Chamomile Tea May Reduce Thyroid Cancer Risk

New research suggests that regularly drinking chamomile tea may help to keep the thyroid gland healthy and reduce the risk of thyroid cancer. 

Dr Athena Linos, an environmental health researcher at Prolepsis in Greece, and colleagues examined cancer rates and dietary habits in 113 patients admitted to 2 Athens area hospitals for thyroid cancers between 1990 and 1993. 

They compared those patients to 138 people without thyroid cancer who were either healthy or had other unrelated diseases, and also to another 286 people with benign thyroid disease. 

After accounting for age, gender, and body mass index, the results showed the odds of developing any type of thyroid malignancy dropped dramatically as consumption of chamomile tea increased. 

In fact, participants who drank chamomile tea 2 to 6-times a week were about 70% less likely to develop thyroid abnormalities, whilst 30-years of regular consumption reduced the risk by about 80%. 

Linos is keen to point out that while the study doesn't prove that chamomile tea prevents thyroid cancer, it does add to a growing body of evidence pointing to the potential health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

ANTI AGING NEWS OF THE DAY!

Hormone Health: Human Growth Hormone

Starting at age 20 or so, the body's level of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) begins to decline, so that by the time we are age 65, many of us have little or no HGH. The decline of HGH is accompanied by many of the miseries we associate with aging, from saggy skin to a potbelly, to a lack of vitality.

Hormone Health for Women: Estrogen & Progesterone

Replenishing the hormones that decline in menopause may help alleviate some of its symptoms.  For these women, either combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT, as estrogen with progesterone) or estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) may be appropriate.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Humans express feelings, and as such, these emotions become the fine lines seen with aging. Squinting leads to crow's feet (lines radiating from the corners of the eyes), frowning causes frown lines (furrows between the eyebrows), and laughing leads to laugh lines (arc-shapes around the mouth).  Wrinkles are a result of age-related weakening of the skin's collagen and elastin, the fibers that keep the skin firm in youth.  To prevent and minimize fine lines and wrinkles, wear sunblock with an SPF 15 or greater, whenever you venture outdoors for more than 15 minutes.  Skin moisturizers containing pregnenolone, a hormone, may help to hydrate the skin and improve visible wrinkles.  In 2005, Canadian researchers proved that beta glucan, the soluble fiber found in the cell walls of oat kernels and an ingredient in some skincare products, can penetrate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

Thin Skin

As we age, the skin becomes papery thin, and suffers from a decrease in oil gland activity (which also may cause skin to become dry).  Largely a function of hormonal decline, you may benefit from a hormone replacement regimen.  Consult an anti-aging physician, who will follow these guiding principles to design your hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimen:

• Use natural, not synthetic, agents

• Select bioidentical hormones, which the body is able to use safely and efficiently

• Prescribe proper dosing (as stipulated by laboratory testing for deficits), not supraphysiologic dosing

• Conduct regular follow-up office visits and lab tests, to monitor progress

Dry Skin

As we age, skin becomes drier.  Actually, "xerosis," the medical name for dry skin, affects only the very outermost layer of the epidermis – the stratum corneum.   Causing the skin to become flaky, itchy, or ‘tight,' discomfort is often the prevailing complaint.  Genetics, disease, lifestyle, and the environment can all cause the skin to become dry.  Drink 1 8-ounce glass of distilled water, with a pinch of salt (for electrolytes), every 1-2 hours that you are awake.  By flushing toxins from the body with liquid that is free of deleterious metals and bacteria, you permit your skin to remain well hydrated.

Rough Skin

Rough skin is commonly caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. These dead cells are usually discarded by the body via a natural process called exfoliation, where newer cells push older skin cells to the surface and the uppermost layer of dead cells flake off to reveal the newer cells underneath. However, for some reason exfoliation does not always happen. The resulting build-up of dead skin cells causes the skin surface to appear bumpy and rough in texture.  Invest in a body brush or loofah.  Body brushing is a good way to stimulate blood circulation, which in turn can help to eliminate toxins, and get rid off dead skin cells. Brush the skin in a circular motion, paying particular attention to the elbows, knees, shoulders, back, and thighs. For the best results, brush every day before bathing or showering.

