Tag Archive for: Jana Andrews

Best Detoxifying Foods

detoxifying

In the beginning of every year, many of us make resolutions such as wanting to work out more, not drinking alcohol as often, boosting our water intake, etc. Basically, detoxifying our bodies. Some of the industry’s detoxifying ideas may have validity. However, the best way to detoxify is to stop consuming toxins in the first place. Today, we eat & drink a multitude of processed foods, the most in the history of humanity. Luckily, our body has its own detoxification system consisting of our liver, kidneys, skin, lymphatic system and respiratory tract. To keep these organs in tip-top condition, we need to feed them nutritional chemical-free foods and beverages. The following are the top detoxifying foods for today.

Vegetables

Your mother always told you to eat your veggies! Cruciferous and leafy greens are among the top detoxifying foods. These consist of broccoli, cabbage, and spinach among others. These types of foods are known anti-inflammatory, anticancer and excellent sources of fiber and chlorophyll. They boost liver function and aid in excretion of chemical toxins.

Fruits

Many different fruits provide an abundance of support to our detoxification. Blueberries protect our lungs, fight cancer, lower blood pressure and are a great antioxidant. Apples are rich in a specific type of fiber called pectin. Pectin lowers LDL cholesterol and helps to eliminate toxins like lead and mercury. Lastly, lemons, also known as the “Superfruit”. Lemons contain citric acid that protects our liver function and prevents damage. It is proven that daily walking in combination with daily lemon consumption helps to regulate our blood pressure too!

Green Tea

Green tea has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal aid and is probably the healthiest beverage on the planet. It reduces inflammation, fights cancer, primarily colon, prostate and breast. It is an antioxidant, is fat burning, and boosts our metabolic rate. Green tea drinkers have better dental health too. Catechins, bacteria killers in green tea, lower infection risk in the mouth and reduce bad breath. So, get your teeth and drink up!

Spices and Others

Other compounds that we add to our recipes in the kitchen are beneficial detox foods as well. Garlic kills many consumed carcinogens, is antiviral, antibacterial and helps produce white blood cells. A bright yellow spice called turmeric has been used medicinally for thousands of years for its detoxifying properties. It is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and helps protect the heart, brain and digestive tract. Ginger is hugely beneficial to our digestion and helps eliminate toxins. It helps our intestines in their detoxification work, and also has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant effects.

Keep it Consistent

Cleansing our bodies of toxins isn’t about jumping on the latest fad program or diet. It’s about consistently consuming detoxifying foods and beverages to help keep us healthy and functional. We need to protect ourselves from diseases and viruses as best to our knowledge to live a long, happy, healthy life. If we take care of our body, our body will take care of us.

Let’s Connect

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And as always, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Till next time,

Phyllis

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The Meaning of Your Feet

Do the shape and size of your feet mean something? Does the length of your toes suggest a certain personality trait? Insight into our personality is always intriguing. Reading our horoscopes, getting our palms read or even having our handwriting analyzed to detect why we are the way we are piques your interest. Foot types are also on the “analyze me” bandwagon. Let’s check some common, and maybe not so common, foot shapes to see if we love to eat, hate to travel, Etc.

Roman Toe

Loving new exciting places, and being super outgoing are said to be connected to this toe type. The Roman toe shape is when the first three toes are the same height with the latter two shorter (in descending order). So, book your plane ticket and get out on your next cultural adventure!

Egyptian Toe

People who sport the Egyptian toe shape are said to descend from royalty and enjoy being pampered! This foot type is fairly common and is characterized by a long big toe followed by the rest in descending order, usually slenderer as well. Generally friendly people, they have an eye for fashion and are often trend-setters.

Peasant Toe

Thoughtful and patient, people with peasant toe are those to be friends with. Their patience helps to resolve conflicts and are honest by nature. These feet appear square-shaped, since all the toes are generally the same length.

Greek Toe

If you look at your feet and notice that your second toe is the longest, then you sport the Greek foot! People with this toe type are said to be smart, super sporty and very creative. And although they have tremendous leadership qualities, they tend to be stressed out and impulsive.

Moving Little Toe

Independently moving your little toe from the others says a lot about you since it’s such an unusual toe type. You are highly active and crave adventure, highly driven in life and always searching for new experiences. This is definitely the mark of an inquisitive dreamer!

Ultimately, your feet are highly individual and unique to you. Your feet aren’t even really identical! Whether you have Roman or peasant foot, are curious or shy, just remember that the main thing about our feet is to take good care of them by getting monthly pedicures and by getting them checked by your doctor if any changes occur in how they feel or look. They’re the only pair you got!

Let’s Connect

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And as always, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Till next time,

Phyllis

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5 Common Summer Skin Problems and How to Prevent Them

Skin irritations are a bummer anytime, but especially in the warm summer months. When mysterious lumps, bumps, or weird rashes appear when you’re already hot and bothered, that’s definitely no fun! Most itching in summer is obvious, usually from a bug bite or some kind of a rash created from an allergic reaction. There are several ways to help heal and prevent these ailments from ruining your fun in the sun. Here’s a look at how to prevent and treat some of these summer skin irritations.

