Natural Ways To Remove Scars

There are many reasons why a person could have scars, varying from injuries and accidents to skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Regardless of how someone may have gotten a scar, most people would prefer to not have them. Scar removal can be very painful and expensive. However, many people are unaware of natural scar removal treatments.

Here are five natural ways to remove or diminish the appearance of scarring:

1. Egg whites
Egg whites have powerful healing qualities that can help heal scarring and make it less visible. Egg whites are full of proteins and amino acids which tightens the pores to prevent new breakouts while lightening scarred skin.

Whip 3 egg whites until they become fluffy and white. Use your fingers to spread the egg whites on to your skin, concentrating on the problem areas. Let the egg whites dry for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water. Do this 2-3 times a week and before long, scars will fade significantly.

2. Baking Soda
Baking soda will elimate dead skin and make scars less visible over time. Baking soda is coarse, but not so much to be damaging. Apply gently and it will act as a natural exfoliant without causing inflammation or irritation.

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to make a consistent paste. Very gently massage the baking soda onto skin and let sit for one minute, then rinse with warm water. Make sure to moisturize after this treatment. A little coconut oil massaged gently in the skin is a great alternative to moisturizer.

3. Lemon Juice
Lemons contain alpha hydroxy acids, which have healing properties for the skin. The AHA in lemon juice removes dead skin cells, helps new cells grow, and gives skin its elasticity back. Lemon juice is often described as a natural bleach, so it’s not too surprising that it can help lighten scars.

To use lemon juice to lighten scars, cleanse the scar area thoroughly. Then, put 1 tsp. of lemon juice on a cotton ball and apply to the scarred area. Rinse off after 8-10 minutes. Lemon juice can make your skin photosensitive, so be sure to use proper precautions when in the sun.

4. Honey
Honey retains moisture well. By keeping the recovering skin tissue moist, honey aids in cells regeneration. Honey’s potent antibacterial power makes it an excellent choice for the treatment of wounds, such as burns, ulcers, bacterial infections, acne, and even scars that occur after wounds heal.

Mix a teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and honey and apply a thick coat to your face. Let sit for 15-20 minutes and rinse well with warm water. Repeat 3-4 times a week and scars will fade before you know it.

5. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera juice is another great option to naturally heal scars. Not only does it soothe inflamed skin, it also boosts the immune system and regenerates damaged tissue. Its mild acerbic qualities ensure, that with regular usage, are prevented resulting in a softer skin, decreased swelling and invigorating new cell growth.

While you can purchase various Aloe Vera products at your local pharmacy, the best thing to do is purchase an aloe plant.

To use the aloe from an aloe vera plant, break off a leaf and rub the gel-like contents onto the skin. Let it dry, then leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Try to do this every day to rapidly minimize the appearance of scarring.

The key to minimizing and elimination of scars is persistence. Serious scars may take up to several months, but with persistent and consistent effort you will eventually see good results.

Why You Should Be Eating Watermelon Everyday

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of watermelon can help decrease the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, and heart disease. Watermelon also promotes healthier complexions and hair, as well as increasing energy levels.

One cup of diced watermelon (152 grams) contains 43 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of sodium, 11 grams of carbohydrate (including 9 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber) and 1 gram of fiber. One cup of watermelon will provide 17% of vitamin A, 21% of vitamin C, 2% of iron and 1% of calcium needs for the day.

Watermelon also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.

Here are a few of the benefits adding a cup or two of watermelon daily to your diet will bring:

Asthma prevention: The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is vitamin C, found in abundance in watermelon.

Blood pressure: A study published by the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon “reduced ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure and carotid wave reflection in obese middle-aged adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension”. The study also showed that watermelon consumption improved arterial function.

Cancer: An excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C, as well as others, watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Lycopene intake, for example, has been linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer prevention in several studies.

Digestion and regularity: Watermelon, because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

Hydration: Made up of 92% water and full of important electrolytes, watermelons are a great snack to have on hand during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration.

Inflammation: Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient that aids in sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, assists in the transmission of nerve impulses, and helps in the absorption of fat. Choline can also alleviate chronic inflammation.

Muscle soreness: Watermelon and its juice have been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time following exercise in athletes. Researchers believe this is likely do to the amino acid L-citrulline that watermelon contains.

Skin: Watermelon is fantastic for your skin because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.

