Showing posts with label DIM. Show all posts

Women's Health: An Interview With Dr. Ben Johnson

 

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of awareness, we sat down with Dr. Ben to talk about tips to aid in prevention and awareness. According to cancer.org about 22,280 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer and about 14,240 women will die from ovarian cancer. These statistics have an important fear factor to be aware of, ovarian cancer is not easy to detect, and unfortunately proper testing with a successful diagnosis is rare. Before we hear from Dr. Ben, let's talk about some facts.

Risk:

The general population sits at a 0.2% risk of getting ovarian cancer before the age of 50 and 0.7% risk from the ages of 50 - 70 years. While ovarian cancer has a low risk analysis, prevention and proper care of your reproductive organs is vital for a happy, long life.

If you have received genetic testing and have been diagnosed with a positive BRCA 1 or 2 mutation, your risk is higher and your prevention action plan needs to take precedent.

Symptoms:

Ovarian cancer symptoms are difficult to detect as they often mimc daily bodily issues that we tend to overlook. If you are experiencing extreme bloating that remains consistent throughout your menstrual cycle and beyond and is accompanied by pelvic and abdominal pain, please consider making an appointment with your OB/GYN. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, as well as urgent urinary symptoms are also symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Let's now hear from Dr. Ben on prevention and how to holistically create hormonal balance to better your reproductive health.

What screenings should women start in their 20’s to protect themselves from reproductive issues?

Routine PAP smears are recommended.

 Why is hormonal balance so important for women to achieve? 

Women are exposed to roughly 300,000 toxins everyday that resemble estrogen. These toxins distort their natural estrogen levels and create side effects including menstrual irregularity, early menopause, fibrocystic disease, cancer, PCOS, and endometriosis. Osmosis DIM binds these estrogen toxins to help regulate and detox the body. Hormonal balance affects all aspects of health including immune and mental health. It is a major contributor to overall well-being, youthfulness, and longevity.
What can we do to help spread awareness to ovarian cancer, a rare and difficult to detect cancer? 

In order to help spread awareness, we can learn the potential causes of this condition that may include environmental toxins, viruses and/or emotional triggers. Cancer usually involves all three components so it is vital that we each take care of ourselves, AND help take care of others' wellness.

What questions should we ask our doctors at our annual screenings to ensure we are taking care of our reproductive health?

Be sure to track any symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Some of those symptoms are;  cystic acne, hair growth in areas where hair shouldn't be, or hair loss. We should look for early signs of hormonal imbalance and address these symptoms with our doctors for their records and explore treating them holistically.

Can you tell us about the importance of internal and spiritual wellness for a better, healthier body and mind? 

The majority of cancers likely have an emotional component like fear, anger, or sadness that may encourage its creation within the body. Learning forgiveness and accepting life each day as it unfolds can lessen the chance for cancer in the future. Faith in a higher presence has proven an effective tool for some seeking spontaneous remissions. Faith alone cannot create this reality, one must also heal the emotional pain and follow their intuition when it comes to the right holistic and medical remedies for them. Coupling both holistic and western medicine can have great benefits. My suggestions to boost the effects of DIM and help restore hormonal balance are, Hormone Health, Inner Harmony, and Environmental Protection Harmonized Waters.

This month be sure to show your body that you love it, schedule a check up if you're due, do a mental symptom check list, and get involved to help spread awareness to this rare, difficult-to-detect cancer. For more information, and to learn about ways you can help,  go here. 

To learn where to shop for your hormone health go here. 
Alternative Solutions, Awareness, Detox,
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To DIM or not to DIM?