1. Sunburn

With what we know about the sun and its powerful rays, this shouldn’t even happen, but it does. Sunscreen of at least 30 should always be applied at least 20 to 30 minutes before heading outside and should be reapplied while in the outdoors. However, if you do find your skin turning pink, maybe painful to touch, there are some things you can do. Firstly, get out and stay out of the sun. Applying a cooling aloe-vera gel (alcohol-free) to the affected area or a moisturizer that’s been in the fridge, and rub it in to help soothe and heal. A cold compress can also help relieve the pain prior to applying gel or cream. Taking ibuprofen or naproxen will help the pain and swelling subside.

2. Acne

Breaking out is no fun, especially in summer. Sweat mixing with bacteria and oils can clog your skin, causing breakouts all over your body. Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, chest and back. This will help to limit acne. Be sure to blot your skin with a clean towel. Wiping sweat can irritate the skin and cause trouble. The best way to deal with your skin if you do break out is to carry on with your skincare regime. Cleanser, toner and a light moisturizer on your face everyday will help minimize breakouts. Don’t pick or scratch your break out, that will increase your risk of scarring. Be patient and it will clear up with your diligence and care.

3. Athletes Foot

This fungus is common in summer as it is contagious and can be picked up around swimming pools or any warm, wet, dark environment. To avoid the spread of it, or acquiring it all together, make sure to dry feet thoroughly, wear clean, dry socks and always have something on your feet that’s breathable. However, if you discover itching, or peeling between your toes or on the soles of your feet, there are remedies to help you. Antifungal creams and powders are available for application. Wash and dry feet thoroughly before applying. If your feet begin to crack or blister, it would be best to head to the doctor to get an antibiotic cream to help you heal.

4. Rashes

Rashes are a bummer to get in summer. Itchy, sweaty and terribly uncomfortable! There are several types of rashes you can acquire in the summer months, from heat rash to poison ivy. The best defense is to wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes and to keep your skin cool using fans, having cool showers and being in air conditioning whenever possible. Plant rashes, like poison ivy or oak, can be avoided if you can identify them and steer clear of them when in parks or wooded areas. If any rash seems to be hanging around for too long, seeing your doctor for proper treatment is always recommended.

5. Bug Bites

What seems like the itchiest of skin troubles! Bug bites suck, especially when it’s hot out. Mosquitoes, black flies, wasp bites or ticks, they all have their unique brand of stopping you in your tracks. To prevent them from attacking you, spray yourself with a good bug repellent and try to wear loose, cotton, long-sleeve shirts and pants whenever possible. If you are attacked by any of these culprits, anti-itch creams or lotions may be applied. In extreme cases of reaction, antibiotics might be the best medicine.

Remember that all of these ailments can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Let’s enjoy all the positives that summer brings and be careful out there!

Let’s Connect

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And as always, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

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4 Fool-Proof Ways to Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines

a perfect pinky reduce wrinkles and fine lines

The aging process can sometimes seem unfair. We can develop new troubles with our skin that we didn’t have in our younger years. But sometimes we can prevent or eliminate some issues altogether. One such issue is fine lines and wrinkles. Although it’s been said that we need to just accept our aging skin as it is, since wrinkles are said to be inevitable – that’s simply not true. Yes our metabolism slows as we age, and in turn the formation of collagen and elastin that we need for a plump complexion, slowly lessens. Let’s take a look at these 4 fool-proof ways we can help revive our glow.

1. Limit Your Sugar Intake

Processed sugar can increase collagen breakdown. It creates dehydration and therefore sucks moisture out of the skin. And really, is just plain bad for you. Eating fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamin C especially, is vital to help build collagen in the skin and restore your glowing complexion.

2. Always Use Sunscreen

Sun protection cannot be stressed enough in the prevention of wrinkles and other skin ailments. It’s essential to wear an SPF of 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection. SPF prevents wrinkles people! But you must use it everyday even when it’s cloudy.

3. Quit Smoking

Obviously smoking is bad for your health for a multitude of reasons, in addition to aging your skin prematurely. Smoking affects the blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin and entire body. Depriving the skin of these vital nutrients, such as Vitamin C, creates a pale, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco that deplete your skin’s collagen and elastin, therefore creating wrinkly, sagging faces. So the sooner you quit, the better – or better yet, don’t start at all!

4. Consume Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Your skin is your largest organ and it suffers the most oxidative stress throughout your daily routine. Antioxidants help fight that stress and damage. The best way to boost your antioxidants is to consume foods rich in them. Kale, blueberries or kidney beans are examples of great foods that help with this. Get the wrinkle free skin you want from the inside out.

There are so many creams and procedures that can help prevent and eliminate aging skin. But realistically, if you just start practicing the recommendations in this short list, you will notice a significant difference. Some say the best overall help to your skin is to eat properly, exercise and stay hydrated. Think about it… while you’re putting on your sunscreen. 😉

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

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