Magnesium is a Heavy Lifter

Magnesium is a Heavy Lifter

By Steve Evans, President and Senior Research Scientist at Therapeutics Research Institute

Magnesium is involved in over 325 biochemical reactions in your body. Up to 80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium. Early symptoms of magnesium deficiency include: body aches, leg cramps, fatigue or low energy, restless sleep, headaches and migraines, muscle twitches, chronic constipation, insulin resistance, severe PMS, and more. Left untreated, a magnesium deficiency can lead to more life-threatening conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and others. Proper magnesium intake daily can also safely lower your blood pressure and improve your circulation.

In short, magnesium is one of the most important minerals you can take, you most likely need some supplementation, and it is one of the least expensive items you can buy. We suggest a capsule a day of about 400 mg, which is approximately the government's Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). Since this RDA level is notoriously low, taking a 400 mg capsule daily in addition to your daily intake is likely one of your very smart moves.  Some might prefer a 200 mg capsule twice a day which some few people find more gentle on a delicate system. 

Note that some beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and whole, unrefined grains are also good sources of magnesium.  Refined grains are generally low in magnesium. When white flour is processed, the magnesium rich germ and bran are removed. Bread made from whole grain wheat flour provides more magnesium than bread made from white refined flour.  Still, a slice of whole wheat bread contains 24 mg and an entire cup of cooked whole grain cereal contains 56 mg of magnesium.  Taken together you still only have about one-fourth of your daily RDA.  So I recommend supplementation even with a reasonable diet.

Metabolic Syndrome Part 2

Metabolic Syndrome Part 2

By Kathi Bratberg RN, MS Holistic Nutrition

     At Alternatives, we have created a protocol that effectively halts and can even reverse the progression of Metabolic syndrome and the problems and symptoms that result. Metabolic syndrome is mostly a result of choices we make – lifestyle and diet choices. Because we primarily rely on our Doctors, Government (USDA), TV, and media to provide us with the information to make these choices; it is important to ask: “Why is metabolic syndrome on the rise in America, and why are we seeing diseases such as type 2 diabetes in children as young as 12?” To answer this question, lets begin by examining the predominant nutritional mentality in the U.S.

     Pop Quiz. Which of these macronutrients raises your blood sugar levels: protein, fat, or carbohydrates?  If you answered fats- you are in error. The correct answer is carbohydrates.  Which macronutrient lowers your good (HDL) cholesterol?  Again, the answer is carbohydrates.

    

     How many times have you lost weight dieting - and ended up ultimately gaining it all back plus more?  Did you follow the current prevailing theory of low fat and high carb?  It didn’t work very well did it?  Albert Einstein said “ it is insanity to do the same thing over and over again and expect different results”.

     The government’s USDA guidelines told us to cut back on saturated fats, add the polyunsaturated fats, and eat more carbs.  We waited for the promised weight loss and better health to come.  Are we thinner and healthier?  A RESOUNDING NO.

           

      The USDA guidelines are flawed on so many levels. Carbohydrates that are not used for energy have to be stored in the body This is the job of insulin. It turns all the excess carbohydrates into storage fat. Eating more carbs only makes this process worse. MORE CARBS, MORE INSULIN, MORE FAT.  We need to get off the carbohydrate gravy train and try something different!

     We are excited to offer you the new “Low Carb Lifestyle”, not a diet but a new philosophy and change of mindset. You will be eating real food, and varying intake of carbohydrates until we find your own personal carbohydrate tolerance, which is different in all of us. The fun part is there NO counting calories or fat grams, just net carbs (total carbs minus fiber = net carbs).

 

     By making these changes and balancing blood sugar and insulin levels you can expect more energy, decreased carb cravings, decreased body fat, improved health markers, less mood swings and overall improved health.

           

     The new program consists of 4 appointments over a 2-month period.

There will be some lab testing before you start and periodically as you move foreword in your program to access your progress. Some supplements are required and some are optional. These are important to the long-term success of the program.

           

     You will need approval from Dr. Ryan, Michelle McCaslin APRN, or your primary physician before you begin.  If you are taking prescription medications, weight loss can actually decrease the dosage of these medications.  Also, some form of exercise will be required.  This program is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and people who have type 1 diabetes or severe kidney disease.     