Dull Skin

Up to the age of 14, the skin on the face exfoliates naturally every 14 days. This quick rate of renewal leaves the youngster with a healthy-looking glowing complexion. However, as we get older the rate of natural exfoliation slows down. By the age of 25 and over the skin will exfoliate every 28 days or so. The resulting build up of dead skin cells can leave the skin looking dull.  Establish a twice-daily skin routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Look for products that contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs), because they can help promote the natural process of exfoliation. Those with sensitive skin may wish to opt for products containing poly hydroxy acid (PHA), as it is non-irritating.

Acne

Acne, America's #1 skin disease, is caused by a disorder of the sebaceous glands (glands in the skin that produce oil) that blocks pores, thus producing an outbreak of skin lesions we've nicknamed as zits, pimples, and other less-flattering names. Use oil-free skin care products and wear oil-free cosmetics and oil-free sunblock to reduce the risk of clogged pores. Do not pick or squeeze acne eruptions, as doing so may cause the blockage to be bushed further into the skin.  If you suffer from acne use a lotion or gel that contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to kill off acne-causing bacteria. If you see no improvement in two months, see a dermatologist.

Veggie Extracts May Improve Skin Health

As the structure of the skin weakens, the level of type-1 collagen, the main structural component in the extracellular matrix, decreases, and the function of dermal fibroblast cells reduces – all of which associate with skin aging.  There is keen interest in discovering natural-based approaches that offset these effects.  Vegetable peptones are plant-derived peptides from protein-rich vegetables such as wheat and pea.  Eulji University (Korea) researchers conducted in vitro experiments that exposed human dermal fibroblast cells to vegetable peptones for 5 hours.  Type-1 collagen production was enhanced, and cell proliferation improved, with greater exposure to the vegetable peptones producing a greater effect.  The study authors report that: “these findings suggest that increased proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts and enhanced production of type I collagen by vegetable peptones occur primarily by inducing the p90 ribosomal s6 kinase–CCAAT/enhancer binding protein [beta] phosphorylation pathway, which is mediated by activating Raf-ERK signaling.”

Let's Support Breast Cancer On Mother's day May 8th, 2016

Dear Friend, Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day to let the women closest to you know that they have made a difference in your life. There’s no better way to honor these women than by supporting an end to breast cancer. You can make a difference for those women who are dear to you, and in the lives of millions of others, by helping to end the disease that will strike 1 in 8 of our mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and friends. Make a Mother’s Day contribution now to support the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s (NBCC) work to end breast cancer in honor of the women you love. My breast cancer was diagnosed 27 years ago. I survived, and I want to make certain that the women I love and the next generation of women do not have to think about breast cancer. I want to make certain we stop losing the women we love to this disease. That is why we need to continue to bring a sense of urgency to our leaders in Washington D.C. and demand a stronger commitment from them. Give now to help NBCC mark Mother’s Day by working for: Innovative Research: NBCC challenges scientists with bold ideas and leads collaborations with researchers and advocates through our Artemis Project®.  Our Artemis plans include a preventive vaccine and work to figure out how breast cancer spreads to other organs and becomes lethal so we can stop that  process.  Broader Access: Breast cancer is a disease without borders. We not only need prevention and a cure, we must not rest until everyone, everywhere has access to those answers. Influence: Our lives are on the line – and we must be at the table whenever decisions are made about breast cancer research and care. NBCC leads the nation in training breast cancer advocates and amplifying stakeholder’s voices, and your support makes this possible. So this year, make Mother’s Day about more than greeting cards and phone calls. By honoring someone now, you’ll make Mother’s Day about action for the 3 million women and their families nationwide living with breast cancer – and for their daughters, granddaughters, sisters, aunts and friends. I look forward to receiving your gift and to continuing to work with you to end breast cancer. Give now to help save lives.  Sincerely,

I'm Fabulous Cosmetics Mother's Day Special Gifts

Are you Mother's Day Ready?

I'm Fabulous Cosmetics would like to offer you a 20% OFF discount on your entire order until May 8th, 2016. Coupon code: mothersday 

And for YOU! 

