Food | Your Health Upfront

Natural Remedies for Arthritis and Joint Pain

January 29, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Natural Remedies for Arthritis and Joint Inflammation

Some of us may think of arthritis as an old person’s disease, but in fact, arthritis refers to a huge spectrum of rheumatic diseases that affect young and old alike. They include osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis, gout, and even lupus. Arthritis can cause stiffness, pain and swelling of the joints, often to a chronic degree, making life unpredictable for sufferers.

If you or someone you love is struggling with a rheumatic condition and you believe in natural healing like we do, we’d like to share with you some drug-free approaches to treating joint inflammation. Instead of turning to the pharmacy for relief, arthritis sufferers can make simple adjustments to their diets.

Eat MORE:

Fresh pineapple
Brown rice
Flax oil
Olive oil
Black or tart cherries
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar

East LESS:

Beef
Peppers
Eggplant
Corn
Pork
Wheat
Eggs
Coffee
White sugar
Cola
Rye bread
Oranges
Paprika

Additionally, some herbs that aid joint inflammation include:

- Nettle

- White willow

- Ginger

- Feverfew

Many herbs can be ingested as a tea. Alternatively, herbal tinctures are bottled concentrations that can be ingested with a medicine dropper under the tongue. Herbal tinctures, found in your local health food store, typically have dosage instructions on the label.

When mainstream medicine fails to alleviate the misery of arthritis, isn’t it worth giving nature’s medicine cabinet a chance?

We’d love to hear about natural remedies that have worked for you. Please share with us on our Facebook page!

Filed Under: cooking, diet, food, health, holistic health, mainstream medicine, natural, natural health, nutrition, olive oil, organic, soda, sugar, superfoods Tagged With: herbs for arthritis, herbs for joint inflammation, natural remedies for arthritis, natural remedies for joint pain and inflammation

Getting Plenty of Calcium, Iron and B12 from Raw Foods

January 25, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

We’re big fans of a raw foods diet. Our daily goal is to keep 75-80% of our diet raw. Why? Raw foods offer unparalleled nutrition and extraordinary health benefits.

That’s why it saddens us when some people argue for steering clear of a raw diet because they think it doesn’t provide enough of the key nutrients a body needs. Some fear a raw diet will come up short in calcium, iron or B12.

This simply isn’t true. Let’s take a closer look:

Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral involved in building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. For optimal absorption, consume adequate amounts of vitamin D and magnesium. Many wonderful raw food sources provide calcium.

Good plant sources of calcium, which is absorb-able by the body, are the following:

Vegetables such as kale, dandelion greens, garlic, arugula, collard greens, parsley, and watercress
Nuts and seeds such as flax seeds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and pumpkin seeds
Fruits such as oranges, dates, limes, figs, and persimmons, and berries (including raspberries)
Dried/dehydrated fruits such as figs, apricots, prunes, and dates
Sprouted grains such as quinoa and wheat berries
Sea vegetables such as kelp, kombu, and wakame

Many vegetables contain calcium in high quantities, but the levels of oxalate and phytates present in some vegetables (spinach, beet greens, and Swiss chard, for example) prevent the body from absorbing much of the calcium present.

NOTE: People prone to kidney stones or gallstones should be mindful of their oxalate intake from fresh foods.

Iron

Now to address the myth that people on a raw food diet cannot get enough iron. Iron is an important mineral in the blood that is incorporated in hemoglobin – the protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is essential in the structural binding site for oxygen. If blood iron levels are low, fatigue normally results due to lowered oxygen transport.

Plant-based foods contain a form of iron (a.k.a. nonheme). The body is less able to absorb when compared to heme iron found in animal proteins, the incidence of iron deficiency in vegetarians is the same as nonvegetarians.

A wide range of raw foods contain iron. Check out these iron-rich raw foods:

Dried fruits – apricots, raisins, dates, prunes, peaches, and more
Vegetables – spinach, broccoli, lettuce, Jerusalem artichokes, Swiss chard, asparagus, and green bell peppers
Nuts – peanuts, pecans, walnuts, and pistachios
Fruits – lemons, limes, and persimmons
Seeds – sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin

While the iron from plant sources is harder to absorb because of the presence of phytates in the food, iron absorption is enhanced by consuming foods/drinks high in vitamin C (i.e., fruit juices, citrus fruits) at the same meal. This bodes well for those eating raw because fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamin C.

