DON'T TRY THESE AT HOME

Tis the season of colds and flu-bugs! I chuckled when I read the following list of things that folks used to think would help cure ya'! (List taken from Sunday's PARADE insert.)

DON'T TRY THESE AT HOME

1) Smearing goose grease on your chest and wrapping it with flannel

2) Rubbing the soles of your feet with tallow and turpentine, and holding them against a wood stove

3) Getting passed three times under a horse's belly

4) Having a fish skin tied to your feet

5) Cupping, followed by blood-letting
{I've seen this done to my husband in Mexico. The *cupper* will rub the *cuppee* with alcohol. Then light a match near it, rush a cup over that area. The cup sucks the skin up into it. Supposedly this cleanses the *cuppee* of toxins. This is done all over the *cuppee's* body. Fun to watch but I never participated as a *cuppee* because the *cupper* seemed to enjoy it too much!}

6) Going to sleep wearing a pair of cold, wet socks with a pair of thick, dry socks on top of them

7) Stuffing your nostrils with cut garlic cloves

*I've heard my dad talk of similar mountain cures. For instance, his mother would rub mustard on his chest and tie garlic around his neck when he was sick. Sometimes she would force him to eat an onion sandwich.*

8) Pressing a warm, peeled hard-boiled egg to your forehead

9) Eating snakeskin

OK, NOW LEAVE THE # OF YOUR FAVORITE CURE IN MY COMMENT SECTION.

I think my fave is #8!!!

Missing Her

Just wondering if anybody else is missing Laura Bush as much as I am. The following link is of a short, pleasant interview with her by Ann Curry. I was tempted to not post this particular link so as not to promote NBC (National Obama Network), but in reality was happy they did this piece. Also, notice the website which I found this video on.

Enjoy watching a few minutes of this feminine, classy First Lady!

Laura Bush interviewed by Ann Curry

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UPDATE ON MY MOTHER

Mom had blood work done today at Moffitt checking to see if the die which was injected for her CAT scan last week has totally left her system. She can't resume taking any of her medications or supplements until they are certain there are no traces left.

While there, her surgeon also met with her. Mom said when the Dr. walked into the exam room, she asked, "Where's your daughter today?" I think that shows effort on the Doctor's part to want to connect with her patients. Have I told you how great Moffitt Cancer Center has been to us? Yes, I think I have!

Moving on....for now the team is more interested in knowing what exactly is going on in mom's collar bone area. The word lymphoma was in the reports. So...a biopsy will be scheduled for the neck area next week after mom (we) return from our family reunion in West Virginia. For now, the removal of the abnormal lymph node in mom's breast is put on hold. They'll deal with that after this other biopsy. In the meantime, mom plans on having a blast with her sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, and few aunts who are still living.

Thanks for your prayers and if you wouldn't mind, could you pray for our safety on the road? Three car loads will be driving up from Florida to West Virginia on Thursday and Friday. Then back home on Tuesday.

May you feel the warmth of God's love today!

Mom

The appointment with mom's Dr. yesterday (Tuesday)brought news that she has a swollen lymph node near the site of her 1992 breast cancer. At least it isn't cancer this time! However, they want to surgically remove that lymph node to test for lymphoma. While consulting with the surgeon, I pointed out a place on mom's collar bone that seemed swollen. I first noticed this after mom's back surgery. The Dr. wanted mom in for an MRI before the surgery to determine if a swollen gland or lymph node was causing the area to look abnormal. Today was that MRI. We love Moffitt Cancer Center! They are so caring and get things done ASAP! Each Dr. I've met there have been so "people oriented". I'm so thankful the Lord worked things out for MOM to get in to such a great place. The staff is also very hospitable. They walk around the waiting rooms with trays of snacks and drinks - free for the taking. Once when there around the lunch hour, the Dr. offered to go get mom some lunch. Now that's impressive!

Once Again...Prayers for My Mother

ETA: GASP!! I just accidently removed my entire list of blogs! Do you know how long it took me to concoct that list? AyAyAy! For those blogs I "FOLLOW" it's no problem but many blog owners don't offer that feature. I have some work to do! I also need to apologize to many family members who visit my blog first and then use my links to visit other family members. I'll be working on getting my favorite ones up and running as soon as I have some spare time. Does anyone have a suggestion on a quicker way to get them all back?