On all order placed MAY 8TH 2016 for an amount of $250 and more we will add your special gifts:

- Free US & International Shipping

- 1 Free Fabulous Blue Balm 2.3 oz Jar

Redeem your coupon or gift at im-fabulous.com

High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 5%

Introducing I'm Fabulous Cosmetics new High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 5%

Product release date  4/30/16

This fabulous serum at 5% with an extreme concentration, 5%, of Copper Tripeptide GHK-Cu helps to prevent and reverse largely all aspect of visible skin aging. 

2 oz / 60 mL  glass bottle with dropper with serum in it + copper peptide concentrate bottle for mixing.

Proven Benefits:

- Increase collagen I, III, IV production 
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles 
- Reduces acne scars 
- Reduces stretch marks 
- Tightens loose skin 
- Improves skin elasticity 
- Reduces inflammation and irritation 
- Evens skin tone 
- Reduces freckles, spots 
- Reduces Sun Damage 
- Reduces hyper-pigmentation 
- Smooths rough skin - Accelerates wound healing 

This comes in two bottles, one with the blue copper concentrate needed to make up the serum. You activate this yourself by mixing the copper peptide concentrate with the activator serum by shaking for about 30 seconds to mix well and activate your serum. This way you get the freshest product that will stay active for you for the longest time.

The High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 5% encourage skin health to target all aspects of skin aging by keeping the skin in an on going state of repair. 

The peptide is responsible for activation of a wide range of skin health functions, including wound healing, immune function, collagen synthesis, blood vessel development, fibroblast production and anti-inflammatory responses. 

The concentration of this peptide in human plasma continues to drop with aging past late teenage years and this drop exceeds 55% by age 55.

Many anti-aging products on the market contain variations of copper peptides in extremely small amounts. Generally, these variation peptides are found in parts per million in active technologies that topical products claim to include at high percentages but the final concentration of the variation peptides in topical products is generally less than 0.01% and these peptides would then have to be converted to even smaller amounts of pure copper peptides within the skin. 

• This fabulous serum contains 5.0% pure Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) to be mixed with a specialized organic and vegan activator before first use. This extraordinary concentration allows activation of a wide array of skin health functions that help to prevent and reverse largely all aspects of visible skin aging, including textural damage, uneven pigmentation, loss of elasticity, lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores and general lack of a healthy radiance present in younger skin. In short, the skin will act and look younger starting within 5 days with continued improvements over time.

• Animo Acids: (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, LArginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine). Amino acids make up 75% of the human body. proteins, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They band together in chains to form the stuff from which life is born. This is a two-step process: first, they get together and form peptides or polypeptides, and it is from these groupings that proteins are made. Two amino acids joined in a peptide bond constitute a dipeptide, three a tripeptide, several an oligopeptide, and many a polypeptide. A protein can be made up of just one or multiple polypeptides.Amino acids are an essential part of the synthesis of collagen and elastin. When the supply of amino acids is reduced, it affects the renewal of cells, which causes, in particular, the thinning of dermis. So, one would hope that putting amino acids back will help collagen and elastin production. It does, but not just any old amino acids. A study in an academic publication called (appropriately) "AMINO ACIDS,” demonstrated that “branched-chain amino acids” along with two specific amino acids, glutamine or proline, restored collagen synthesis after UV exposure.

• Hyaluronic Acid: 
(Directly combined with a Very-Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Delivery Complex) A unique cross-linked non-animal form of hyaluronic acid that delivers water and water-soluble actives over time into the skin through its nonequilibrium gel structure, helping to maintain high skin water content for longer periods. Complex delivery of water-bound content through this system allows for smaller technologies to penetrate the skin.

Ingredients: Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Silk Amino Acids (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, LArginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin, Plant Stem Cell.

Active Ingredients: Copper Tripeptide GHK-Cu 5%

72% ORGANIC

Instruction and mixing included

FREE SHIP within the USA and International.

FOR MORE INFO AND HOW TO BUY CLICK HERE 

Two Out of Three Food Cans Tested Have Toxic BPA

Two Out of Three Food Cans Tested Have Toxic BPA in the Linings, New Report Says

Nearly 200 Cans Analyzed from Campbell’s, Del Monte, General Mills, Kroger, Albertsons and More

A new report released today by six nonprofit organizations that tested nearly 200 food can linings for the toxic chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA) found that two out of three cans tested have the chemical in the lining. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that negatively impacts our hormonal systems. Evidence suggests it may contribute to a host of harmful health effects including breast and prostate cancer, infertility, type-2 diabetes, obesity, asthma and attention deficit disorder. Other studies have demonstrated the capacity of BPA to migrate into food and then into people, raising concerns about exposures to low, but biologically relevant levels of BPA.