Vitamin B₁₂

Vitamin B₁₂ is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and the health of the nervous system. It’s found in bacteria and other microorganisms in the soil, but mostly in animal products. It’s also stored in the body. The amount of B₁₂ you need is very small, and the body can store it for years.

Because vitamin B₁₂can be present in bacteria in the soil, some recommend eating vegetables from an organic garden with fertile, nutrient-rich soil. This may not be reliable as a sole source of B₁₂, so supplementation is often recommended.

There is great debate on how best to meet your vitamin B₁₂ needs on a raw diet, because the vitamin is limited in plant foods. Trace amounts of B₁₂are present in foods such as sea vegetables, blue-green algae and in other fermented products, but further study is needed to determine whether this is in a form the body can use.

One of our favorite ways to increase your B12 levels is nutritional yeast, which is rich in amino acids and vitamin B₁₂. When transitioning to a raw food diet, you might want to consult with a nutritionist who can evaluate your diet and make a recommendation for a natural supplement if necessary.

This blog post was derived from a chapter of our forthcoming book, The Raw Lifestyle Guide.

Got any good raw recipes incorporating any of these nutrient-rich options? Please share with us on Facebook!

Filed Under: cooking, diet, drink, food, food pyramid, health, holistic health, natural, nutrition, protein, shopping, superfoods, vegan, vegetarian Tagged With: calcium from raw foods, iron from raw foods, vitamin B12 from raw food

Raw Food Nutrition for Newbies: Your Questions Answered

January 22, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Raw Foods Nutrition for Newbies: Your Questions Answered

If you enjoy reading about health and wellness, you’ve probably stumbled upon articles, blog posts and even recipes mentioning “raw” foods. What does it all mean? Why are so many health-conscious people “going raw”?

Raw foods are foods that have not been cooked over a specific temperature and contain high levels of enzymes and vital nutrients. Enzymes are proteins that accelerate the rate of chemical reactions, including those involved in digestion and metabolism. They’re essential for our body to be able to utilize the good nutrition of the food we eat.

While there are some people who actually stick to a 100% raw diet, many more people simply make an effort to work raw foods into their diets as often as possible. How raw do you need to be to feel the benefits? Well, we believe every little bit helps. Start by including a few more servings of fruits and vegetables into your daily regime. We recommend at least 50% of your diet include raw food. Our personal goal is to eat between 75-80% raw on any given day. Ultimately, you should eat as naturally as you can, and always feel good about your choices.

You might also have come across the terms “live food” or “living food” to describe a raw food diet. The terms are all interchangeable. Living foods are the raw foods that contain the enzyme and nutrients that feed the body.

However, “live” sometimes denotes soaked, sprouted, or cultured foods. Culturing is a simple process involving the introduction of natural bacteria to create enzymes and natural fermentation, which promotes the growth of healthful bacteria in the digestive tract.

So know we know what raw foods are. But what foods aren’t? Besides the obvious ones like pasta, baked goods, and junk foods, anything pasteurized is not considered a raw food. This covers all juices, drinks, milks, and most other products that are commercially processed. Also, animal proteins are not considered raw.

So why go raw? What’s the benefit?

A raw food diet is naturally high in fiber and is one of the many reasons eating raw helps you improve your health. A diet high in fiber helps increase transit time of foodstuff through the digestive tract, lowers blood cholesterol levels, and promotes less hunger due to the bulk it provides.

To promote eating more fruits and vegetables, the National Cancer Institute created the “5 a Day for Better Health” program. This program recommends at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day for optimal health. A recent study — the largest review of thousands of studies — was published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and confirmed fruits’ and vegetables’ roles in protecting against certain cancers and heart disease.

This blog post was adapted from a chapter in our forthcoming book, The Raw Lifestyle Guide. Hope it was helpful! If this post helped answer your questions about raw foods, please let us know by leaving a comment below.

Filed Under: cooking, diabetes, diet, drink, food, food pyramid, health, holistic health, milk, natural, natural health, nutrition, shopping, superfoods, vegan, vegetarian Tagged With: benefits of raw foods, live foods, raw foods, what are living foods, what are raw foods, what are sprouted foods

YHUF’s Cathy Goldstein in Realize Magazine: Why Goji Berries Rock

January 9, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Cathy Goldstein can be found in the current issue of Realize magazine with her article, “Why Goji Berries Rock”.