I'm asking prayers for my mother. She recently had extreme back surgery (four things done in one surgery). She recently had lasik surgery on each eye. She now is facing yet another biopsy on a lump found in her breast this week. God has brought mom through so many surgeries so we have complete faith that this biopsy will show the lump to be benign. Mom has a history of breast cancer which had infiltrated many lymph nodes. Seventeen lymph nodes were removed. Her history includes uterine cancer, ear surgeries, I could go on and on. We have the understanding that Satan wants her down but God has great plans for her still. She is a pastor's wife and a very involved mom, a caring grandma, and a great-grandmother. Please remember her in your prayers. She kiddingly said to me the other day that she might as well set up a mailing address at the hospital, as it seems she is there more than she is at home!

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It's been a dreary, rainy, stormy day here in Florida, so I'm in the mood to share some of last weeks beach photos with you!

We think these "turtle" showers are so cute!

My nephew David in Latin soccer form!

Having been born and bred in Argentina, David had never been to the beach. Here he is on his first trip to the Beach! He was quite impressed!

(The two bobbing black heads to the right are Agustin and Shane!)

"Tia" Pam con David!

(Such a sweet young man!)

Agustin with Shane and David. Clearwater Beach, 2009

I really enjoyed watching the guys play some soccer in the sand. Watch their awesome moves! In the second video, make sure to note that my hubby still has his moves! He's wearing the dark shorts.

Watch the feet!

Oh and one more thing- please pardon my humming in the background!!!

Update on Mom

Happy Fiftieth Anniversary to my Parents today. Two years ago, my dad was in the hospital on their anniversary for heart surgery! Not to be outdone, my mom is in the hospital this anniversary!

Twenty Three years ago today I met my handsome husband! I was living in Mexico and was invited to a birthday party for his younger brother. I'll tell more of the story at another time.

So sorry I haven't gotten back to update since yesterday a.m. Mom came out of surgery around 3:15 Friday, we were allowed to see her for a short visit in recovery at about 4pm. I was frightened when I saw her! I wouldn't have recognized my own mom had I met her on the street looking that way! Swollen face, thick lips, swollen tongue, white and pasty just like dad after his open heart surgeries.

Here's a cute little tidbit that happened in the recovery room. She seemed to want to talk but couldn't due to the dry mouth and swollen tongue, lips condition.

I rubbed her head and told her not to speak. Did she listen? Oh no! Not Loretta! she tried and tried until she got enough strength to tell me she had been on her stomach and on her arm for the entire surgery. Her arm felt like needles pricking it. I know that feeling! I started rubbing her arm, trying to manipulate the blood flow. She squeaked out the word "Dream". I, her daugher, kept rubbing her arm and her forehead and tried to fill in the blanks. "Oh you had a dream." She said, "Jackie, soothing." (That is her grand-daughter who is a missionary in Paraguay.) I continued rubbing and soothing. I said "You dreamed about Jackie soothing you?" She replied in the affirmative. I said, "Yes Jackie is soothing when you're sick" and I kept trying to soothe my mom. Then she said, "I wish Jackie was here!" I replied, "So what am I, chopped liver?" I thought it was funny and shared the incident with Rebecca when I returned to the waiting room. Rebecca chuckled with me. I couldn't wait to get this on my blog for Jackie to read. I hope it brings a smile to her face too!

Mom continued to improve through out the evening and even walked with the help of 2 nurses and a walker. I saw her alertness and the swelling go down rapidly. So I decided to go on home and let the nurses care for her during the night since she seemed to be doing so well.

I sat with her until 11:00p.m. last night and then with hopes of her being sent home today, I went home to rest so I could help her with the transition to her house and feel well enough myself to take care of her. Dad can only do so much these days, plus he's in the midst of pastoring a family who just lost a loved one. (The funeral will be Tuesday.)