For the first time ever, this report also identified the replacement materials for BPA in can linings, and to what extent – if any — their safety has been studied.

Buyer Beware: Toxic BPA & Regrettable Substitutes in the Linings of Canned Food (#BPA #ToxicFoodCans) was conceived and authored by the Breast Cancer Fund; Campaign for Healthier Solutions; Clean Production Action; Ecology Center; Environmental Defence (Canada); and Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families’ Mind the Store campaign. (The full report can be downloaded here.)

The report identified and analyzed the interior linings and lids of canned foods containing vegetables, fruits, soups, broth, gravy, milks and beans.

The findings were alarming:

• 100 percent of Campbell’s products sampled (15 of 15) contained BPA-based epoxy, while the company says they are making significant progress in its transition away from BPA. Upon learning about the upcoming report, Campbell’s announced yesterday they are eliminating BPA in North American cans by mid- 2017. While this is a step in the right direction, report authors state the announcement left out important details that we think would make this truly good news for Campbell’s soup lovers.
• 71 percent of sample Del Monte cans (10 of 14) tested positive for BPA-based epoxy resins.
• 50 percent of sampled General Mills cans (six of 12, including Progresso) tested positive for BPA.
• Collectively, 62 percent of private-label, or generic food cans (71 out of 114) from retailers analyzed in the study tested positive for BPA-based epoxy resins, including Albertsons (including Randalls and Safeway), Dollar General, Dollar Tree (including Family Dollar), Gordon Food Service, Kroger, Loblaws, Meijer, Publix, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart.
• BPA was found in the majority of private-label canned goods tested at the two biggest dedicated grocery retailers in the United States: Kroger and Albertsons (Safeway). In private-label cans, 62 percent of the Kroger products sampled (13 out of 21), and 50 percent of the Albertsons products sampled (eight out of 16 from Albertsons, Randalls, Safeway) tested positive for BPA-based epoxy resins.
• BPA was found in private-label cans sold at both Target and Walmart, the largest grocery retailer in the United States. In their private label products, 100 percent of Target cans sampled (five out of five) and 88 percent of Walmart cans sampled (seven out of eight) tested positive for BPA-based epoxy resins.
• Discount retailers (commonly known as “dollar stores”) were among the laggards in transitioning away from BPA in can linings. Testing revealed that 83 percent of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar private-label cans (five out of six) and 64 percent of Dollar General private-label cans (nine out of 14) were coated with BPA-based epoxy resins. This is especially a problem because discount retailers are often the major retail outlet in low-income communities—which already face higher levels of BPA exposure.
• Broth and gravy cans were the most likely (100 percent of those sampled) to contain BPA in the can linings; corn and peas were the least likely category (41 percent of those sampled).
• On the positive side, Amy’s Kitchen, Annie’s Homegrown (recently acquired by General Mills), Hain Celestial Group, and ConAgra have fully transitioned away from BPA and have disclosed the BPA alternatives they’re using. Eden Foods reported eliminating the use of BPA-based epoxy liners in 95 percent of its canned foods and stated that it is actively looking for alternatives. Whole Foods has clearly adopted the strongest policy of the retailers surveyed in the report. Whole Foods reports that store brand buyers are not currently accepting any new canned items with BPA in the lining material.

What about the alternatives?

The report found that retailers and national brands that are phasing out BPA could be replacing it with regrettable substitutes. Identifying the safety of BPA alternatives is challenging, given the insufficient FDA review and approval of packaging additives and highly protected trade secrets in this product sector. However, the report found that:

• Aside from BPA, four major coating types were identified among the 192 cans tested: acrylic resins, oleoresin, polyester resins, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) copolymers. There were multiple formulations of these compounds found, but no way to determine the specific chemicals used or how they are produced.
• 18 percent of retailers’ private-label foods and 36 percent of national brands were lined with a PVC-based copolymer that is made from highly hazardous chemicals including vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen. PVC is considered a regrettable substitute.
• 33 percent of retailers’ private-label foods and 51 percent of national brands were lined with acrylic based polymers. Of the cans tested, 39 percent had a polystyrene-acrylic combination, of concern because styrene is considered a possible carcinogen.
• Much more research is needed to determine the safety of these compounds, and what may be migrating from the “alternative” can linings into food.