We're so excited to bring you this special post written by Director of Education, Jamie Palmer, to answer the question of: To DIM or not to DIM?
About two years ago I switched from oral birth control to an IUD and my skin wasn't happy. Huge cysts were popping up on my chest and back with occasional ones on my jaw line. Typical hormonal acne! Restore and Harmonized Water helped, but didn't clear it entirely. Enter DIM. Diindolymethane is an extract from cruciferous vegetables. Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage are examples in this group of vegetables. The beauty of this ingredient is that it binds with estrogenic toxins and helps us to metabolize estrogen in our bodies. Most estrogenic toxins get stored in fat as they are not water soluble. DIM binds with these toxins and eliminates them through our urine. 

With exposure to a multitude of things like chlorine, plastics, and pesticides that form estrogenic toxins in our bodies, we need a little more help removing them. Both men and women are exposed to these chemicals and though we think of estrogen as only effecting women, men also have estrogen in their bodies. Men use aromatase to convert testosterone to estradiol (a form of estrogen). When there is too much estradiol and not enough testosterone, more aromatase activity can result. DIM will help metabolize some of this estrogen to help balance these levels. It will also help to reduce gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue) in men. DIM can be used by both men and women to help with environmental exposure, hormonal acne, mood stability, hair loss, and oily skin. Women can also take DIM for PMS, fibrocystic breast disease, and ovarian cysts. Some research on DIM has also shown DNA repair and anti-cancer benefits. 

Common Questions about DIM: 

Is DIM effective for hormonal acne when the client is currently taking birth control, IUD, etc.? 

Yes, DIM helps to metabolize estrogen into healthier forms (like 2-hydroxy estrogen) promoting normal levels of progesterone. This will help reduce symptoms related to PMS, like acne. 

How do you know when to recommend DIM and when to recommend Skin Perfection? Are they interchangeable? Can you take both at the same time? 

Skin Perfection Harmonized Water reduces purging of toxins while DIM binds toxins before they reach the skin so they are both beneficial to take for hormonal acne and can be taken together. 

 Is DIM effective for males with acne? 

If a man is experiencing hormonal acne, blemishes along the jaw line or on the body, then yes, DIM will definitely help to regulate the hormones causing acne.

 Does DIM interfere with Birth Control and if so, how? 

 Hormonal birth control has either estrogen, progestin, or both. These hormones are used to affect the cycle of the body preventing pregnancy. DIM does not effect this cycle, but instead helps the body to manage the estrogen so it doesn't interfere with the efficacy of hormonal birth control. DIM binds estrogenic toxins and metabolizes estrogen into a healthier form for the body.

How long should you take DIM? Can you take it, then stop taking it, and restart it?

Take DIM as long as you need to keep symptoms at bay. Once that is achieved, you can discontinue. However, if symptoms return, you should continue using the supplement. It is safe to stop and start again with no adjustments to dosage.

Learn where to shop here. 
DIM, Estrogen, Estrogenic Toxins,
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Wellness Wednesday: Detoxing for Spring


Did you know that once spring cleaning season rolls around, you should not only clean house, BUT clean your body too? Internal and external detoxing is so important for your body to function properly. Using spring as the catalyst for doing a body detox really is perfect timing. Use this time to clear your system of toxins and "icks" to get ready for summer! There are many things you can do to "cleanse," and sometimes it can get overwhelming to choose the right path for your wellness journey. More important, some of the options out there tend to be a wolf in sheep's clothing situation. Juice cleanses, veggies only, or even scarier, no solid foods (tell me it ain't so)!

When you choose to cleanse, jumping right into a no solid food option can put your body into quite a bit of shock and your pancreas can become very confused. No one likes a confused pancreas. Cleansing should be gentle on your body and be based on whole foods. Weight loss should not be your main goal. Your main goal should be removing toxins (we are introduced to over 1 million toxins PER DAY), like heavy metals, from your body and giving your body the treatment it deserves to obtain optimum health. Weight loss should be an after thought when cleansing. So, what should you do? We have devised the perfect internal spring cleaning plan for you and your beautiful body.