Around 4a.m.Sat. morning, her head started hurting so badly she called the nurse in. Her blood pressure was up to over 200. Then she bacame nauseus and we know what that means! She was administered a shot and later was able to walk with the walker all the way to the nurses station. She looks better as of this evening. I'm on my way back up to her room and will leave here around 11:00 again if she is still doing well. She is hoping to go home tomorrow, but dad hopes they'll keep her until Monday. They did remove her catheter today and she was able to get up and go to the restroom on her own, but it wore her out.

When the surgeon spoke to dad and I after surgery yesterday, he said it all looked good. They inserted a cage, did two fusions, trimmed a couple of bulging discs,and that all went well. Then he said "We then took a look at all her pinched nerves and that was a mess! We think we've got her all straightened out though."

Josh Daniel and Naomy just left and took my Shane with them for a few days. I could tell mom thouroughly enjoyed having us all around her bed for awhile this evening.

Thanks Rebecca and Clint for the lovely balloon arrangement!

Thanks Rose for the lovely roses you brought by!

Thanks to all my friends, both in blogland and in the real world for you heartfelt prayers. I can feel them! The Lord has given me grace and energy to keep going. Not too many complications due to my health right now. I know it's my heavenly Father watching over me!

Have a wonderful Lord's day tomorrow!

Sweet Slumber...

...is the stuff of dreams. I've been an insomniac for years now, thanks to Rheumatoid Arthritis. There are times I enjoy better sleep than other times, but for the most part, I'm always searching for helpful tips to help me get the sleep I need. I'd like to give you a head's up concerning the importance of sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. But for many busy Americans, that is the stuff of dreams for sure! The NSF's 2008 Sleep in America poll reveals that workers today average only 6 hours and 40 minutes of sleep each night!

The precise amount of sleep necessary to lead an enjoyable and productive life varies from person to person and changes with age. Regardless of age, one thing remains the same: Not getting enough sleep can have serious consequences.

Studies show that well-rested people learn tasks and perform memory and creative problem-solving exercises better than those who are deprived of sleep, even by just a few ours. A lack of sleep also slows reaction time considerably. Concentrating and paying attention are more difficult, and certain tasks - driving in particular - can even become dangerous.

Insufficient sleep increases your chance of strokes, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, diabetes and congestive heart failure. Sleep is also a powerful regulator of hormones. It triggers those that help build muscle mass, repair cells and tissue, and encourage fertility. Lack of sleep has also been tied to an increased appetite, putting the chronically sleep-deprived at greater risk of obesity! If you frequently experience problems falling asleep, contact your doctor to discuss possible remedies. Personally, I'd like to suggest that you go to GO*OGLE for some natural helps in creating a sleep cycle.

BREAKFAST:DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

We've always heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I've always been prone to skipping breakfast, but now that I'm diabetic, I've searched out some quick easy breakfast ideas which I include at the end of this post. Whether you're off to work or school, the benefits of a good breakfast last all day long. A breakfast that includes lean protein like an egg, nonfat yogurt, or skim milk, and a whole grain and/or fruit can:

*Help control hunger and the urge to snack, especially if you're trying to lose weight (That Would Be Me!)

*Improve your ability to concentrate and keep you more alert (Lord Knows I Need Help With Both of Those Tasks)

*Help control blood sugar levels

*Improve your total daily nutrient content

Tips:
1) Nonfat milk has the same amount of bone-building calcium as whole or 2% milk.

2) To get all the vitamin C from a tomato, don't remove the seeds before cooking or serving.

Most of the vitamin C is found in the jelly around each seed. For the best flavor, store tomatoes at room temperature.

HERE ARE SEVEN WAYS TO START THE DAY. I especially like these ideas because their quick and easy!

1)A blended smoothies made with one cup frozen fruit, 1 banana, 1 cup nonfat milk, 1/2 cup nonfat yogurt, and honey to taste.

2)Whole-wheat English muffin with one scrambled egg, one slice of low-fat cheese, and a slice of tomato or lean ham.

3)1 oz. package string cheese, one small apple, an d a small bran muffin.

4)A whole-grain cereal (cold or hot) that contains at least 5 grams of total fiber or 2 grams of soluble fiber per serving with nonfat milk and fruit.