Realize has a mission: to reconnect the “boomer” generation to its inherent hipness – to keep it as smart, able and healthy as possible.

It’s no wonder they asked Cathy to educate their readers on the most super of superfoods, the goji berry. Read Cathy’s article to find out why goji berries should be a regular part of your diet, and collect two new recipes while you’re at it!

(P.S. Not sure where to find goji berries? You can order them online from Sunfoods.)

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Filed Under: cooking, diet, drink, food, food pyramid, health, holistic health, natural, natural health, nutrition, organic, recipe, shopping, superfoods, vegan, vegetarian Tagged With: goji berry recipes, health benefits of goji berries, realize magazine

Ward Off the Common Cold with Camu Camu Berries

December 31, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

When we think of boosting our immunity to keep the common cold at bay, we often think of increasing our vitamin C intake with citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines and grapefruit. But as much as we adore citrus, once in a while, we like a little something different.

Have you heard of camu camu berries? If not, it’s time you did. They’re extraordinarily high in vitamin C — the most vitamin C of any known plant in the world! They’re also an excellent source of the amino acids serine, valine, and leucine, plus beta carotene, calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin and thiamin.

Camu camu berries are typically sold in powdered form. The fresh berries, which grow in Amazon rainforests, are carefully harvested, then washed and dried in an organic processing facility. The finished product is a 100% pure dehydrated powder.

And this is impressive: fresh camu camu fruit contains 30 – 60 times more vitamin C than a fresh orange. And when it’s consumed in powdered form, camu camu delivers up to 600 times more vitamin C than oranges!

So once you get your hands on this nutritional powerhouse, what can you do with it? Dehydrated camu camu can be used creatively in smoothies, and will give your morning orange juice an immunity boost. Try experimenting with blending camu camu powder with a combination of juices and water.

We get our powdered camu camu from Sunfoods.

We’d love to hear YOUR recipes and suggestions for incorporating dehydrated camu camu berries into your diet. Leave a comment below, or share with us on Facebook!

Filed Under: cooking, diet, drink, food, health, holistic health, natural, natural health, nutrition, organic, recipe, shopping, superfoods, water Tagged With: camu camu berries, camu camu powder, dehydrated camu camu, powdered camu camu, what food has the most vitamin c

Toxic Plastic: Into our Food Supply and Breastfed to Infants

December 21, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Bisphenol A, also known as “BPA”, is found in most plastics, and it’s not a friend to living things.

In 2006, Congress requested a review of BPA research by the Chemical Heritage Foundation. The foundation’s report concluded that “New research on very-low-dose exposure to BPA suggests an association with adverse health effects, including breast and prostate cancer, obesity, neurobehavioral problems, and reproductive abnormalities.”

Great news, huh?

But how exactly do people get exposed to BPA? Yes, you may be buying products in plastic packaging that contains BPA. But BPA reaches us in other ways, too. For example, plastics get dumped into the environment. Sometimes this is in the form of everyday garbage like plastic beverage containers. But BPA is also a common byproduct of manufacturing processes and is used in building materials and epoxies, and it winds up in our soil and waterways. Particularly in marine mammals and fish, BPA “bioaccumulates” and migrates up the food chain. We eat the food with the BPA, and the BPA winds up inside of us.

In a recent study out of Sweden, researchers tested 100 women and found that 76% had detectable levels of BPA in their blood. They also concluded that the most prevalent BPA sources were dietary: from fish, meat, potatoes, and dairy products.

Now, a study from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Simmons College in Boston finds that BPA is being transferred to infants through their mothers’ breast milk. In fact, 93% of children tested were found to have “significant” total BPA levels – without having been exposed to BPA in their environment or through solid foods.

So how can we protect our families and ourselves from BPA?

We can minimize our exposure. Here’s how:

Stop microwaving food in plastic containers. Use glass or ceramic instead.
Avoid washing plastic containers in the dishwasher.
When purchasing baby bottles or water containers, look for BPA-free products.
Learn to “read” your plastics. Ever notice a tiny stamp on the bottom of a plastic container that looks like arrows following a triangle, with a number in the center? This number can tell you what kind of plastic that container is made from. If you want to avoid BPA, steer clear of any container marked “1”, “6” or “7” inside that triangle. (See image above.)