            The “Low Carb Lifestyle” will be offered at a special introductory price of $199 for the first 20 patients.

We are excited to be offering you another tool so you can take charge of your health.  Because if you don’t take charge of your health- who will?

My wish for you is good health.

Kathi Bratberg RN, MS Holistic Nutrition

Metabolic Syndrome Part 1

Metabolic Syndrome Part 1

By Patricia Ryan MD, CCN

     Concerned about your expanding waistline, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol?  These are all signs that there are significant changes happening to your cardiovascular system, your kidneys, and your brain.  It’s called Metabolic Syndrome and it means that you are at risk to develop diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

     The one thing that is common between all of the above maladies is an elevated insulin level or “insulin resistance”.  Insulin tells the cells of your body to absorb glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids.  It tells your body to store fat instead of turning it into fuel, and to store sugar as glycogen in your liver.  It also tells your body to make triglycerides.  So if someone is “insulin resistant” they cannot use the insulin in their blood.  Therefore there is too much insulin circulating in their blood.

     An insulin resistant individual will then begin to store fat on their abdomen, will start having elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and will start getting fatty infiltration of the liver (this is a cause of cirrhosis!).   In addition, elevated insulin levels are associated with elevated blood pressure; and inflammation, decrease in kidney function, and plaque begins to form in your blood vessels.

     How does someone become insulin resistant?  You may have a genetic predisposition.  So if it runs in your family, you may be at risk.  Eating too many simple carbohydrates will cause a rapid blood sugar rise.  When this occurs, your body releases the amount of insulin that it thinks it needs to handle the sugar load you just ate.  However, if it is a rapid rise in the sugar, the body will over-secrete insulin, and you will have too much insulin circulating in your blood.  This is when insulin resistance begins. When this happens repeatedly, the body quits responding to insulin.  At this point, you are still just insulin resistant.  It this continues, it worsens and you have Type II Diabetes.  But don’t wait until you have diabetes to do something about it!

     In addition to a diet high in simple sugars, lack of exercise will contribute to an elevated insulin level.  It turns out that our muscle cells can absorb sugar directly from our blood without the need for insulin!  Exercise will lower your blood sugar and lower your insulin level.  It turns out that sleep makes a difference as well.  While we sleep we secrete the hormone melatonin.  Melatonin is a powerful immune regulator.  If we do not sleep well, melatonin secretion gets disrupted, which causes our prolactin level to rise, and subsequently a rise in insulin.  You therefore can get fat just from lack of sleep (remember insulin tells the body to store fat).

     Let’s look at a hypothetical person named “Joe”.  Joe is 35 years old, 30 pounds over-weight, has elevated triglycerides and cholesterol, has a blood pressure of 135/90, a blood glucose of 100, GERD, poor dietary and exercise habits.  Where is Joe headed?

·  In 1 - 5 years:  Statin (cholesterol lowering med), Proton pump inhibitor (ex: prilosec), and ACE/HCTZ (blood pressure medicine).

·  In 5-10 years:  Statin, PPI, ACE/HCTZ, and now METFORMIN (diabetes med) and NSAID (arthritis med).

·  In 10-20 years:  Statin, PPI, ACE/HCTZ, Metformin, NSAID, and one or two more blood pressure meds -- Calcium Channel Blocker, and/or Beta Blocker.

     The above drugs commonly prescribed for Obesity/Insulin Resistance cause nutrient depletions that create additional health problems:

·  Thiazide diuretics  - depletes CoQ10, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, and Zinc.

·  Potassium sparing diuretics (HCTZ) - depletes Calcium, Folate, and Zinc

·  Statin Drugs (Lipitor, etc) - depletes CoQ10, selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Omega 3 fatty acids, and cholesterol.

·  Metformin (glucophage) - depletes Vitamin B12, Folate, CoQ10, Vitamin B6

·  Sulfonoureas (diabetes med) depletes CoQ10

·  ACE inhibitors (lisinopril) - depletes sodium and zinc

·  Beta Blockers (metoprolol) - depletes CoQ10, and Melatonin!

·  NSAIDS (Aleve, Aspirin) - cause kidney dysfunction and weakens the junction between the cells in your gut, therefore contributing to food allergies and leaky gut.