What you will need for a spring detox: (we suggest a 30 day detox)

Harmonized Water (we suggest Environmental Protection and Inner Harmony) 
Commitment 
Natural deodorant (without aluminum and parabens) 
Notebook to journal how you feel
Organic veggies
Organic fruits (load up on lemons)
Lean, organic meats and wild caught fish
Brown Rice
Gluten Free Oatmeal 

Detox your fridge and pantry. Remove any allergen prompting foods and preservative based foods... if the shelf life is longer than your own, toss it! Nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, refined sugar and... *gasp* gluten, these foods can cause your body to react in ways you may not even be aware of. Gluten can cause dry, rash prone skin. Dairy can break you out and bloat the living daylights out of you. Soy can really disrupt your hormonal health. Nuts, of course, can be an allergen for some, but if you don't have a problem with them, then don't worry about trashing them. Eggs are in the same basket as nuts. If you have never experienced an issue when eating them don't worry about trashing them. If you are not sure, then use this as an opportunity to find out! Keep in mind, that while you detox you may experience breakouts, body odor, and an increase in fatigue (for the first week). This is your skin's way of contributing to the removal of toxins. Don't give up, it always gets worse before it gets better! 

AM Routine: 

Upon waking, give your body a good full stretch. Elevate your legs in the air to get blood flowing. With your fingers, in very soft gentle motions, start to lightly sweep your skin from your feet up towards your midsection. Get out of bed and continue to lightly sweep your skin from your midsection, up to your armpits. Raise your right arm in the air, and continue to sweep down from your hand towards your armpit. Repeat with your left arm. You just gave yourself a nice little lymphatic treatment! Doing this in the AM is a great way to trigger your lymphatic system into gear. 

Once you have completed that, do a couple yoga stretches. We love doing Child's Pose in the AM, it helps trigger your bowels. 

Drink a glass of room temperature water with a whole lemon squeezed into it. Lemon water in the morning is a great way to start the day off in an alkaline position. End cap your lemon water with Restore, place one pump under your tongue and leave for 15-20 minutes, discard once your time is up! 

Get ready for your day! 

Eat a big breakfast. Coffee (no dairy), Oatmeal (throw in some clean, plant based protein powder) with fruit or eggs with fruit. Keep some healthy fat within your breakfast. Coconut oil in your oatmeal or Avocado with your eggs. If you want to go all in, have a small spinach salad with it (or juice your spinach and fruit)!

Take your Elevate and DIM Supplement followed by another glass of water with 5 pumps of your Harmonized Water. 

Afternoon Routine: 

If you work at an office, make sure to take 20 (part of your lunch break) minutes to walk around. This does not need to be vigorous, just a light walk to keep your blood flowing. 

Eat a big lunch!  A big salad with protein or boiled salmon with veggies and brown rice. 

Follow your meal with Complete.

PM Routine: 

After work, get on home and go for a walk or do some light yoga. Clear your mind from the day by grabbing that journal and free form write. Write how you felt about your meals, your energy level and how much water you drank. Keep your journal free of negative comments about you, your body, and co-workers. Just focus on the good things you are providing to your body and spirit. 

Have dinner before 7 PM. Dinner should be a light salad. Mix in some brown rice and light protein. Stay away from pre-made dressings. Just grab some olive oil, lemon, and a little salt and pepper, and call it a day! Keeping your dinners as the lightest meal of the day lets your body digest and come down from the day without having to work on eliminating heavy foods. 

Follow your meal with Complete and Elevate. 

Trigger your body to get ready for bed. Keep overhead lights off and limit TV watching or use of electronic devices. Try and be in bed no later than 10:30 PM. Finish your night with another serving of your Harmonized Water and pump of Restore 

(Be sure to wash your face with Deep Clean and treat with one of our Vitamin A Serums or DNA Repair Serums). 

BOOM! How easy was that day of detoxing? No frills, no gimmicks, just good clean treatment. For these 30 days, try and avoid alcohol intake and of course, if you are a smoker... just quit already, you can do it! 

