Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Are Your Everyday Cleaning Products Putting You at Risk for Autoimmune-Related Health Problems?



By Dr. Chad Larson, NMD, DC, CCN, CSCS, Advisor and Consultant on Clinical Consulting Team for Cyrex Laboratories


Would you be surprised if I told you that the very products you might be using to rid your home of dirt, germs, grime and bacteria might actually be causing you and your family more harm than those elements would themselves? Would you be concerned if I suggested that your everyday household cleaning products could not only aggravate chronic health and immunity issues, but could even cause the onset of autoimmune related illness? Well, the good news is that these risks can be mitigated if you know what to look for and there are tests available to gauge reaction to the potentially harmful toxins and chemicals we tend to invite into our homes. The key is to understand what we’re dealing with.

In his foreword to The Autoimmune Epidemic, Dr. Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D. professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, says, “There is no doubt that autoimmune diseases are on the rise and our increasing environmental exposure to toxins and chemicals is fueling the risk. The research is sound. The conclusions, unassailable.” 

There are several possible factors that may link chemicals and toxins to autoimmune disease.  Among those factors, the following hold the most relevance:

·         Leaky gut, a condition where the protective lining of the digestive track becomes compromised, allowing bacterial toxins, partially digested food, and toxic waste to pass through. Exposure to toxins can exacerbate this condition, which often leads to autoimmune reactivity and eventually disease, if not treated.

·         Of the more than 80,000 chemicals currently used in the United States, most haven’t been adequately tested for their effects on human health (NDRC, 2017). Not good!

·         If it doesn’t come from nature, it shouldn’t be consumed, ingested, inhaled or exposed to the skin. Remember, our skin is an organ and it is porous, so it will absorb what it touches. If the ingredients listed on the bottle are a scientific mystery to you, it’s always safest to avoid it.

Does all of this information mean that we should quit cleaning our houses and cohabitate with dirt and dust mites? No, of course not. But it should make you think twice about what exposure to harsh chemical cleaners and other products such as air fresheners and laundry detergent can potentially do to your health.

 The best solution for improving your autoimmune health and preventing the onset of autoimmune reactivity and disease is to use alternatives to chemical products. Baking soda, lemon or lemon oil, vinegar and castile soap are examples of great natural products that will safely get the job done. There are also an abundance of organic and natural cleaning products for sale at most grocery stores.

If you have increased chemical sensitivities, an autoimmune disease or a family history of autoimmune disease; toxicity and overexposure to chemical agents should be considered and testing is recommended. Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmunity, offers advanced, innovative tests designed to detect and monitor autoimmune reactivities and their possible triggers. Array 11 identifies the loss of immune tolerance associated with toxic chemicals exposure from household cleaning products, makeup, lotions and more, which may lead to inflammation and autoimmune reactivity. This blood test assists in setting guidelines for the avoidance of specific chemicals to reduce the risk of igniting the autoimmune process, and monitoring the effectiveness of the clinical management of protocols.

Seek the advice of your health care professional and raise any concerns with them. Proactivity is the best way to combat the effects of health issues and risk factors. Everybody can benefit from eliminating toxic elements and chemical-laden cleaning products from our environment.



Dr. Chad Larson, NMD, DC, CCN, CSCS, Advisor and Consultant on Clinical Consulting Team for Cyrex Laboratories (joincyrex.com). Dr. Larson holds a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. He is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He particularly pursues advanced developments in the fields of endocrinology, orthopedics, sports medicine, and environmentally-induced chronic disease.


* Not sponsored.

#Autoimmune #HouseholdCleaners #HealthyCleaning #HouseholdChemicals #KitchenCleaners #GreenCleaning #GreenHousehold #GoGreen

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Live Clean Fall Beauty Renew & Repair 6 Piece #Giveaway


Since Fall is officially here as of tomorrow, what better way to celebrate than with a Live Clean Fall Beauty Renew & Repair giveaway!? πŸ‚

Over at Live Clean headquarters, the Fall is a time to renew and repair. The Live Clean Fall Beauty Renew and Repair giveaway includes all the essentials to take care of your hair, skin, and body as we head into the cooler and drier months, and at the same time, also undo some of the damage that may have been done by the harsh summer months.

