Greetings all-
I am republishing a blog I did in 2007 about hydrating and taking care of ourselves, especially during the intense fire that is raging in our community. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who directly affected by this fire. Whether you are experiencing upper respitory issues, like me, or you are facing the fact that your house is most likely burned to the ground -- it is important for you to take care of your body, especially during this stressful time...
And please note that we are all being asked to conserve water at this time during the fire. So I don't suggest taking 3 baths a day, but there are many other ways (listed below) to hydrate your cells. Read on...
With love~
lisa
Post from Oct. 26, 2007:
With the fire raging in Santa Barbara, we have been experiencing a lot of ash...everywhere...on the sidewalks, streets, in our gardens, on our windowsills; and this is the visible ash. The non-visible ash floats in the air as we breath, and it takes much of the moisture out of everything. Our garden has never been so thirsty. My throat, lips and hair feel dry and I am reminded of the importance of WATER. Drinking, bathing, eating (in foods) replenishing, nourishing, healing WATER!! I did some research today on hydrating your body and this is what I found:
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From www.care2.com
SIMPLE SOLUTION: Radiator heat, blow-dryers, deodorant soap and dehumidifiers can all rob you of the moisture you desperately need. That can leave your hair brittle and strawlike and your skin flaky and dry, especially in the winter.
The natural remedies here, used with your doctor's approval, may help relieve dry hair and skin, according to some health professionals.
See your medical doctor when you have redness, oozing, crusting or other signs of irritation.
AROMATHERAPY
To help chronically dry skin retain more of its natural moisture, Fair Oaks, California, aromatherapist Victoria Edwards recommends this fragrant face and body oil: Add ten drops each of the essential oils lavender, Roman chamomile, neroli, rosemary and carrot seed to two ounces of a carrier oil such as almond, olive or sesame. (Carrier oils are available in most health food stores.) Apply the oil once a day after your bath or shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, says Edwards.
To make dry hair silky and manageable, add six drops each of lavender, bay and sandalwood essential oils to six ounces of warm sesame or soy oil, suggest Greenwich, Connecticut, aromatherapist Judith Jackson. To apply the oil, says Jackson, part your hair into one-inch sections and apply the mixture to the scalp with a wad of cotton. Wrap your head in a towel and let the oils penetrate for about 15 minutes, then shampoo twice, she says.
FOOD THERAPY
"Eat fish at least twice a week," suggests author Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. The oil in salmon, herring and other cold water fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help replenish lost moisture in dry skin and hair, according to Dr. Mindell.
Up to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day can also help replenish hair and skin oils, says Julian Whitaker, M.D. It has a nutty-buttery taste, so you can use it as a topping on popcorn, potatoes or other foods you might otherwise flavor with butter, he says. Flaxseed oil is available in most health food stores.
REFLEXOLOGY
To deal with dry skin, pay special attention to the thyroid and adrenal gland reflexes on your hands and feet, says reflexologist and author Dwight Byers. To help you locate these points, consult hand and foot reflex charts.
From www.murad.com
Key Nutrients to take
I have always said, "before there were medicines, there were foods". Eating the appropriate amount of cell hydrating and connective tissue building foods is the ultimate way to feed the skin, however taking a dietary supplement on a daily basis is a guarantee you will maintain the correct levels of nutrients in the body at all times. Below is an example of key nutrients that optimize the water content in the cells while also building and strengthening connective tissue:
• Glucosamine to increase the water content and help
strengthen the dermis
• Amino Acids to encourage the healthy formation of collagen
and elastin tissue
• Phosphatidylcholine and Lecithin to maintain cell walls
• Antioxidants including Pomegranate Extract, Goji Berry Extract,
Vitamins C and E, Grapeseed Extract, CoEnzyme Q10 to
protect against free radical damage to cell walls and
connective tissue
• Essential Fatty Acids such as Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil to lock
moisture in the cells
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Zinc, Aloe Vera and
Curcumin to soothe skin irritation
When taken in the right combination, you can increase the water content of your cells, and reduce wrinkles by 34% and increase skin elasticity by 18% in only five weeks!
Daily Diet
In addition to the dietary supplements, you can maximize your healthy skin benefits with foods. Below are tips on encouraging The Water Principle through diet:
• Make the time for a healthy breakfast every day, even if it’s
just some fresh fruit to boost your antioxidant levels.
• Water is essential – and can come from several sources
including food. Decaffeinated herbal teas, vegetable broth,
fruit juices, and fresh fruit and vegetables count towards your
daily water intake. In fact, I believe that the best sources of
water are fruits and vegetables. A good barometer of whether
your body needs more hydration is if your lips are dry.
• Eat one to two eggs per week. They are an excellent natural
source of protein, Folic Acid, vitamin A, lecithin, and B-12. Be
sure to eat the yolk as well as the white of the egg because
the yolk contains the lecithin.
• Fruits and vegetables lose water and nutrients the more they
are cooked. Stick with foods as close to their natural state as
possible –avoid over cooking, boiling, or heating whenever
you can to preserve the pure nutrients in whole food.
I just received my July issue of Body + Soul Magazine and am inspired to share with you all, 17 ways to help you feel your best. I resonate completely with these suggestions, and feel that this is a perfect time to start FEELING OUR BEST!! When has there ever been a better time than NOW?