·  Proton pump inhibitors (Nexium) - depletes Beta Carotene, Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, protein.

     What is CoQ10 used for and why is it important?  CoQ10 protects against the aging of muscle tissue and the heart is a muscle. It is an anti-oxidant and protects you cells against damage.  It is a nutrient required to make ATP to supply every cell in the body with ENERGY.  A deficiency is directly correlated with damage to the kidney and the cells lining your blood vessels.  It reduces cardiac arrhythmias and helps congestive heart failure.

     How about Vitamin D?  The more Vitamin D in your blood, the less insulin resistance, so it is protective of potential Type 2 diabetes risk.  It has been documented to protect against 15 different cancers, prevents hypertension, and osteoporosis.  It also seems to be an immune system regulator.

    

     Magnesium is a mineral that the majority of Americans are already deficient in BEFORE they take any of the above medications.  Studies suggest that magnesium intake is inversely related to the risk of hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.  Symptoms of magnesium depletion include:  muscle cramps, migraines, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, increased blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, blood sugar dysregulation, and more.

     Zinc is needed to make both the insulin receptor and the insulin molecule itself.  It is also very important for wound repair and collagen synthesis.  It is extremely important for normal immune system function.

     Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, red blood cell abnormalities, and affects many functions of the body.

     Cholesterol is a nutrient needed for healthy brain cells.  It is also the precursor molecule for not only Vitamin D, but all of your steroid hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, aldosterone, and pregnenalone.

     Given the nutrient deficiencies caused by prescription medications, and the importance of these nutrients in body functions and overall health- Need I go on?  Does anyone see a potential problem here?

     There is something you can do about it.  In fact there is a lot you can do about it.  YOU can reverse insulin resistance, bring your cholesterol down, lose you abdominal fat, help your joint pain, and lower your blood pressure.  In Part 2 of this article Kathi Bratberg, RN and Holistic Nutritionist, will explain how our new “Low Carb Lifestyle” program can help you halt and even reverse Metabolic Syndrome. Find out why Metabolic Syndrome and the diseases that come of it are affecting more Americans than ever at younger and younger ages. Almost everyone is at risk, so learn how you can help yourself and your family. We are here to empower you! It’s all in your hands – and this is the meaning behind the logo I designed for Alternatives.  The power to heal is in your hands. –Patricia Ryan, MD, CCN

Trending: Nutritional IVs

Celebrities, Pro-Athletes, and CEOs try latest nutrition trend: 

The IV Drip

By Noah Wester

     Patricia Ryan, MD, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, has been recommending Intravenous nutrition therapy since 2004, helping people with vitamin deficiencies, digestive difficulties, immune problems, and even cancer patients have offset some of the side effects of chemotherapy with vitamin IVs. Now IV therapy is getting mainstream attention as stressed out celebs and executives are getting a boost from “Vitamin drips”.  This summer ABC News’ Cecilia Vega covered IV Vitamin therapy shortly after Rhianna’s now famous tweet of her arm hooked up to an IV. She was receiving what was called a “Party Girl Drip” following a busy weekend schedule including an appearance on Saturday Night Live and Gala at the Met. Madonna and Cindy Crawford also use IV nutrition. An article in the October issue of Details magazine² follows up the ABC News story citing Miami Heat’s Rashard Lewis and TV star Simon Crowell as supporters of IV nutrition, along with stars from music, film, pro-soccer, and health-minded CEOs.

     Rhianna’s “Party Girl Drip” is probably a Meyer’s Cocktail - which is like the multivitamin of IV therapy – containing Vitamins C, B5, B6, B12, B complex, Magnesium, and Calcium. Other popular IV vitamins are a Vitamin C drip (helps with colds and flu) and B12 (for energy). B12 shots are also becoming popular with medical weightloss programs.  Lab testing for vitamin deficiencies and a full offering of Vitamin IVs that can be customized to an individual’s needs are available at Alternatives.