The report includes numerous recommendations including:

• National brands, grocery stores, big box retailers and dollar stores should eliminate and safely substitute BPA from all food packaging and label all chemicals used in can liners.
• In conjunction with the report release, advocates have launched a national online campaign calling on Kroger and Campbell’s to eliminate and safely substitute BPA. Congress should adopt comprehensive legislation to reform the FDA’s fatally flawed system for reviewing and approving the safety of packaging material.
• Consumers should choose fresh or frozen foods, or only purchase canned food from manufacturers and retailers that fully disclose the identity and safety of their can linings. Look for food packaged in other materials such as glass and Tetra Pak containers.

Quotes from the report authors:

“Most people in the United States are exposed to BPA every day, largely from food packaging, despite the negative health impacts.  It shouldn’t be a buyer beware situation for shoppers every time they set foot in the canned food aisle,” said Janet Nudelman, director of Program and Policy for the Breast Cancer Fund. “Campbell’s and other major national brands need to get BPA out of food can linings and fully disclose the identity and safety of any BPA alternatives they’re using.   Consumers deserve protection from the toxic effects of this hormonally active chemical and the likelihood of exposure to unsafe toxic alternatives.”

“Food manufacturers refused to tell us what chemicals were in their cans, so we reverse engineered and tested them ourselves,” said Jeff Gearhart, MS, the Ecology Center’s HealthyStuff.org research director. “Since they can’t hide these chemicals from consumers anymore, perhaps they will be more motivated to use safer materials.”

“This new report should be a wake-up call for grocery and big box retailers across the nation,” said Mike Schade, Mind the Store campaign director with Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families.  “We found 62 percent of Kroger’s cans in the investigation tested positive for BPA.  As the largest grocery chain in the country, Kroger should be leading the way by developing a clear public timeframe for phasing out and safely substituting BPA in all of their canned food.”

“BPA-free doesn’t mean a can lining is safe, as the substitute could itself be harmful. That is why we are asking companies to take the GreenScreen Challenge and work with us to demonstrate the chemical safety of their can liners,” said Clean Production Action’s Beverley Thorpe, who helps companies understand the value of the GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals as an essential tool for replacing toxic chemicals with safe alternatives.

”While some families are fortunate to have access and means to purchase fresh produce, many communities across America have no choice but to buy canned food lined with toxic BPA,” said Jose Bravo, coordinator of the Campaign for Healthier Solutions. “Some families, live in a food desert where fresh food simply isn’t available, or they can only afford the cheap food sold at dollar stores. These communities, people of color and low-income families are already exposed to toxic chemicals more frequently and at higher levels than the average American. The use of toxic BPA in canned foods means that families will sit down to a double serving of harmful chemicals.”

“The fact that many food cans contain endocrine-disrupting BPA means that Canadians are likely eating food contaminated with the hormone-mimicking chemical,” said Maggie MacDonald, Toxics Program manager with Environmental Defence. “This is very disconcerting, as Canadians who rely on canned foods in their diets are at continuous risk of developing serious health problems.”

- See more at: http://www.toxicfoodcans.org/press-release/#sthash.dZiy0K3E.dpuf

Collagen supports skin health

1. Collagen supports skin health

Vital Proteins has collected significant research showing that ingestion of collagen supports skin health and rejuvenation. According to Vital Protein’s discussion on collagen and skin health,

When collagen is digested, the peptides are attracted to cells that synthesize collagen in the human body, fibroblasts, and are the most common cells of connective tissues in the skin.

Collagen peptides may bring about the production and reorganization of new collagen fibers by stimulating the fibroblasts cells. Furthermore, some studies show that collagen peptides increase the density and diameter of collagen fibrils in the dermis and may improve the strength of skin. 

The Collagen Cookbook

In collaboration with Vital Proteins, I’ve compiled The Collagen Cookbook for you. This beautifully-photographed downloadable cookbook features nutrient-dense, paleo-friendly recipes. Download it here for free, and I hope you enjoy it! 

We love the I'm Fabulous Cosmetics Collagen Peptide Repair Cream