What containers do you use in lieu of plastics for microwaving and food storage? We’d love to hear what works for you. Please leave a comment or tell us on our Facebook page.

Filed Under: autism, cooking, current events, diet, drink, fast food, food, health, holistic health, milk, natural, natural health, nutrition, obesity, organic, politics, shopping, soda Tagged With: Bisphenol A, BPA, BPA and breastfeeding, BPA in breastmilk, toxic plastic

How Filtering Your Water May Help with Food Allergies

December 8, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

In the past we’ve shared how chlorine in your bath water can be detrimental to your health. Now there’s another reason to consider filtering the chlorinated water that comes from your household tap: relieving food allergies.

Ever heard of dichlorophenols? They’re a type of chlorine used in certain pesticides, which can make their way into the water supply. Dichlorophenols are known to be antibacterial, which makes them sound helpful at first blush — until we consider they might also be killing bacteria that naturally occurs in the human digestive system, thereby causing food allergies.

Researchers at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology took a closer look at some government data showing people with dichlorophenols in their urine and identified a possible association between these chemicals and food allergies in children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of kids and adolescents with food allergies in the U.S. jumped 18% between 1997 and 2007. That shakes out to about 3 million young people with food allergies. What’s the cause?

In our practice, we see children with food allergies on a regular basis, so the statistical increase certainly doesn’t surprise us. The most common allergies we see in younger people include peanuts, wheat, soy, milk, fish, shellfish and eggs.

We still can’t be sure that pesticides are the direct cause of food allergies, but researchers are certainly intrigued by what they’re seeing with dichlorophenols. Further study is needed, but it’s a possibility that our pesticide-laden “antibacterial” water may be affecting our kids’ digestive systems and causing food intolerances.

While no “official” recommendations have been made pertaining to chlorinated water and food allergies, we already know that chlorine in our household water can elevate cancer risk, and is known to aggravate allergies, asthma and emphysema. So until we learn more about the correlation between chlorine and food allergies, we still have good reason to filter our water.

Affordable water filtration devices can filter water right at the tap; not just at the kitchen and bathroom sink, but in the shower, too. One we like is the Omica chlorine and fluoride shower filter. Take a look by clicking here and searching for “Omica”.

Filed Under: allergies, asthma, food, health, holistic health, milk, natural, natural health, nutrition, water Tagged With: chlorinated water and food allergies, food allergies and chlorine, pesticides and food allergies

“All Natural” vs. “Organic” Foods: What Those Labels Mean

December 6, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

All Natural vs. Organic Foods: What Do Those Labels Mean?

When we look at a packaged product on the store shelf and read “all natural” or “organic”, we tend to feel better about buying it. But what do those terms really mean, and what’s the difference between them?

We get questions like these in our practice all the time, so I thought it would be a good idea to offer a clarifying resource right here on the blog.

All Natural

Let’s start with “all natural”. This term implies that the food under the label is from an all-natural source, but that’s not always the case.

Here’s what “all natural” really means: the food was minimally processed and contains no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners.

Sounds pretty good, right? But consider that high fructose corn syrup falls under the “all natural” category for food labeling purposes. That’s right – foods labeled “all natural” can still contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Why? Because technically, HFCS is made from corn that’s “minimally” processed, and it contains none of the artificial substances mentioned above. HFCS is one of the first things I tell patients to cut out of their diet.

Did you also know that foods labeled “all natural” can contain GMOs, as well as herbicides and pesticides? It’s true!

Organic

Now, onto the term “organic”. When a food is labeled “organic”, that means it was grown with no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.

Where do genetically modified or engineered seeds come in? Products labeled “organic” are safe from these. Instead, they promote healthy soil that’s rich in minerals and nutrients – just as nature intended.

Additionally, organic meat and dairy livestock receive no antibiotics or added hormones (none added to what already exists naturally, that is). They’re also raised on organic feed.

USDA Organic

How about the label “USDA organic”? That means the product was certified by the USDA and is made with 95% or more organic ingredients. But here’s one catch: be wary of foods labeled “organic” or even “USDA organic” that are products of China. You may not be getting what your label tells you.