     Ideally lifestyle changes provide the greatest health benefits: A celebrity/sports hero/executive/ and even working parent schedule puts an amount of stress on health that is hard to maintain over time and can often lead to adrenal fatigue, anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of disease. A party lifestyle involving drinking, smoking, or late nights out can make problems even worse. Vitamin IVs provide a nutritional boost that the body needs to keep going during times when circumstances or desires make it impossible or very difficult to change nutrition habits, schedule, or responsibilities. Vitamin IVs have been offered at Alternatives since it was founded in 2004. Dr. Patricia Ryan, medical director at Alternatives, is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist in addition to an MD; and if you would like to learn more about the science behind nutritional IVs we recommend attending our “Introduction to Functional Medicine” seminar. Sign up for our next seminar on October 22 online.

¹ “Vitamin Drips – The latest health trend for celebrities, executives, and you” Cecilia Vega, ABC News 6/5/2012

http://abcnews.go.com/US/vitamin-drip-infusions-gain-favor-hollywood/story?id=16496052#.UFofHBg-JLc

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/vitamin-drip-infusions-latest-celeb-trend-16502506

² “Mainline your Multi: Introducing the Vitamin Drip” Beth James, Details Magazine October 2012

Kale and Pear Smoothie - boost your natural skin SPF with nutrition!

 Kale and Pear Smoothie

Recommended by Alternatives' Kathi Bratberg RN, MS Holistic Nutrition, this smoothie is a great way to get a healthy dose of antioxidants and nutrients as recommended by Dr. Patricia Ryan in our featured article about Summer Skincare. The recipe and information about Kale comes from the Vitamix website. A Vitamix blender helps break greens down to a cellular level - making the nutrients more available. If you are using a less powerful blender, just be sure to de-stem and finely chop the Kale before blending.

Kale may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to making a great smoothie—but it is definitely one of the best! Dark leafy green kale is packed with calcium in a form that the body finds easier to digest than milk—and that’s a real bonus for your bones. Pair these nutritious but bitter leaves with pear, green grapes, and orange and a banana, and you get a surprisingly sweet smoothie that is absolutely loaded with nutrition. 

Kale is a form of cabbage and related to broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.  It is very low in calories and contains more nutrients than most other greens.  Kale is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone and blood health, and helps by mediating coagulation and anticoagulation.  Sulforaphane is a chemical found in kale and also sprouts and broccoli.  A study published in Drug Discovery Today found that sulforaphane may help stop breast cancer cells from growing.  The University of Texas conducted a study and found that a diet rich in kale may prevent bladder cancer by up to 29%.  Kale may also help ovarian cancer too.  The Nurse’s Health Study observed that women whose diets provided the most kaempferol, a flavonoid found in kale, had a 40% reduction in risk of ovarian cancer.  By supplying the body with plenty of calcium, copper and manganese, kale may help absorb iron and prevent bone loss.

Green grapes may help improve circulation and prevent blood clots—and the seeds contain protective flavinol compounds that fight free radicals and repair connective tissues. Oranges protect against colds, flu, heart disease and strokes with a big vitamin C immune boost. Bananas are a smoothie staple, but they are packed with cholesterol calming potassium. 

Yield: 4 cups (960 ml)
Speed: Variable to High
Time: 1 1/2 minutes

• 1 cup green grapes
• 1 (130 g) orange, peeled
• 1/2 Bartlett pear
• 1 (120 g) banana, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup kale
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups ice cubes

Directions
Place all ingredients into container and secure the lid. Select VARIABLE speed #10, then to HIGH for 1 ½ minutes. Turn machine off.
Serve immediately.


recipe from http://www.vitamix.com/household/Health/green_smoothie.asp

Collagen Induction Therapy - now with less pain and downtime!

     Since introducing Collagen Induction Therapy to Omaha in 2009, Alternatives has continued to remain at the forefront of refining the treatment for maximum effectiveness for wrinkles, sagging skin, scarring, and more. Some of our contributions include developing skincare product protocols to complement CIT, integrating home roller therapy with in-clinic procedures, and now combining the new Dermapen technology with medical grade microneedle rollers.



 

CBS Philadelphia features CIT and new Dermapen

     “The #1 improvement to CIT using the dermapen has been the ability to change the needle size in different areas at any time. This is especially useful in areas difficult to reach with the roller such as around the nose, under the eyes, and around the lips. Also, it is less painful in those areas as well” A clinical roller only penetrates to one depth for the entire procedure, but being able to adjust the depth at any time makes the dermapen more versatile in the sensitive and bony areas of treatment. 