5)1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese with 1/2 cup pineapple cubes (fresh or canned without sugar) and two granola bars.

6)1 hard-boiled egg and 1 cup of grapes.

7)Whole-wheat toaster waffle with 1 tablespoon peanut butter and a sliced banana.

Hopefully, these simple breakfast ideas gave you a few new ideas. I HATE boring breakfasts. Having the same thing day after day is not my cup of tea!

A MUCH Better Day For Me!

Can you believe this photo was taken just a few miles from my home here in central Florida? The first week of January brought a real cold snap through our parts, where today's temperature is hovering around 80 degrees? Amber took the photo of the ice. To see more wonderful, wintry photos, please visit her blog at Amber's Album

Thanks for the sweet comments of concern left for me after yesterday's post. I'm happy to report that today went much better. I think the problem yesterday was due to only eating a half of a banana with my coffee that morning and being over tired from lack of sleep sure didn't help either. This morning, I ate a boiled egg and apple for breakfast and took time to really hydrate myself more than I did yesterday. When I got back from doing my 3 miles, my blood sugar level had dropped only 36 points rather than the 76 in the same amount of time yesterday. Also, I had a so/so night of sleep. I think that helped some!

Shane has gone with his dad to the Barber Shop and then they'll make a quick stop for some steaks to bring home and grill. YUMMY!

I'm so pleased that my cousin in WVa is posting again! You can click Think,think,think... to go check out her blog. I wish y'all could meet her in person. She is one of the sweetest gals I know on the face of this earth! You would just love her!

I miss my sissy. She is up around Washington DC this week. It seems I just can't keep her in my neck of the woods!


Did any of you all hear about our 70 vehicle pile up on I-4 near Lakeland, FL yesterday? It was horrible! Due to super heavy fog and smoke from brush fires, over 20 tractor trailers and many other vehicles were involved. Several fatalities resulted from it. I-4 has been closed for over 24 hours now.
Speaking of Lakeland, let me put in a plug for some friends! LOL. The pile up happened not many miles from their granite business.(Southern Granite).

Well my guys are back so I'm off to help prepare the veggies.

UPS AND DOWNS

Today was not a great day for me. I'm trying to wean myself from a sleeping aid which was prescribed last May. I had not had a sleep pattern for so many years. This was contributing to my fatigue with the RA. (rheumatoid arthritis) It was wonderful for a few months, partaking in 6-8 hours of deep, rejuvenating sleep each night. The last couple of months, I've been waking up often and no longer feel that the prescription is helping me all that much. Hence, I decided to cut my use of it gradually and see what happens. Due to not taking it last night, I was awake most of the night. I finally drifted off to sleep around 5 a.m. this morning. I slept until 9:30. I got up and set right into doing my daily routine, feeling a little "blah". My blood sugar was a little elevated but I knew walking would bring it down. We went back to our routine of driving to the nearby district park. I walked my first lap (One and a half miles), then begrudgingly headed into my 2nd lap. By the time I returned to Agustin and Shane on the tennis courts, I was barely able to take another step. I thought hubby was going to have to scrape this big girl up from the ground. I felt so weak! I did make it up into our SUV and felt so sleepy, nauseous and weak. we drove the 5 minutes home where I managed to get out of the vehicle and was shaking all over. I immediately tested my blood sugar. I had dropped down 76 points within that hour. Does anyone know if that is normal? I didn't FEEL normal! (Jackie-I can hear your comment already!) I grabbed a peanut butter ball from the fridge and a shot of Orange juice. In a few minutes, I was able to mix up some tuna for our lunch. After a shower and a Bible lesson with Shane, I put on my gown and went to bed. I was totally wiped out. I feel as though I've lost an entire day, which is bumming me out. I have really been on a productive roll lately!

I'm up now, obviously, and have checked Shane's math and spelling and handwriting. We missed church because of my yucky day. I feel very tired and sleepy but need to sleep tonight so I'm fighting to stay awake.


I'm off to check my blood again, then cook up some supper. Sorry if this is a boring post! I just felt the need to share it.

Still waiting...