Please remember to choose organic whenever possible!

Have you heard...

...about the new cholesterol recommendations?

For decades, cholesterol has been one of the KEY words in any health discussion.

"The doctor says everything else is pretty normal, but my cholesterol is high, so I have to take ....." 

"High" has meant that LDL (the 'bad' kind) registers over 100 mg/DL.  Ideally, the goal has been to get or keep that number under 100 - to prevent heart disease, right?

Uh - wrong! 

NOW there is big news from the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:

1) Stop trying to lower LDL cholesterol to 100 or below

2) There is no evidence to support that practice

3) Don't make any recommendation at all for specific LDL lowering - for anyone

(This information, thanks to Dr. Bruce West, comes from a report by NJ Stone, J Robinson, AH Lichtenstein, et al; written in 2013 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and other publications)

So - if it's not true that we can take a magic pill to reduce our risk of heart disease from high cholesterol, what CAN we do? 

1) First, understand that cholesterol production is a natural body function and is absolutely necessary for optimum health.  It needs to be encouraged - not discouraged - and balanced naturally by the body itself.

 

2) Secondly - if your numbers are abnormal, come to Susana and be evaluated to learn what is interfering with your body's ability to keep you healthy...and follow her recommendations religiously to correct that problem.

3) EAT ONLY NATURAL WHOLE FOODS - the "normal" American diet of refined and fast foods is criminally deficient in nutrients that nurture your blood and coronary vessels, and in nutrients that protect and feed your heart and nerves.

4) Come to Susana anyway, because eating all the right things is only HALF of the equation.  The toxic stressors within your body must also be identified and removed, as the other half of healing and good health.  

It's fun and it's easy to do!  You'll be glad you took personal responsibility for your health, instead of depending solely upon the "symptom stompers" whose rules keep changing. 

Call us anytime for an appointment with Susana, Dr. Lam, or Elvira, at (562) 861-3896.

Only a couple days left in May. Call us to get in on our special of the month. A full-hour therapeutic massage comes with 25% extra time - what a deal! (562) 861-3896

Our country has suffered much less than many others have from outside threats and attacks.  That's one big reason to be thankful!  It's also a reminder to say "Thank you," even silently, to those who DID pay the ultimate price to defend us.

Planning to heat up the barbecue this weekend?  Be sure to visit your local farmers' market and find organic or no-pesticide veggies for grilling - red and yellow peppers, sweet onions, mushrooms, baby beets...try them all!  Homemade burgers made from Costco's organic ground beef will amaze your guests with their rich flavor. And remember to look for nitrite-free hot dogs. (Applegate Farms is one brand. 

We'd like to share with you some recent comments from a couple of happy patients.

The first one came to Susana for dizziness, nausea, and frequent migraines.  In less than a week, the dizziness and nausea were gone.  The migraines have lessened in both intensity and frequency.  PLUS there are two bonuses:  

    a) a chronic problem with IBS is 100% gone - after 15 years of misery!

    b) 25 pounds of weight have dropped off nearly effortlessly!

The second patient is thanking Susana for her help, having experienced a substantial drop in her high cholesterol count in just a few months.  We love her concluding comment about our customized nutrition program:

     

           "It's worth it because it works!"  

Be encouraged on your journey to great health, and please continue to spread the word!

New Study Finds Organic Diet For One Week Drops Pesticide Levels By 90 Percent In Adults

You will surprised by the amount of people who cannot tell the difference between organic food and food that are contaminated with pesticides.

A recent study conducted by researchers from RMIT University published in the journal Environmental Research found that adults following an organic diet for just one week had a huge reduction in pesticide exposure. Pesticides are used widely with food production. 13 participants were chosen randomly to follow a diet of at least 80% organic or conventional food for 7 days, then following the alternate diet afterwards. Urinary levels were used for analysis. The study found that urinary dialkylphosphates (DAPs) measurements were 89% lower when they ate an organic diet for 7 days compared to a conventional diet for the same amount of time.