One lucky reader will win everything pictured which includes 6 of Live Clean's most effective and best-selling products designed to hydrate, moisturize, exfoliate, and cleanse. These products will take care of you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Approximate retail value $65.00.

HAIR
 Live Clean Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo


Live Clean Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo & Conditioner
With 100% pure Argan Oil for enhanced long-term conditioning, maximum shine and protection from the damaging effects of the sun. With added Panthenol for even more moisture and shine, certified botanical Olive Oil to protect against free radicals and certified organic Grape Seed Oil to regenerate and restructure damaged, stressed hair. 

350 mL, suggested retail: $7.49 - $7.99 each.


Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Leave-in Conditioner Spray
Long-term conditioning…shine…protection from sun damage…these are some of the exceptional benefits of Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Leave-in Conditioner Spray with 100% pure Moroccan Argan Oil. LIve Clean's added certified organic Grape Seed and Olive Oils for even greater conditioning. 

150 mL, suggested retail: $6.99

FACE

Live Clean Fresh Face Nourishing Night Cream
Created for all skin types and specially formulated to restore and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Renewing your skin’s moisture balance, you’ll love the morning result: softer, smoother, younger-looking skin. Live Clean's special Orchid extract seals in moisture and replenishes your skin’s moisture barrier while Vitamin C boosts your skin’s radiance and protects. Live Clean's certified organic botanicals, including Lavender, Cucumber, Chamomile, Milk Thistle, Mallow, Aloe and Buckhorn, calm and soothe. 

50 mL, suggested retail: $19.99.


Live Clean Fresh Face Smoothing Facial Scrub
This gentle but determined exfoliant scrub removes impurities and surface dullness revealing a soft, even-toned – and luminous – complexion. Live Clean's secret: natural grains of finely ground corn cob to exfoliate and our Orchid extract to replenish moisture and seal it in. Meanwhile, antioxidant Vitamin C boosts radiance and our perfect combination of certified organic botanicals – Lavender, Cucumber, Chamomile, Milk Thistle, Mallow, Aloe and Buckthorn – calm and soothe weary skin. 

140 g, suggested retail: $14.99.

BODY

Live Clean Coconut Milk Moisturizing Body Lotion 
Enriched with luscious tropical Coconut Milk, certified organic Apricot extract and Vitamins C, E, and B.  This rich, creamy body lotion hydrates and restores moisture balance to dry skin, helps maintain elasticity and improves the natural beauty of the skin. 

500 mL, suggested retail: $7.49 - $7.99.


The pillars of Live Clean: πŸƒ
• 98% plant and natural based ingredients
• SLS and silicone free
• Petrolatum, paraben and phthalate free
• DEA free
• Phosphate free
• Dye-free
• Vegetarian formulas
• Never tested on animals
• Hypoallergenic
• Biodegradable ingredients
• Packaging recyclable


Live Clean leaves out the harsh chemicals which can be hormone disruptors.Limiting exposure to harmful chemicals is imperative to our health these days! I am so grateful to Live Clean for bringing us these natural, chemical free products at an affordable price. 


Live Clean is available at drug stores, grocery stores, mass retailers and online.  

Giveaway is open to Canada only.

Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. The only mandatory entry is to leave a comment. All other entries are optional and will earn you more entries.

Good luck to everyone! πŸ€



Sunday, September 17, 2017

FabFitFun Starter / Trial Box Fall 2017


When a friend offered me the chance to try out FabFitFun's subscription service for just the cost of shipping, I jumped at the chance!

Cost: $8 USD for Canada or $2 USD for the USA.

