Foods to Naturally Heal Skin

We often fall too quickly to get a new cleanser for acne, or a hydrating foundation to help cover up wintertime eczema. But what we usually don't pay closer attention to is the fact that what we experience on the outside is a true representation of whats going on, on the inside. 

When I start to experience any kind of abnormal skin condition, I automatically turn to food. Our original source of medicine. Here are some of my favourite skin foods that have done wonders for my body: 

Spirulina: 

Honestly, if I could choose one food that has helped my skin recover, it has to be spirulina. Its an incredible source of of chlorphyll, B vitamins, protein, magnesium, potassium and small amounts of almost every nutrient out there. Because of its blue-green algae, this superfood has been used to heal so many skin disorders more effectively than many prescription medication for skin. 

For anyone suffering with skin disorders, I strongly recommend that you try this superfood out. 

Start with 1/2 tsp of spirulina is a small glass of water. You can safely increase your dosage up to 2 tbsp a day. If you find that you cannot handle the taste, try adding it to a smoothie. 

Keep in mind that it is crucial to buy the real spirulina. There are tons of companies that sell poor quality spirulina, which has actually been show to cause serious digestive disturbances! Please be cautious of this. 

My favourite brands are: Giddy Yo, Organika. 

Pumpkin Seeds: 

A great source of zinc, which is an important mineral for healthy skin. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of healthy fats, so they really help to hydrate skin. 

Try adding in at least 2 tbsp of pumpkin seeds into your daily diet. I love adding them to salads, smoothies or nut mixes.

Apple Cider Vinegar: 

Although the smell of this superfood makes me nauseous, I cannot live without it! Apple cider vinegar is incredible for almost everything, including skin health. Its nutritious profile helps to directly kill bad bacteria and increase the pH in the body. With a more balanced pH, the healthier the body internally and externally.

I have also used this directly on my face to kill bacteria. Try adding 1/2 tsp of acv to 1-3 tbsp of water and applying it directly to one spot on your face. Some people can notice a reaction, so I highly recommend trying it on only one section of your face first. 

Turmeric: 

This popular Indian spice has been used for centuries for a really good reason. Turmeric is an extremely powerful antioxidant that aids in lowering inflammation and boosting the immune system. 

I recommend adding 1/2 tsp - 1 tbsp of turmeric into your cooking, to a shot of water or by a capsule each day. Turmeric is also best absorbed when it is taken with black pepper. Keep in mind that this antioxidant is a blood thinner, so it should not be used if you are taking any medication that may cause this.

Sauerkraut: 

Known for its naturally occurring probiotics, sauerkraut is also a staple for healthy skin. Probiotics help to increase the good flora in our system to fight against the bad. Almost always, those who suffer with skin disorders have a poor digestive system, and even leaky gut, so probiotics are extremely necessary. Sauerkraut is also a great source of B vitamins, so it is easily digested. 

I recommend having at least 1 tbsp of sauerkraut each day. In one tbsp we can get up to one million probiotics! 

These are some of the most potent skin foods we can use in our daily diets today. I have found these to do wonders for my digestive system, and skin. Keep in mind that everyone is different so it is difficult to say when these results will appear. Consistency is so important when we are consuming foods for our health! 

I hope these foods help you as much as they have helped me! 

- Jass

Why Natural Deodorant?

There is a huge difference when it comes to antiperspirants in comparison to deodorants. Although the switch is very personal, there are many reasons as to why one would want to transition to a natural deodorant.

Antiperspirants block your body’s ability to perspire, trapping all of the sweat that your body produces from being exposed out of the body. This comes with many health concerns, as this antiperspirant isn’t allowing your body to respond naturally. When sweat is being blocked in the body, bacteria, along with the toxic chemicals in that antiperspirant are being blocked, causing issues to the endocrine system, and lymph system as your body cannot detox properly. Antiperspirants have been linked to DNA mutations, which lead to the growth of cancer cells.

As many have heard, aluminum is the most popular ingredient in these antiperspirant deodorants that is linked to multiple health risks, specifically breast cancer. As reported, those who use antiperspirants showed significant amounts of aluminum in the breast tissues in comparison to the bloodstream, which is worrisome to those who are applying these antiperspirants in one of the most sensitive and closest areas to the breasts. Trace amounts of aluminum have been found specifically in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, coincidentally the area closest to the underarm.