In a open comparative study of 60 patients comparing Dermapen to Dermaroller (a brand of microneedle roller) for the treatment of atrophic acne scarring (1), patients treated with the Dermapen unanimously felt that the procedure was much less painful than the Dermaroller, and the downtime was significantly shorter with the Dermapen.

     At Alternatives we have seen excellent healing of acne scars with CIT – just note that it cannot be used on any active acne.

 If you are interested in learning more about Collagen induction Therapy and how it can benefit you we have free consultations available. We’ll cover the science behind CIT, why it works, in clinic treatments and home roller options, how to prepare your skin for CIT, and answer any questions. Wrinkles, sagging skin, acne scars and more, we can recommend a custom treatment regimen that works for you to achieve the results you are looking for.  Contact us at 402-827-9450 or alternativesomaha@gmail.com if you have any questions or to schedule a free consultation.

Summer Special: Get the best of both worlds - both immediate and long-term results with Juvederm and CIT.  Buy a package of 6 CIT treatments and get a free 0.8cc syringe of Juvederm (that's a $500 value). Offer valid while supplies last!

(1) Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scarring – Dermaroller vs. Dermapen
 Professor Tony Chu, FRCP,  Dermatology Department, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK http://dermapen.com/Articles/treatment-of-atrophic-acne-scarring-dermaroller-vs-dermapen.html

Summer Skincare Recommendations for Nutrition and SPF Products

Summer Skincare Recommendations for Nutrition and SPF Products

from Alternatives Newsletter Summer 2012
by Patricia Ryan, MD, Michelle McCaslin APRN

Skin Damage From the Sun

    The ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause free-radical damage to the skin.  Free-radical damage occurs when there is an imbalance between harmful reactive oxygen and the amount of anti-oxidants (chemicals which allow the body to stop free-radicals). A free-radical is defined as a molecule that has an unpaired electron. This makes the molecule unstable.  A free-radical will always search for an electron to unite with to “make it whole”; so it will borrow an electron from, say, beta-carotene. Then beta-carotene borrows an electron from Vitamin “C”, which will borrow an electron from Vitamin E, and so on. If we didn’t have anti-oxidants, the free radical damage could unravel all of our cell membranes, fracture our DNA, and cause collagen to break down. Our skin then can appear saggy, wrinkled, and can develop skin cancers. Have you noticed a slower turnover of dead skin cells, or more brown spots? Some of this is due to lack of anti- oxidants in the skin.

Diet and the Skin

     The skin uses multiple dietary nutrients to protect itself. For instance, there are different types of anti-oxidants; Coenzyme Q10, glutathione, Vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, as well as more complex molecules such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, etc. Exposure to UV light, aging, chronic chemical exposure from our environment, and too much sugar will deplete these naturally occurring anti-oxidants from the skin. If we get low on anti-oxidants, there are actually studies showing that the body will prioritize their distribution according to the need. Therefore the anti-oxidants you eat may be sent to your kidneys instead of your skin if you don’t have enough around to cover all areas where they are needed!

     Did you know that Greece (yes, sunny Greece) has one of the lowest rates of melanoma (the most aggressive type of skin cancer), and Australia has one of the highest? Could diet be the difference? Diets high in fruits and vegetables are most protective, while diets high in alcohol, red meat, fries foods, and butter allow for significantly more UV associated sun damage. Note: our red meat is now corn fed with genetically modified grain, and has lower omega 3 content. Grass fed, organic, and free range meat and dairy products will be more nutritious.

   Nutritional Recommendations to Minimize Sun Damage:

·      Beta-carotene - specifically reduces melanoma risk, and works with Vitamin A, C, and E for a multiplier effect. Sources include: carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, pumpkin, spinach collard greens.

·      Lutein and Lycopene (fellow carotenoids) protect cells against both free-radical damage and genetic damage. Dietary sources of lutein include: spinach, kale, peas, brussel sprouts, zucchini, pistachios, broccoli, and corn. Lycopene is of course found in tomatoes. One study found that an oral lycopene supplement reduces the count of sunburned cells by 83%, as compared to people who took no lycopene and had the same duration of sun exposure.