“Made with Organic Ingredients”

Watch for labels that say “made with organic ingredients”. What this really means is that the product in total consists of 70% ingredients that were grown organically. It might be only one ingredient.

For example, the primary ingredient might be made with organic corn, but the rest of the ingredients can still be laced with poisons like herbicides and pesticides. Foods labeled “made with organic ingredients” can also be made with GMOs and heavily processed.

Free-Range, Free-Pasture and Cage-Free

If you see the label “free-range” or “free pasture”, that means the livestock was raised cage-free and in a pasture. However, keep in mind that being raised “cage-free” alone doesn’t mean the animal was raised in a pasture. Livestock can still be kept in a pen or hen house that technically has no cages, but is still packed full of animals.

Food Shopping Rule of Thumb

Reading and understanding the terminology on our food labels is certainly the smart way to go, but it can feel a little daunting. Here’s one way we can make healthy choices easier: shop using the rule of thumb that the best foods for you are those with ingredients that are easily identified.

For example, an apple is an apple and a cucumber is a cucumber. Simple enough, right? But when it’s a packaged food, knowing what’s in there requires a little reading. So, when you look at the list of ingredients on the package, look for short lists of things that are simple and easy to know.

If you’re looking at a package of corn chips and the ingredient list is simply “corn, palm oil (or some other natural oil), salt”, you’re on the right track. But when you see names of ingredients that are unfamiliar to you, that’s a good indicator that this product is not a great choice.

As another example, baby food in jars should have only the food on the label – nothing else. If the food is pureed sweet potatoes, then the label should read “sweet potatoes”, period. No “natural” flavorings or assorted ingredients that sound like they’re from a science lab, not a grocery store. And make sure you check the expiration date, too. Remember: if the bugs won’t eat it, why should you?

We get our energy from food. It’s how we fuel up. But dead foods – foods that are processed and preserved – don’t serve our bodies as well. They take longer to be converted into the energy we so desperately need. Instead, eat food that is alive. Organic fruits and vegetables are super-high in energy. Eat 2-3 pieces of fruit each day, and 5 or 6 different vegetables.

Sounds like a lot of veggies to fit into your day, doesn’t it? It’s easier than many of us think. Try putting spinach in your eggs in the morning. Eat a big fresh organic salad with avocado, cucumbers and other fresh veggies. Use a tasty olive oil dressing with lemon sea salt and pepper. For dinner, skip the starch. If you’re not a vegetarian, eat a small piece of sustainable fish or organic chicken paired with 2-3 sides of veggies.

Let’s also remember to shop and buy local. We need to support of local farmers, because their organic foods are usually the best foods – super-fresh and right off the farm. Most small farmers can’t afford the fees for that USDA stamp of approval, but they’re usually more rigid with green sustainable farming and have strong organic practices. Ask about their growing standards when you pick out your favorites from the local farmer’s market.

Have you discovered anything in your kitchen cabinets that feels deceptively labeled? Any “all natural” foods loaded with high fructose corn syrup or foods “made with organic ingredients” that are heavily processed? We’re interested in hearing your discoveries. Connect with us on Facebook and share what you’ve learned.

Filed Under: cooking, diet, food, gmo, health, holistic health, natural, natural health, nutrition, olive oil, protein, shopping, sugar, vegetarian Tagged With: all natural food labeling, cage-free label, food labels, free-range food label, organic food labels, usda organic label

5 Natural Alternatives to Dangerous Energy Drinks

November 27, 2012 By admin 1 Comment

We all feel sluggish now and then. It’s not so bad when it happens on an uneventful weekend when we can indulge ourselves in languid tea-sipping and a good book. But what about when we really have to “show up”? Maybe it’s your turn to make the monthly presentation, or you’ve got that big job interview. It won’t do to feel like an old shoe. How can you pump up your energy level, fast?

Too many consumers have turned to so-called “energy shots” – small bottles of super-caffeinated beverage advertised as providing a fast-acting energy boost. Two federal agencies — the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – are reporting some dangerous consequences to energy drinks, to the tune of 13 deaths and 13,000 emergency room visits in a single year.

It’s just not worth the risk.

Instead, try one of the following five all-natural options. They’re just as easy to reach for as an “energy drink” – if not easier. (And we’re willing to bet they’re a lot tastier, too!)