Furthermore, aluminum has been seen to cause neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and Dementia due to the fact that it is a well-known neurotoxin. Aluminum is added to antiperspirants for its ability to stop sweat from leaving the body, but at what point did adding this toxin for this reason overcome the actual danger? These are only two examples of what this chemical will do to the body. Some other health risks include: Hormonal imbalance, PMS, headaches, liver toxicity, inflammation in the brain, immune toxicity, weight gain, cysts, disturbed menstrual cycle and so much more.

Unfortunately, it is not just aluminum that you should be staying away from. Other toxins that are found in antiperspirants are as follows: Triclosan, BHT, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, TEA, DEA, talc, propylene glycol, parabens, colours, fragrance. These ingredients are absorb in the pours when the product is applied. The health risks for all of these are just as severe as they are for aluminum. Dove, Degree, Secret, Lady Speed Stick are some commercial antiperspirants you want to stay clear from. Check the ingredients on the back of your stick and if there are any words that you cannot pronounce, chances are it is a toxin.

Natural deodorants on the other hand, allow your body to perspire, which is a necessary form of detoxification. For the most part, sweat is odourless, but when it comes into contact with bad bacteria, or chemicals it with stink.

Keep in mind that switching over to a natural deodorant will take some time. As mentioned above, antiperspirants block your body’s ability to properly sweat. Therefore, your body will need to expel all of these chemicals that have been trapped, as well as the bad bacteria that was caused by this before it can preform normally on natural deodorant.

Here are some ways to successfully make the adjustment:

• Keep the deodorant in your bag at all times at the beginning of your transition. You may have to apply this a few times per day, depending on your body’s natural sweat process and/or body’s toxicity.
• You might notice yellow stains on your t-shirts. This is normal, and indicates that the deodorant is working. These stains are symbolizing the bad bacteria that is being taken out of the body- this is a good sign.
• You will notice that your underarms feel wet. This is also normal, as these deodorants do not contain chemicals that work to absorb all of the natural occurring moisture in the armpit.
• Don’t give up! It’s really easy to give up on something that takes time to transition, but give it a chance. If you notice that your sweat stinks a lot more than usual, try taking chlorophyll at the same time. Chlorophyll works to get rid of odours in the body, which will help make this process a little easier (aka internal deodorant, highly recommend). You can also take a probiotic at this time to help replenish the good flora, at the same time as killing bad bacteria.

The transition period is different for everyone, ranging from a few weeks to a month or longer. I personally have been using a natural deodorant for almost a year now and can truly feel a difference in my body. After paying extra close attention to the things that caused migraines for myself, I know that antiperspirants were an issue for me and I am glad that I made the transition. For me, the process took less than a month even in the middle of June with workouts, yoga, travelling, and stress in between. If you do choose to switch over to natural deodorants, I would recommend doing it before the heat of summer begins.

A deodorant that I have recently been using for over a month now is Fresh by Wildcraft. This spray on deodorant is free of every chemical mentioned above, and is also baking soda free. I have found this one to work really well for me, and will definitely be a staple this summer.

With a natural fragrance of clary sage and lavender, this deodorant works well to detox my body as well as keep an overall fresh scent. Clean ingredients are the key to a clean body. I only found myself having to apply this deodorant once in the morning, and after a workout, which is ideal when you are constantly on the go. I also really appreciate that this deodorant did not stain my clothes, as this is a downside to some natural deodorants.

Not all natural deodorants will work for everyone, so it may take some trial and error, but I would strongly recommend giving this one a try. It is great for a first time user, or someone who has already trained their body to respond to natural deodorants. Not to mention, it is locally made in Toronto.

This deodorant can be located at: www.wildcraftcare.ca

Some other clean brands to try are: Lavalin, Primally Pure, Green Beaver, Witch Hazel, Rocky Mountain Company.

I hope that this post opens up your mind a bit to realize the possible dangers of an antiperspirant, and gives you some insight on how you can transition over to a healthier body. Shop green, feel clean. 

- Jass