·      Flavanoids and polyphenols are anti-oxidants that come from green tea, black tea, caffeine, cocoa, grape seeds, grape skins, and citrus peels.

·      Black tea and green tea protect against UVB tumors, and a component of green tea called “ECGC” reduces the frequency of DNA damage to fibroblasts (the cells which make collagen in the skin) that are exposed to both UVA and UVB over time. So drink your green tea!

·      Citrus peel flavanoids (Oranges, limes, lemons) protect against squamous cell carcinoma.

·      Resveratrol inhibits skin cancers produced by UVA light.

·      Vitamin C helps preserve stores of your more potent anti-oxidants such as glutathione, reduces UV redness, and protects your DNA from UV damage.

·      Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) protects against UV-induced sun damage to the fats in all of your skin cell membranes.

·      Fish oil is an omega 3 fat that supports immune function to fight cancer, important because UV radiation can induce suppression of the immune system.

·      Olive oil is an Omega 9 fat that slows signs of skin aging and protects against skin cancers.

  At Alternatives we have two supplements available containing many of the anti-oxidants and nutrients described above: Sunpal and Tanpal. Sunpal is a multi-vitamin to take throughout the summer and Tanpal offers additional support for activities in the sun. Formulated by Dr. Jonathon Wright and based on research featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrition Reviews, these supplements are an option for a simple way to give your skin the nutrition it needs to help protect it in the summer months. Keep in mind these supplements go hand in hand with a healthy diet!

What About Vitamin D?

     Vitamin D is first formed in the skin. When exposed to the sun, the body uses cholesterol in the skin to make Vitamin D1. The liver then converts Vitamin D1 to Vitamin D2. The kidney converts Vitamin D2 to Vitamin D3 which is the ACTIVE FORM. There is a documented deficiency of Vitamin D3 in all areas of the United States -sunny or not!

     There are multiple theories as to why Americans are deficient in Vitamin D3. The prevailing theory is that we are over-utilizing sunscreens or not getting enough sunlight.  This may be true, but it is not the full story. I have checked Vitamin D3 levels on many tanned individuals exposed to plenty of sunlight who are still deficient in Vitamin D3.

     What might be some other explanations? We need to consider that many people are on cholesterol lowering drugs, and they may not have enough cholesterol available in their skin to produce enough Vitamin D1.  Another possibility is that the cholesterol in the skin gets damaged by the UV light and thus is not available to be turned into Vitamin D1 (not enough anti-oxidants?)

     We should also examine our liver and it’s ability or lack thereof to convert Vitamin D1 to Vitamin D2. There are enzyme systems in our liver that are used to remove toxins from our body. It is possible that the same liver pathway that is needed to convert Vitamin D1 to Vitamin D2 may be being used to remove chemicals such as herbicides, and pesticides. It may be that these pathways are overwhelmed and cannot do their jobs (it turns out that the liver needs anti-oxidants to perform this function). In other words, perhaps some environmental toxin requires the same enzymes in the liver to process them that would usually be used to convert Vitamin D to its active form.

     Needless to say there is more to the story of vitamin D3 that we need to further understand. What we do know is that Vitamin D3 provides essential functions in our body such as cancer prevention and bone health. For now, we should all supplement with Vitamin D3 and support our body with wonderful anti-oxidants. Since our body utilizes the sun to make the hormone Vitamin D, perhaps our Creator designed us to be in the sun -- at least some of the time!

Recommended Sunscreens

     Sunscreens keep you safe from sunburn, but do they keep you safe? Are all sunscreens the same? Are there differences in sunscreens that we should be aware of?

     SPF (sun protection factor) works by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun's rays on the skin. The Environmental Working Group said consumers should not purchase sunscreens with SPF greater than 50. "It is very misleading to put high SPF numbers on labels because it gives consumers a false sense of security and doesn't offer a lot more protection," Leiba said. They are right. While SPF 85 may sound like a lot more protection than SPF 30, the higher the number doesn't always give a high return. Studies show that sunscreen with SPF 15 can block about 93% of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97%. SPF 50 blocks 98%.