- The Almighty Banana. Need we say more?

- Dried fruit. The natural sugars in dehydrated fruit break down quickly in your body, giving you a quick kick.

- Almonds. They’re low-fat fast fuel.

- Peanut Butter. Always delicious on apple slices or whole grain crackers. But if you’re in a real hurry, go ahead – eat it right off the spoon.

- Trail Mix. This option combines the energizing power of nuts and dried fruits. You can buy pre-packaged trail mix in different varieties of nuts and dried fruit. Some markets have “mix-your-own” trail mix bars where you can customize your own.

Do you have a healthy quick energy secret? We’d love to hear about it, either in the comments section below or on our Facebook page. Please share!

Filed Under: current events, diet, drink, fast food, food, health, holistic health, natural, natural health, nutrition, organic, protein, soda, sugar, superfoods Tagged With: energy boost, energy drinks, energy shot, foods that give you energy fast, natural alternatives to energy drinks, natural energy booster

Natural Relief for Eczema — for Kids, Too!

November 23, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Does someone you love suffer from eczema and atopic dermatitis? It can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable, especially for children. We see a lot of kids in our practice, and more and more are coming to us with these and other conditions related to allergies and poor gut function.

Eczema is defined as a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to have what I call an “itis” – that is, inflammation or irritation. The skin becomes dry, flaky and itchy. Scratching the affected area can lead to injury and pain. It’s an ailment that sometimes results in embarrassment, avoidance of social situations, and anxiety. Additionally, there is an inherited tendency for people with symptoms of atopic dermatitis to develop other allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

What to Avoid

So what can you do to help that certain someone in your world?

There are certain things we see over and over again with our patients – sensitivities that aggravate eczema, particularly in children. Try eliminating these items from the sufferer’s life and watch for signs of improvement:

Milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Soy
What
Artificial flavors & colors
Chocolate
Hydrogenated fats
Potassium iodide or iodized table salt
Perfumes
Detergents and soaps (switch to natural alternatives, and double-rinse clothes and bedding)
Dry cleaning chemicals
Chlorine found in household water
Mercury found in topical ointments, often used to treat skin disorders

Believe it or not, the water you bathe in is one of the worst culprits. Chlorinated household water can cause not only skin irritation, but respiratory issues as well. This might seem like a tough one to avoid, but there’s actually a simple and inexpensive solution. You can purchase a water filter that attaches to your shower head for approximately $35 – $175. You’ll find that the least expensive in that range are plain carbon filters, which are not terribly effective. The best shower filter I’ve found uses KDF. KDF is made from coconut shell and it’s an excellent natural filter. Decreasing frequency of bathing to 2-3 times per week can also be helpful.

What to Use on Your Skin

Too often, eczema sufferers wind up using topical products like creams and lotions that can actually worsen their condition (or, at best, only work temporarily). Products containing lanolin and steroids are among the most common offenders.

Instead, try soothing your skin with one of these options:

- Coconut oil. Yes, you can use the coconut oil right out of your cupboard – the same stuff you cook with. Coconut oil contains a natural anti-microbial and anti-fungal called monolaurin. To get the best form of the highest amount of monolaurin, stick with organic virgin coconut oil.

- MSM medicinal lotion. This option is chock full of ingredients that help heal and repair skin, including dimethyl sulfone (MSM), a natural and organic form of sulfur. Stick with organic MSM, because the synthetic version can be harmful. Sunfood makes a product with both organic MSM and apricot kernel (used as a cancer cell scavenger in some natural cancer protocols), as well as calendula, aloe, and Vitamins A, E and C.

What to Eat

There are foods you can add to your diet that help eczema and similar skin conditions, including those rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and herring are excellent choices. If you’re a vegetarian, flax seed oil is helpful. However, because flax seed oil is heat sensitive and processing it depletes its beneficial factors, I prefer to add organic golden flax seeds into my diet. I use a Bullet or coffee bean grinder and sprinkle it on just about everything.

Another food that’s high in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is chia seeds. They’re excellent for inflammation as well as aiding the gut. Sprouted cold milled chia powder is a convenient option. Sprinkle it on veggies, brown rice or salads. It adds a slightly nutty flavor to food that kids love.

Be sure to consult your natural health care physician to treat any allergies. Meanwhile, here’s to your health!

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