Once your 30 days is up, start to re-introduce the allergen foods slowly and one at a time. Start with gluten. Keep your journal close and pay attention to if you feel any abnormal reactions once you eat it (try a piece of toast). If you bloat, get itchy or feel anything out of the ordinary, you may have a sensitivity to gluten. The following day, do the same thing with dairy and so on and so forth. If you have any reactions to the allergy foods, consider removing them from your diet for good. If you don't have a reaction, just keep them in moderation. 

Now read your 30 day journal. Reflect on all the good you provided your body AND the 30 days of having a negative free zone to go to! Keep your journal close as you continue your wellness journey as a reminder of what you are worth and what you are capable of! Past your 30 days, continue with your supplements as part of your daily routine. 

Happy Detoxing out there!!

Find out where to shop here.
Cleaning, Cleanse, Detox,
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Newness: DIM and Complete


Roll out the red carpet, sound the trumpets, make way for the marching band and fire throwers, and watch out for the balloons! That is the welcome our two new supplement all-stars deserve. We are pleased to introduce DIM and Complete, the perfect additions to our Wellness Supplements. We are so excited about these two, so let's jump right into why you need them in your life!



DIM - DIM otherwise known as Diindolylmethane, which is found in cruciferous veggies (like Broccoli) is kind of like the superman of organic compounds. Let's look at the highlights:

     * Promotes Detoxification of Estrogenic toxins (that come from soy, pesticides, food                              preservatives and chlorine) 
       * Balances estrogen levels 
       * Promotes fat loss and weight maintenance
       *Promotes clearer skin and eases hormonal and diet/stress acne
       *Some studies show that DIM aids in improving immunity to help reduce risk of cancer
       *Nourishes bone health

Needless to say, DIM is a beneficial supplement for both men and women (we do, after all, both produce estrogen).

Complete - The digestive enzyme butt kicker! Complete is, just that... a complete digestive enzyme that mimics the enzymes our pancreas creates. As we age our pancreas slows down making it more difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from our food. So let's look at the Complete highlights:

       *Increases nutritional absorption
       *Improves mood
       *Effectively breaks down food for smooth digestion 
       *Aids in weight loss (when combined with clean eating and exercise)
       *Eases stress on the pancreas 
       *Aids in Acid Reflux relief 
       *Aids in IBS and Bloating relief 
       *Relieves constipation over time

It's safe to say that these two supplements are must haves in your daily wellness plan. Complete should be taken 1-3 times a day with each meal and DIM can be taken 1-2 times a day. You may be asking who should take these supplements? Complete should be taken by everyone, digestive enzymes are an important part of our body's daily functions. DIM is ideal for those with hormonal imbalances, women with PCOS or reproductive organ health concerns, those suffering from hormonal and diet/stress acne, and people who have a high intake of junk food... mmmmmm.... donuts. 

We can't wait to hear about your experience with these new supplements, we know you will LOVE them! 

Find out where to shop here.
Acid Reflux, Acne, Aging,
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Wellness Wednesday: Your Skin on Broccoli


Ask any kid what their least favorite food is, and they are bound to state proudly... Broccoli! Well, we're not kids any more and we have a responsibility to keep up our health, aka Adulting. Broccoli can no longer be food enemy number one. It's just to darn healthy for us! Your skin takes on wonderful benefits when you eat broccoli as a part of your normal daily diet. Our wellness journey relies heavily on our diets, and Cruciferous Veggies can have a huge impact on our health. Let's break down the Broccoli barrier and start eating!


Now you know why Broccoli should be your go to veggie on your wellness journey. Blanch it, steam it, bake it, roast it, boil it. No matter how you prepare it, make sure you eat it weekly. And if you are feeling creative, make your own treatment with Broccoli extract. Just add a drop into our Hydratlift Firming Mask for added benefits!

Now get to adulting, and get your Broccoli on! Your skin will be SO thankful!
Broccoli, Collagen, DIM,
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