     Various chemicals are added into some sunscreens which are actually toxic to your body. There are also “nano” or minute forms of otherwise non toxic substances that due to their size are now toxic once absorbed into the skin along with the heat and rays from the sun.

According to Dr. Mercola, some chemicals to avoid are:

• Para amino benzoic acid
• Octyl salicyclate
• Avobenzone
• Oxybenzone
• Cinoxate
• Padimate O
• Dioxybenzone
• Phenylbenzimidazole
• Homosalate
• Sulisobenzone
• Menthyl anthranilate
• Trolamine salicyclate
• Octocrylene
• dioxybenzone
• oxybenzone

     Many sunscreens contain these chemicals, which are toxic to our skin and overall health. The Environmental Working Group has put together a "hall of shame" on their website of products to avoid and why. If you have children check out this list as some children's sunscreens contain hormone disrupting chemicals.  At Alternatives we have carefully selected skincare products that have a minimum amount of toxic chemicals or none at all and yet still offer superior sun protection compared to commercial sunscreens that contain high amounts of toxic chemicals.

Here are our some of our favorite SPF products:

Eminence Tomato Sun Cream SPF 16

This is a light summer moisturizer for normal to dry skin with additional UVA/UBC/UVC protection. Hydration of the skin will last all day due to the natural ingredients harnessed from the tomato fruit.

           

Eminence Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream SPF 32

This product is for all skin types and is a broad spectrum UVA/UVB/UVC protection. Is a daily moisturizer and a natural UV blocker that hydrates with the shea butter and fragrant soothing affects of vanilla.

Eminence Topical Vanilla Body Lotion SPF 32

This offers natural SPF protection for all skin types and everyone in the family. Lotion has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Uses natural defenses of zinc and organic herbal ingredients of shea butter and vanilla that also work to hydrate and calm.

           

Eminence Organic Sun Defense tinted mineral body powder SPF 30

This product is made of simple ingredients from the Earth, no added chemicals, perfumes or dyes. Ingredients work to help heal and help skin become healthier. Suitable for men and women, minerals work well during swimming and exercise. Minerals offer a weightless physical layer of non-chemical SPF 30.

Jane Iredale Powder-Me-SPF 30

It is made with natural clay that soothes and decreases inflammation in the skin, so there is no irritation to the skin, and it provides UVB/UVA protection.

Jane Iredale Purepressed Base/ Amazing Base SPF 20

UVA medium protection made of mineral bases and algae extract that helps decrease moisture loss and protects while in the sun.

Jane Iredale Dream Tint SPF 15 (5 complexion shades)

            UVA medium protection that gives a creamy coverage that looks and feels like it is barely there. Oil free made with minerals that work to minimize fine lines and pores. Lipids from sea plants are added to help improve the elasticity of the skin and also help to decrease water loss. Antioxidants also work to maximize protection from the sun’s rays.

                                                                                                                         

Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50

Ultra Shield is formulated for all skin types, especially sensitive and fair, who want a powerful and hydrating sunscreen. It is light quick absorbing sheer lotion that protects against UVA and UVB, and can be worn daily under makeup (no whitening effect). It contains antioxidants and reduces inflammation, signs of aging, and reduces risk of skin cancer. It is also very water resistant and can be worn during strenuous activities. Make sure to bring this for swimming and volleyball!

Epionce Active Shield Lotion SPF 30+
            Similar to the Ultra Shield but lower SPF and less water resistant. Suitable for moderate outdoor activities.

   We hope you enjoy your summer – including fun in the sun. All of our SPF skincare, including the products listed above, will be 20% off through June 30.  Be sure to get enough for you and your family -  and if you have any questions or concerns please call or write to us – 402-827-9450 or alternativesomaha@gmail.com. Happy Summer!

References and Online Resources:

"The Bottom Line on Sunscreens -- Which Sunscreens are the Safest?" by Dr. Mercola, from Mercola.com June 06, 2011 articles.  mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/06/do-you-know-which-sunscreen-products-to-avoid.aspx

"Now you can be safer in the Sun with the oral use of supplemental nutrients found to be photoprotective, along with the topical use of sunscreens" by Will Block from Life Extension News  http://www.life-enhancement.com/article_template.asp?id=2266

The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website, featuring research and sunscreen reviews and updated in 2012 http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/