Many have called and emailed me asking about the pathologist's report concerning my breast biopsy. Thank you so much for your concern. Words can' t really express how much closer that draws me to you.

I've spoken to my surgeon's office twice this week. Guess what? Still no report from the pathologist. Today the nurse I spoke to said she whould get right on it, call the lab, find out what is taking so long. This is very unusual for the reports from a biopsy to take over a week. I'm praying that I will have a definitive answer tomorrow. I'm trusting that the report shows no cancer, however, if it is cancer, God will take me through this.

Remembering 9/11 and a Biospy -- WHAT???

September 11th has once again come and gone. Next year, when it's 7th anniversary rolls around, are we going to be any more united as a nation? I will not give up praying for that to happen. We need to stand strong and be firm against the islamofascists who are trying to ruin our way of life. I wish those who get on the airwaves to whine about this country would just shut up or move out! I know, I know. We're a great democracy. We are entitled to our "freedom of speech", but listen people, I don't think we should be entitled to "freedom of stupidity"!!! There are real bad guys out there who want to kill us!! There are those who don't want our children to enjoy the American way of life! Let's unite and stop being politically correct. We must remain united in our efforts. Let's whip the enemies!

Now on to something a little more positive! I was so thrilled to visit several blogs tonight which included photos of their American Flags waving bravely in their yards. Each time I see our beloved flag's colors flying, it stirs my heart. I hope I never lose that sentiment. I love America and her people. It is still the greatest land by far, and we must guard that status.


Now about the Biopsy today!
Let me begin by stating:
VALIUM IS GOOD, VERY GOOD!
NERVOUS IS BAD, VERY BAD!
Did I say? VALIUM IS GOOD?

Minutes after signing into the Breast Care Center, I was taken back to be given my sedative. Did I mention yet that VALIUM is very good? LOL I had written several Bible verses on an index card to keep reading over and over during the wait time, but a few minutes after receiving the VALIUM, all my spirituality seemed to go out the window. I got the giggles! I guess the drug was starting to work. Minutes before I had been shaking my foot or twisting the rings on my fingers, but when the radiologist came to get me from the lobby, I started giggling! LOUDLY! My giggles were the deep, infectious kind; therefore, all the other patients in the lobby seemed to be giggling with me, or was it AT me?? I saw a few of the administrative staff giggling too! I rounded the corner with the nice lady and apologized for giggling, that I realized I now needed to stop giggling. She sweetly told me to just go on continuing giggling if I needed to!

I was led back to the ultra-sound room and given instructions. Once I lied down on the very comfortable bed, I wanted to sleep, especially since Harry Connick Jr. was singing. The nurse and I spoke about his cute smile and lovely southern accent! The technician got me taped up and marked for the Dr. He came in soon and introduced himself as Dr. Del Toro. I told him his voice was soft. He said it was the first time anyone had ever told him that! I guess I was nosy through out the biopsy because I know some fascinating things about Dr. Del Toro! He always drinks Diet Coke. He said he does it for the benefits of the caffeine. He hates coffee. I chided him about being a latino and not liking coffee. I'd never heard of such a thing! Is that even legal? I also learned that he just returned from a trip to Puerto Rico, which is probably why his voice was soft. He had been relaxing on vacation. He has never been seen chewing at the facility we were at today. The tech swore he never eats because in the 3 years she has worked with him, she has never seen him chew or eat anything!

I really can say in all seriousness though that I didn't feel any pain during the entire procedure! Thanks for all the sweet prayers! I could feel pressure at the beginning when he was inserting the first injection to numb me and then when he inserted the tube for the little chopper thing that sliced and diced the nodule. I kept my eyes closed most of the time. The lady before me had slept and snored through her biopsy I was told! Anyway, I heard what I thought was the sound of a drill. When the Dr. finished and all was quiet I asked if it was a drill he was using on me. He replied: "It was a Black and Decker." Then after a pause, he said he was really a dentist! Isn't that hilarious?? Later I was to find out the sound was the aspirator thingy he used.