The research was conducted by Dr. Liza Oates as part of her PhD project and supervised by Professor Marc Cohen from RMIT’s School of Health Sciences. It was supported in part by a donation to RMIT University from Bharat Mitra, co-founder of Organic India Pty Ltd..Dr Oates said “Conventional food production commonly uses organophosphate pesticides, which are neurotoxins that act on the nervous system of insects and humans by blocking an important enzyme. A lot of these agents were initially developed as nerve gases for chemical warfare, so we do know that they have toxic effects on the nervous system at high doses. Conventional food production commonly uses organophosphate pesticides, which are neurotoxins that act on the nervous system of humans by blocking an important enzyme. While the clinical relevance of reducing pesticide exposure requires further studies conducted on a larger scale, this study is an important first step in expanding our understanding about the impact of an organic diet.”

Everyday we are discovering just how harmful pesticides are to our bodies. It has been reported that the most active ingredient in Monsanto’s best selling herbicide “Roundup” is responsible for fueling breast cancer by increasing the number of breast cancer cells through cell growth and cell division. Source:

A new study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that Roundup, or glyphosate, becomes highly toxic to the kidney once mixed with “hard” water or metals like cadmium and arsenic. These metals often exist naturally in the soil or are added via the fertilizer. Sri Lanka has completely banned Monsanto Herbicide, their reason being that a chronic kidney disease has been affecting poor farming regions all over the world and they believe the link is Monsanto Herbicide.

A study was conducted by Anthony Samsel and Stephanie Seneff. Stephanie Seneff is a Senior Research Scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Many people are unaware that they are putting Glyphosate into their bodies. When you do this you are in actually altering the chemistry of your body. It’s completely unnatural and the body doesn’t like it. P450 (CYP) is the gene pathway disrupted when the body takes in Glyphosate. P450 creates enzymes that assist with the formation of molecules in cells, as well as break them down. There are many CYP enzymes in our bodies and they have many important functions. They are responsible for detoxifying xenobiotics from the body, things like the various chemicals found in pesticides, drugs and carcinogens. Glyphosate interferes with the CYP enzymes. The CYP pathway is critical for the normal, natural functioning of multiple biological systems within our bodies. Because so many humans have been exposed to glyphosate they suffer with a drop in amino acid tryptophan levels, which interferes with the active signalling of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is associated with weight gain, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Liza Oates – “Our results show that people who switch to eating mainly organic food for just one week can dramatically reduce their exposure to pesticides, demonstrating that an organic diet has a key role to play in a precautionary approach to reducing pesticide exposure”.

The amount of people who say that they are on a “normal diet” are unaware of the negative health effects of organophosphate pesticides like glyphosate that are all over their foods. The dramatic reduction in exposure to glyphosate when on an organic diet for only 7 days just shows how much of these toxins are entering our bodies and how we can rid them! There is a reason that multiple countries around the world have banned GMOs and the pesticides that go hand in hand with them. Lets protect our family and friends. By just making a few differences to our diets can make significant changes to our health.

Source: Various

It's Mosquito Season! 7 Natural Mosquito Repellents

Here are a range of natural mosquito repellents which are effective – ditching the need for the nasty chemical laden cocktails:

It is the perennial problem when summer comes around, how to avoid using the harsh commercial chemical repellents to avoid being eaten alive by pesky bugs. Mosquitoes find their victims by sight, heat and smell and detect in particular carbon dioxide and lactic acid (which we emit being warm blooded animals. Chemical based repellents merely mask these odors but have well documented side effects and contraindictions. Here we have easy and natural solutions, from natural oils, plants to have around your home and foods to avoid.
1. LEMON EUCALYPTUS OIL: Lemon eucalyptus, latin name corymbia citriodora is a tall tree, easily growing to 100 feet in height (but sometimes taller), is native to temperate and tropical north eastern Australia, but can be grown in any nice sunny spot. It has a similar but stronger smell to lemon verbena, lemon balm and even lemon thyme.

It has been shown to be effective as a mosquito repellent. You can find sprays containing this in natural or health food stores or you can make a homemade spray using the essential oil mixing it into a carrier oil such as jojoba. It is particularly effective when you spray on your pulse points. Also you could have the plant in your home or garden as the scent will keep the area mosquito free. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who actively promote chemical alternatives have been forced to admit that this plant can be just as effective as DEET (a controversial chemical used in traditional bug sprays).
2. LEMONGRASS AND CITRONELLA: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) is a tropical variety of grass with a sweet, lemony scent widely used in cooking. Plant it in your garden or keep in a large planter pot to keep not only mosquito’s but other bugs away from your home.