If you didn't know, FabFitFun is a quarterly lifestyle subscription box that offers everything from health to beauty products and more. The value of the box is always much more than the cost. The cost of a full-size seasonal box is $49.99 USD. New members can always find codes for $10 off your first box (as of today, I found the code "SPICE" will get you $10 off of your first full-size subscription box).

The starter box is a sampling of what you could receive in a FabFitFun subscription box. It contains 3-4 full-size products, and products can vary per box.

I wanted to share what I received in my box as when I did a google search to see what I might receive if I went for this trial box, I really didn't find much on the web.

Let's dive in and see what I received...




Realher Playbook Eyeshadow palette in "Do Your Squats" $28 USD

 I love the colours in this palette and it has a great mix of mattes and shimmers. The palette is a nice compact size and contains a full-size mirror. I can't wait to use it!


Jook & Nona 18K Gold Plated Tag Necklace in "Happy" $65 USD
 I really like the style of this necklace. It's nice and simple and will go with everything. I just wish that I received a different saying. πŸ˜„


Spongelle Body Wash Infused Buffer $16
 Hypoallergenic body sponge made with natural ingredients to moisturize and rejuvenate your skin.


Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion $58 USD
Provides both physical and chemical exfoliation to effectively remove dead skin and improve skin's texture.


I was quite happy with what I received for only $8 USD. 

My box contained 4 full-size products with a value of $167.00 USD!

I'm excited to try everything in this starter box and it was definitely a fabulous value!

Did you try out this starter box? If so, what did you receive?

*Note: to receive a starter box, you need to get an invite from someone who has a full subscription to FabFitFun.

You can learn more about FabFitFun Here.


Thursday, September 14, 2017

Covergirl Vitalist Elixir Foundation + Melting Pout Liquid Lipstick Review

*Products featured were sent free for review. All opinions are my own.




Influenster sent me 2 new products by Covergirl. I received their new Elixir foundation in 610/ Classic Ivory and their new Melting Pout liquid lipstick in 105/ Gel-Ful. 



I have avoided drugstore foundations for years, as I always found that they would oxidize and/or be orange in tone. This foundation has blown me away! It doesn't oxidize, the shade 610 (classic ivory) is perfect for my light-medium skin tone that is neutral leaning warm. I have aging, dehydrated and acne prone skin. The Covergirl Vitalist Elixir foundation makes my skin look healthy, hydrated, and gives me a bit of a healthy glow. I get medium coverage using the Real Techniques Beauty Sponge, and heavier coverage with a brush. The coverage is buildable, but I really like the medium coverage that I get with the makeup sponge. 


This product also gets major points for looking natural and NOT clinging to dry patches or accentuating pores. I get a "my skin but better" look. In my opinion, this foundation is as good as high-end ones. And, this one doesn't cause me to breakout! Another bonus is that this foundation has SPF 20! I truly adore this foundation!



Covergirl Vitalist Elixir Foundation swatches in Classic Ivory (610)




Covergirl's Melting Pout Liquid Lipstick has a fabulous formula. It's not your typical liquid lipstick in that it doesn't dry down, however, it is long-lasting. I like to apply a very thin layer, and application is easy with the sponge tip applicator. The colour 105 (Gel-Ful) is a nice coral/nude shade that would suit most skin tones. I find the formula moisturizing which is rare for a long-lasting lip product. It doesn't accentuate the dehydration or lines which is amazing for my aging lips. The formula gives my aging lips a more youthful look, unlike a lot of lip products on the market these days. However, it does stain the lips slightly and I find that the staining effect can accentuate dry patches if you have any. So, I recommend exfoliating the lips for best results. Another tip is to blot your lips for a more matte look.



Applicator and swatch of Covergirl's Melting Pout Liquid Lipstick in Gel-Ful (105)




Images below show me wearing both of these products.


Verdict: I truly love both of these products! The foundation is a perfect match and I'd love to pickup the Melting Pout Lipstick in some other shades! (ie. nudes if you know me!) πŸ’—

Have you tried these new Covergirl products? What are your thoughts?