After he left, the tech helped me to sit up. I noticed how nice my tanned legs looked in the low lighting in that room and struck up a conversation about that and how I had just spent a couple of weeks vacationing. The girls both agreed with me. "Yes, your tan looks lovely under these lights." After being helped into a standing position, I was instructed to pick up my clothes but leave on the pretty pink thing I was wearing. She then got hold of my arm to lead me down to mammography. I spotted her Crocs and they were flashing! I told her so too! She giggled and repeated to the nurse, "Kathy, she said my shoes were flashing!" As she led me down the hall, she told me I was drunk! I said, "But I don't drink." She replied, "Well you should because you're lots of fun like this!" What could I say except, "THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!"

I was put in a waiting room while the tech, her name is Vicki by the way, went to get Agustin. She gave him a few laughs by telling him I kept talking about some guy named Richard!! She also told him that I said he, (Agustin - not Richard!) was a beautiful person inside and out! Which is true, he is and I really did tell her.

I was then sent for a mammogram so the Dr. could see how much he actually got of the nodule. Guess what? It looks like he got it all! Praise the Lord! The cavity where it had been was quite noticeable. Of course, we will wait until Friday for the pathologist's findings to be reported, as there could be a few cells of it left. He did show me the original mammogram and ultra sound films which showed shadowy tendrils coming down from the nodule. I learned that is a common thing if the growth is cancer. He reassured me that the report does come back as cancer, at least we caught it early. That is always a good thing. Aguustin lead me out to the lobby where I happily announced to my mom and Shane that we were done there and it was time to go. I remember giggling all the way to the car while trying to share some of my conversations of the morning!

So I came home and slept off and on for 5 hours or so. I was instructed to put an ice pack on the incision for 15 minutes then off for 15. No shower for 2 days, sponge baths only, and wait until Friday to resume taking my NSAID. (Non Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drug)

I actually had fun today and made some good memories. Thank you for your concern and prayers. They really mean the world to me and make me feel very special.

GOOD MONDAY MORNING!

I can't believe we are starting our second week of fourth grade today! Shane is loving all of his curriculum, SO FAR!!! I pray that continues. He received a 100% on his first Spelling Test Friday and only missed one problem on his math quiz!

Friends, once again, I would like to ask for your prayers. I've learned that you ladies (and few men) who read my blog, are people of prayer, so I present to you my next challenge.

I really should have shared this with you last Monday, the day I had to stop my medications for the Rheumatoid Arthritis. You see, this Tuesday, ( 9/11 ), I will be having a breast biopsy done. My meds can cause free bleeding, so for apparent reasons, I was told to discontinue them the week before the biopsy. I also had to discontinue my daily vitamin, due to it containing vitamin E, which can also cause bleeding.

Many of you probably remember that back in Nov. through May, I was in terrible pain and hardly slept at all. My old meds were no longer working for me. I turned to blogging as an escape from pain. I'd be up all hours of the night suffering. Thus, the title of my blog "MIDNIGHT MUSINGS".

Needless to say, without my anti-inflammatory and pain meds, I don't function well. The first day off of them this week, I must admit I was A-OK, but by Wednesday, I felt like I was in a full blown withdrawal. I had the chills and shakes and felt so weak. My joints began hurting and I was seeing joints swell up right before my very eyes! I couldn't concentrate and my speech was slurred; and all this while trying to get through the first week of homeschool with Shane. Oh, and did I mention I was really GRUMPY??? With the Lord's help, we did meet most of our schooling goals for the week. I know it was due to my church family and my dad's church family praying for me. I am some better now. What a sweet blessing to know that other's can approach my Heavenly Father on my behalf! It seems the withdrawal stage is over but I feel as though I have the flu and some joints are achy each day, and you guessed it -- I CAN'T SLEEP! I know this is only temporary. I was instructed to start my meds back up a few days after the biopsy, so I'm thinking around Friday.

A little sample of my swelling! and oh the pain in that middle finger especially!

NOW, what I would seek your prayers for right now is for me to get through one more week with minimal pain. Also that the biopsy goes well and the growth isn't malignant. God's will be done!

BLESSING IN A BOX !
The Leonard family picked Shane up for S.S. and church Sunday morning. Agustin was at work, I was in pain! When they brought Shane home after services, they also brought 3 delicious pizzas and 3 different types of sodas! YUM! I had never tried Papa John's Barbecue Pizza.