Citronella oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves and stems of different species of lemongrass. It is widely found in candles, incense, and oils for burners and has been proven to be extremely effective in repelling mosquitos. Again, it can be made into a body spray and can be bought in natural stores.
3. CATNIP: Think catnip is just for our feline friends – think again. Researchers from Iowa State University, found that Catnip Oil was found to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquito’s (i). This is easy to grow on a window ledge or garden and you simply crush the leaves and rub the oil that is released directly on your skin. Sprays containing this oil can also be found in stores or it is easy to make your own: you need 2 cups of catnip leaves and 1 cup of rosemary leaves. Crush them together and leave in a jar; pour in some natural oil and leave covered in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, gently shaking the jar daily. Use as needed and refrigerate.
4. LAVENDER OIL: Lavender essential oil not only smells great but is an effective mosquito repellent. Dilute in almond or coconut oil or organic soy oil.
5. GARLIC: Eat plenty – mosquitos’s hate it not just from the odor on your breath but also from the sulfur compounds that you emit through your skin.

6. TEA-TREE OIL: Tea tree oil is a great natural insect repellent. Make a homemade spray by mixing 2 oz of organic tea tree oil, and some water into a spray bottle. Mist the solution onto the skin and rub in.
7. WEAR LIGHT CLOTHES: Very simple, mosquito’s are attracted to darker colors as they manage to see them more easily.

REFERENCES/SOURCES: 
(i) http://www.mosquitosolutions.com/iastateu.html 
http://naturalsociety.com/8-natural-mosquito-repellents-get-rid-of-mosquitoes/

5 Amazing Medicinal Uses For Honey

The dangers of sugar have been in the headlines so frequently that many people assume anything sweet equals bad news for the body. While it is true that refined sugar is harmful to your health, there is a variety of natural sugars found in fruits, root vegetables and honey that nourish the body and promote good health.

Honey has been known for its healing powers for centuries, and has proven effective in fixing ailments ranging from a pesky cough to a painful wound. The following are some of honey’s best-known health benefits:

1. Reduces Risk Of Heart Disease
Honey contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease.

Honey mixed with cinnamon has been shown to revitalize the arteries and veins of the heart and reduce cholesterol in the blood by up to 10%. When taken regularly, this honey-cinnamon mixture can reduce the risk of heart attacks and stop future ones from occurring in those who have already suffered one.

Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey with 1/3 teaspoon of cinnamon to warm water, then drink daily.

2. Wound Treatment
Surgihoney, whose natural antibacterial properties have been boosted, is proving highly effective at treating infected wounds and superbugs. The honey is believed to work by killing the bugs, removing dead tissue and pus, and then providing a moisture barrier as well as local nutrition.

Honey contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and sugars – all of which help in the healing of wounds. Manuka honey is especially regarded as the most potent honey, but it relies upon nectar from a particular tree in New Zealand, limiting its supply.

3. Blood Sugar Regulation
Although honey contains simple sugars, these are NOT the same as white sugar or artificial sweeteners. The precise combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Some honeys have a low hypoglycemic index, so they don’t cause blood sugar to spike.

4. Natural Immune Booster
Honey has numerous medicinal properties as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Honeybees gather pollen from the very plants that cause itchy eyes and allergies, so consuming a small daily dose of local honey will stimulate the immune system and reduce allergies. Skip the common clover honey that is prevalent in supermarkets as it has the lowest antioxidant level. Look for buckwheat honey, which has the highest.

5. Resolves Dandruff and Scalp Irritations
In a study involving patients with chronic seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, participants were asked to apply honey diluted with 10 percent warm water to problematic scalp areas and leave on for three hours before rinsing with warm water. In all of the patients, itching was relieved and scaling disappeared within one week. Skin lesions were completely healed within two weeks, and patients showed significant improvement in hair loss as well. When applied weekly for six months, not a single patient showed signs of relapse.

***A note of caution:
Do not let infants under the age of 1 eat honey because of the risk of botulism. The spores of the botulism bacteria are found in dust and soil that may make their way into honey. Infants do not have a developed immune system to defend against infection, says Jatinder Bhatia, MD, a Georgia neonatologist who heads the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Nutrition. “It’s been shown very clearly that honey can give infants botulism,” a paralytic disorder in which the infant must be given anti-toxins and be placed on a respirator.***