Post contains referral links. Thank you for your support.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Monthly Empties | Makeup, Skincare, Beauty, and Health

*Not sponsored. Post contains affiliate links


Hello, September!

This summer went by super fast! I'm excited about all the great things about the fall time, but not sure I'm ready to say bye to summer yet.. not that I have a choice. 😜

The end of a month means it's time for my August Empties where I'll share my thoughts on each product and if I'd repurchase them or not. Links to products can be found in the product headings wherever possible. 


Skincare

La Roche-Posay Micellar Water for Reactive Skin
I received this product for testing purposes and I really loved it. It was very gentle and soothing and did a great job at removing makeup, dirt, and debris. It lasted a very long time! The full review linked here.

Repurchase- Yes

NeoStrata Wrinkle Repair Moisturizing CC Cream SPF 30
I did a full review on this product (linked here). I love the ingredients but the coverage was just too sheer for me.

Repurchase- No

Nip & Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Cleansing Pads
I received several products from the Nip + Fab line for review and their products changed my skin for the better so quickly (full review linked here). I want to try even more from this brand!

Repurchase- I would but want to try more from this brand

Miracle 10 Light Serum
I didn't notice any benefits while using this serum. It may have even been causing a few breakouts, so I used it on and off. I haven't had any luck with Miracle 10 products so far. As you can see, I didn't even finish it and I'm calling it a day with this serum.

Repurchase- No

Miracle 10 Night Cream
Again, I didn't notice any benefits from the Miracle 10 products that I've used so far and that includes this night cream. I did finish this night cream but I was surprised and disappointed that I didn't notice anything special from using it.

Repurchase- No



Health

Garden Of Life Primal Defense HSO Probiotic Formula
This is my holy grail probiotic. I have tried others but nothing compares for me. This product keeps all of my IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms under control. The full review linked here.

Repurchase- YES!

Country Life Olive Leaf Extract
This is my first time trying this product. I couldn't believe all of the reported health benefits of this herb, from heart health to fighting infections, the list is extensive. I have to say while taking this I did feel an overall feeling of wellness.

Repurchase- Yes

Modern Era Naturals Lipo-Capsulated Glutathione GSH
I received this product for trial purposes. I still have to do a full review on the products that I've tried. These products are really high quality and not like your typical supplements. They are formulated in a way that they are immediately absorbed into the body and they don't get broken down by stomach acids like typical supplements. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant and plays an important role in immune function and detoxification. This line is more expensive than your typical supplements but I can 100% say that it's worth it! Vegan, Non-GMO, and gluten-free.

Repurchase- Yes

Modern Era Naturals Lipo-Capsulated Vitamin B12
Again, I received this product for trial purposes. I found that I slept better and had more energy while taking this B12 supplement. This in combination with their Vitamin C helped me get over some severe and prolonged vertigo that I was going through. The liposomal technology used in these products makes them unique and much better absorbed by our bodies. Vegan, Non-GMO, and gluten-free.

Repurchase- Yes


Beauty

Live Clean Pink Fire Shampoo
This is one of my favorites to take care of my color-treated and bleached hair. It's gentle, moisturizing, and helps me maintain my color.

Repurchase- YES!

Plus White 5 Minute Teeth Whitening System
Sadly, I let this sit in the back of my cabinet too long and when I went to use it again, it had turned to pure liquid instead of a gel. I did use it a few times when I first purchased it but not enough to notice a difference. I will purchase this again and hopefully not forget about it and let it expire! Ps. It's very budget-friendly!

Repurchase- Yes

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
My favourite mascara of all time! The full review linked here. It gives me huge lashes, doesn't flake or smudge, and is easy to remove! And, who can beat the price tag at $4.99 CAD!?

Repurchase- Heck yeah!

What products are you loving lately?

Have a great Septemeber, everyone! πŸπŸ‚




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