew very little about them but just knew the smell of them gave me such a nice peaceful feeling. I started off with just the basics, like orange, peppermint, and of course lavender, but never really knew the full benefits of each one.
What most people don't realize is the physiological and psychological healing properties of  essential oils and that they have a multitude of uses. Each one being unique.
They contain highly concentrated extracts, hormones, vitamins, and antiseptics and can act as a non-dangerous medicine in the body with its antibiotic properties. They can be inhaled, ingested, or applied to the body through atomizing diffusers, misters, baths, saunas, massage, salt scrubs, compresses, facial steam baths, masks, and add to lotions, gels, cream, and oils. The essential oils are absorbed through the skin and membranes, penetrating deep into the tissues and circulatory system.
They can be ingested for digestion or infection by mixing with oil, alcohol, herbal tea, honey, or in capsule form. (there are different opinions on taking them internally, so do your own research before taking)
 - Remember, you only need a drop or two as they are very powerful concentrated oils!

I always have oils either burning in a diffuser (with water), in an atomizing diffuser, or using as a spray throughout my house. I use them everyday in so many things! When using essential oils in an atomizing diffuser, droplets of essential oils can last in the air for several hours leaving antiseptic and deodorizing properties! They actually boost your body's immune system, so you come down with less colds and flu....that's motivating :)
Blending certain essential oils together can be created for different issues or used singly for, emotional (uplifting or calming), sleeping difficulties, fighting infections, PMS symptoms, circulatory, respiratory, disinfectant, or just to use as a therapeutic "perfume".
Aromatherapy works great when used as a complimentary therapy with other types of holistic treatments as it strengthens the effectiveness of the treatment. (except homeopathic treatments, as the oils cancel out the effects of the homeopathic remedies)

BUT, beware of imitation and synthetic oils which do more harm than good, as they do not contain any healing or therapeutic properties...it is impossible to replicate the intricate chemical components of true essential oils! Synthetic scents can actually create very negative emotional reactions, lower your body's immunity, and cause allergies.

I suggest incorporating these miraculous essential oils into your lifestyle for the health of your body and mind!

Cathy Francilia
Certified Aromatherapist
www.cathys-corner.ca

How to achieve healthy Skin?

People are always looking for the next new "magic" potion to slather on their face, no matter what the cost or what the ingredients may be. What we get is just fancy packaging, expensive marketing, and maybe a famous face promoting it, and we usually fall for it! What we don't realize, is that it's just the same old concoction of a cancer causing chemical stew, with a few miniscule amounts of the next new "super" ingredient! No thanks......
Many people do not realize that it is our lifestyle first, that affects the look and feel of our skin. People usually want a special "secret" instead of changing the way we live.We live a self indulgent lifestyle that is making us sick and tired, and then we wonder why we feel and look the way we do.

If you want to obtain healthy and radiant looking skin, you may need to make a few changes.
Obviously smoking and consuming alcohol is the most detrimental thing we can do for our health....But someone or the next "scientific study" will try and convince you that having a glass or two everyday is beneficial for your health...There is nothing in alcohol that benefits your health in any way.

Regularly eating processed, packaged foods and white refined sugar is another way to destroy our health (and skin). What used to be a real food has been stripped of any nutritional value and actually depletes nutrients from our own body. (among other things).

We MUST eat plenty of RAW fruits (in season), and RAW vegetables (at least 50-75%). This is a must for a healthy body and skin! We need all the raw enzymes from these so our bodies do not have to use our own reserves. (Our body enzymes do not regenerate themselves, so once they are gone they are gone! This definately speeds up the aging process and future digestive disorders and disease) So make sure you eat something raw with EVERY cooked meal....Taking a supplemental enzyme is good for a last resort when you do not have access to anything real and raw (when travelling etc..)
Juicing is also an unbelievable way to boost our overall health!

Another very important one is SLEEP! We need good quality, undisturbed sleep every night. We can only achieve that by going to bed at least no later than 10:30pm. It is the hours we get before midnight that count. Our body works on different cycles that occur at different times throughout the evening...so if we miss one by staying up too late or having a crappy, restless sleep, you can't make up for it! So that means lights out by 10:30.
There are many things we can do to relax and unwind before bed, like reading, having a relaxing bath or sauna, or a partner massage.(NOT working at the computer at 10:00PM like I am doing right now!)

Low fat diets are another skin killer....we NEED fats in our diet (obviously from healthy food sources) .....Plus, most "low fat" items are loaded with MORE white sugar and chemicals! Go for the real thing, thats what the body recognizes as food!

Then there is water. Obviously being hydrated is key.....pure, clean water is the best way to stay hydrated (especially if we haven't consumed enough raw foods during the day) and it keeps the skin looking great! Herbal teas, raw coconut water, and fresh live juices are other ways to stay hydrated and healthy without hindering the natural workings of the body.
 If we are eating enough raw fruits and vegetables throughout the day, we will not have the need to drink as much water. There is nothing like getting your pure organic water from real living fruit and veggies!

And lastly, cleaning with a gentle natural cleanser with minimal or no chemicals, and using a clean, natural moisturizer every day. (preferably made from organic oils, with no waxes, fillers, or chemicals - which I just happen to make and sell :)

So, hopefully you will incorporate a few of these changes into your lifestyle for healthy looking skin. But more importantly, for your overall health and well being.

www.cathys-corner.ca

Why juicing?

I have been juicing for 17 years, and absolutely love the results! I do this first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, to flood my body and cells with life giving nutrients and organic water.
What an awsome way to start the day!
Fresh juices should always be treated as a food, so I never gulp these drinks, but sip them slowly, swishing a few times to mix with my own digestive enzymes before swallowing. I do not recommend juicing fruit as it's high sugar content releases into our system too quickly. (unless it is as a treat once in a while) The full fruit I would save for eating, as the fibres slow down the release of the sugars. BUT, if you can't get used to the vegetable juice and truly don't like it, then juicing fruit is better than not having any juice at all. Over time, slowly start to add different vegetables to the fruit juice until the bulk of it is vegetable. (carrot is always a favorite for newbies because it is very sweet and palatable.)
But, I definately recommend juicing all kinds of vegetables, especially with the addition of herbs and greens! Fresh vegetable juices can cure all sorts of ailments and diseases, from pimples to cancer!

Over the years I have heard many people say "I would rather eat the vegetables or take a supplement". Yes, eating fresh vegetables is obviously a great idea, but by also adding fresh juices to your diet, you can greatly improve your overall health by flooding your cells with easily assimilated nutrients. By incorporating fresh juices into your diet, you are supplying your body with abundant, powerful healing nutrients, enzymes, atoms, and mollecules that a lab cannot duplicate in a supplement! By only eating the vegetable, don't think you are getting more nutrients because you are eating the "full" vegetable.......The cells of the fibres MUST be split open to obtain the enzymes, atoms, mollecules, etc, and in order to do that they need to be properly pulverized! (teeth cannot properly do the job) Anyways, you would have to eat plate fulls of vegetables to get the same nutrients as a juice AND since most people eat way too fast and do not chew their food properly, that would be impossible!
The pulp (fibres) that are left over after juicing, basically have no nutritional value and can be thrown out. (The pesticides and sprays are found in the pulp, so it is best not to use it for food)

I suggest skipping the coffee in the morning and substitute it with a real, live vegetable juice....Try it, it may change your life.  :)
When someone asks me to give them ONE thing that they should do for their health, juicing is always my answer!

  **For optimal juice, A proper Triturator juicer should be used, not a Centrifugal**

www.cathys-corner.ca