The Fat Melting Body Wrap
-Learn how to create your own!

There are many theories as to when and how fat cells develop. Some scientists say it happens during fetal development. Some say fat cells develop until the age 12 or pre-puberty. In either case, after they have fully reproduced, what fat cells you have are the ones you will have for the rest of your life. After that, they grow in size, but they no longer reproduce. This could explain why some people gain weight faster than others, or gain more weight, for that matter. The debate and research will still rage on.

The minerals used in “The Fat Melting Body Wrap”, magnesium, potassium, and MSM (Methylsulfonymethane), have reputations as detoxifying agents. Magnesium is a vital catalyst in enzyme activity, especially those that are involved with energy production. It also assists in calcium and potassium absorption. Potassium aids in proper muscle contractions, and works with sodium to control the body’s water balance. Potassium also regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. MSM is an organic sulfur compound that has a powerful healing and detoxifying effect, especially on a cellular level. It is primarily used as a supplement to relieve inflammation due to injury.

"The Fat Melting Body Wrap" works on the principal that the major cause of weight gain is attributed to a build-up of toxins in fat cells and lack of balance between salt and water in the body. The wrap works by using elastic bandages soaked in a mineral solution. The mineral solution opens pores and shrinks fat cells. That’s right, shrinks them! It draws out impurities from the fat cells, in turn reducing their actual size. The act of firmly wrapping your body helps to draw excess water from it, as well. The key to getting the most from the wrap is to do some form of light physical activity during the 1 hour period suggested by the developers of the wrap. Some testimonial activity suggestions include: house-cleaning, walking, light-weight training or using a treadmill, elliptical trainer, or trampoline. Exercising helps circulation and helps to burn calories. The more active you are, the better the results. Physical activity will help release more water, as well.

If you are able to sustain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, the pounds stay off well after doing the body wrap. The wrap developers recommend avoiding alcohol and caffeine for the first 48 hours after finishing the process. This makes the fat cells more resilient to toxins and helps sustain results. The wrap can be performed once a week for 8 weeks. When doing subsequent wraps, you may not loose as many inches as the first time, but it will help sustain a long-term effect.

Whether you are trying to manage those few extra pounds or trying to jump start a positive lifestyle change, the "Fat Melting Body Wrap" may provide just the boost you’re looking for!

Ingredients:
 
-15-20 Ace bandages
-2/3 cup each of powdered magnesium, potassium, and MSM
-2 gallons distilled water
-plastic poncho - to retain moisture in the bandages
-sponge or wash cloth
-an assistant is always helpful
 
1.) Use a clean pot or bucket large enough to submerge all bandages. Add distilled water and minerals to container.
2.) Add bandages, still rolled, and soak for 30 minutes.
3.) While bandages are soaking, conduct an allergy test on your wrist with mineral solution. Allow 30 minutes before proceeding. If any redness or irritation occurs, do not continue.
4.) Take measurements of body parts you intend to wrap. Write them down for an accurate read.
5.) Begin wrapping firmly from your legs and wrap your way upwards. Wrap should be snug but not restrictive of motion. Don't forget to sport the poncho.
6.) Begin light physical activity, walking, cleaning, ect. This stimulates blood flow.
7.) Every 20 minutes remoisten bandages with sponge or wash cloth. Remove after 1 hour.
8.) Shower, re-measure, and enjoy the quick results!

Sources:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Balch, Phyllis A., CNC and James F., M.D. Penguin Putnam, Inc. NY. 2000.

Water Retention Got You Down?
-Dealing with water retention and bloating during the summer

Water retention, bloating, and edema are very common during the summer months. Here are a few ways to keep the discomfort to a minimum:

- Drink at least 64oz of water over the course of the day. Your body retains fluid if it feels that it is at risk of dehydration.

- Keep truckin’. A large number of us sit in front of a computer most of the day or stay stationary in some way, that includes people that are on their feet most of their workday. Take a few minutes and stretch to get that blood moving, perhaps take a short walk around the block or building. This works your muscles and helps flush excess water from your body.