It was awesome and we all highly suggest it! Thanks Kim and Mike, Alex, and Ashley for being such a blessing! I also enjoyed their company as it helped get my mind off of me for an hour or so. Of course, since Mike was here, I got plenty of laughing in!!!

Here's Mike on New Year's Eve, 2006. No it's not what you think! The guy IS NOT drunk! The adornment of the little flashlight on his head was assisting him in his quest to find one of the girl's missing pieces of jewelry, which was lost while we were in the yard setting off fireworks.

Best Nutrients for Healthy Skin

At my age, I have new concerns about my skin. I found the following information about maintaining healthy skin from Newsmax.com/Health Alert to be quite helpful!

Healthy, glowing skin has always been a hallmark of attractiveness in both men and women, and it is a powerful indicator of overall health. Likewise, skin that is dry, oily, or inflamed is an indicator of something amiss inside the body. “Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne to aging, are the manifestations of your body’s internal needs, including it’s nutritional needs,” said Dr. Georgiana Donadio, founder of the National Institute of Whole Health.

Many people resort to commercial soaps, creams, lotions, and scrubs to treat skin problems, but none address the source of the problem: a combination of poor diet and toxins in both diet and personal care products.

Many recent studies show that the skin is nourished by certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which make it appear healthy and years younger. The following are the top five nutrients for healthier skin:

Omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in omega-3 oils help repair and maintain moisture and flexibility in the skin. Since the body can’t manufacture its own EFAs, they must come from the diet, including oily fish, shellfish, sunflower oil, walnuts and flax seeds. In addition to making the skin soft and supple, EFAs also treat many ailments, including heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.


Zinc. An adequate amount of zinc is a requirement, and a lack of zinc may manifest itself as acne. Zinc controls the production of oil in the skin and may control some of the hormones responsible for acne. Zinc is also essential for the immune system as well as for keeping taste, smell, and vision in tip-top shape. An adequate amount of zinc is also thought important in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Zinc is found in oysters, pecans, oats, and eggs.


Silica. Silica is a trace mineral that keeps the body’s connective tissues (muscles, tendons, hair, nails, cartilage, and bone) strong. A deficiency can result in less efficient healing of wounds and a reduction in skin elasticity. Silica is found in green beans, leaks, strawberries, celery, asparagus, garbanzo beans, and in the herb horsetail.


Selenium. The antioxidant selenium is a mineral that prevents cell damage by free radicals, and also makes the skin elastic. Studies have associated it with a reduction in the risk of breast cancer. Selenium is found in brown rice, wheat germ, tuna, salmon, eggs, and Brazil nuts.


Vitamins C, E, and A. This triumvirate of vitamins is vital to healthy skin. Vitamin C reduces free-radical damage, and when combined with E, protects against sun damage. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus juices, peppers, berries, parsley, and kale. The antioxidant vitamin E reduces the appearance of wrinkles and soothes dry, rough skin. It’s found in wheat germ, almonds, safflower and sunflower oils, and is even more powerful at protecting the skin against sun damage and preventing skin cancers when combined with vitamin A. Adequate vitamin A helps repair and maintain the skin and is often used to treat skin conditions, including acne. Dry, flaky skin is often a tip-off to a deficiency. Carrots, liver, sweet potatoes, kale, apricots, collard greens, spinach, and cantaloupe are all high in vitamin A. Since vitamin A supplements can be dangerous in excess, beta carotene, which helps the body make its own vitamin A, is safer.

In addition to nourishing the skin from the inside, care must be taken to avoid skin-care products that will damage your skin from the outside. Many products, including those expensive brands sold in department stores, are chocked full of toxins that soak straight into the skin and enter the blood stream. Petroleum derivatives, for example, can damage the liver and cause cancer, and can damage your body’s DNA, affecting your entire body. Buy skin-care products that are free of petroleum products and parabens. A good rule of thumb is to buy only those that have pronounceable ingredients. Check out Pangea Organics and Lluvia products from the Amazon Herb Company.