- Take your vitamins. Studies have shown that taking 1,200 milligrams of Calcium everyday will help relieve bloating and prevent water from building a reserve in your body. Please note: Calcium is better absorbed if taken with magnesium and vitamin D at bedtime. Multi-vitamins are a great source of nutritional support especially for dieters that are having a hard time kicking their late afternoon sugar fix. That sugar fix feeling can be correlated to a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Just be sure to take them before 5pm. B vitamins may cause restlessness if taken too late in the day.

- Don’t pass the salt? Try to limit your salt intake to 2,200 milligrams daily, the new national standard. Our bodies retain water to compensate for excess salt. Your body’s first reaction is to dilute the salt consumed.

- Don't skip the most important meal of the day - breakfast. Doctors and nutritionists alike say the best way to loose weight, and keep it off, is to eat within the first 2 hours after you awake. Even a small meal will do. If you do not eat within this time period, your body goes into starvation mode. This means, all the calories you absorb for the rest of day are stored as fat and not used as fuel. That sometimes includes excess water.

Sources:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Balch, Phyllis A., CNC and James F., M.D. Penguin Putnam, Inc. NY. 2000.

Natural Remedies for Soothing Sunburns
- Treating sunburns with herbal supplements

Sunburns, commonly first-degree burns caused by over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, result in painful, burning skin that eventually peels off to reveal new skin beneath. Although plenty of over-the-counter remedies are available for treating sunburns, there are several natural remedies available as well.

According to Mark Stengler, N.D., low levels of carotenoids in the diet may actually make you more sensitive to the sun. Carotenoids are a class of compounds related to vitamin A and are broken down into several subclasses including carotenes, lycopenes, and lutein. Found in yellow, red, green and orange vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, and spinach, carotenoids act as antioxidants, anticancer agents, and can decrease the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Carotenoids, specifically beta-carotene, reduce the oxidation of DNA and disable reactive oxygen species molecules generated by exposure to sunlight. Therefore, insuring your body has a sufficient amount of carotenoids will help to protect your sun from the harmful rays of the sun, hopefully preventing sunburns before they occur.
*When taking a caroteniod supplement, it is recommended that a mixed carotenoid supplement is used.

A study found that Pycnogenol, the trademarked name for the French Maritime pinebark extract, reduced UV-induced redness in 21 volunteers. Pycnogenol is one of the main sources of oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs, unique photochemicals known as flavonoids that have powerful antioxidant capabilities. Pycnogenol can help support the immune system and slow aging – something over-exposure to the sun increases. OPCs also moderate your body’s allergic and inflammatory responses by reducing histamine production – acting as a natural anti-histamine which is recommended for the treatment of sunburns.

Aloe Vera Gel, not only has an immediate cooling effect on sunburned skin, but may also stimulate healing. The pulp taken directly from the inside of the aloe plant is the most effective form, however, not as readily accessible as a supplement or gel. Avoid aloe products that contain mineral oil, paraffin waxes, alcohol, and coloring. Instead, choose pure aloe gels and supplements, containing at least 80% aloe vera. Aloe vera gel will help to relieve discomfort, speed up the healing process, and moisturize the skin.

Amino Acids, specifically L-glutamine, are required for tissue growth and repair. L-glutamine helps prevent secondary infections that can occur with sunburns. It also enhances antioxidant protection and has been shown to aid in the treatment of tissue damage caused by radiation associated with cancer treatments as well as sun damage. L-glutamine can be found in raw spinach and parsley and can also be taken in supplement form.

And last, but not least, water is essential for aiding in the healing process. Sunburns dehydrate the body and replenishing your cells with water is imperative. In addition to drinking plenty of water (at least 12 oz. every two hours), soaking in a bath of cool (not cold) water combined with 1 cup of baking soda for around 30 minutes will relieve pain and stinging.

Chamomile and lavender oils added to a tub of lukewarm water can also relieve sunburn discomfort. Choose your favorite scent and soak for 30 minutes – not only will you feel better, you’ll smell good too!

The sun is a wonderful pleasure, but remember, too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing!

Prevention is the best way to avoid the discomforts of sunburn. Be sure to wear sunscreens with SPF’s of 15 or higher on all body parts exposed to the sun and apply the sunscreen regularly. Or keep your skin covered with light-weight, yet tightly woven fabrics, covering your head and face with a hat, and protect your eyes with UV sunglasses.

Sources:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Balch, Phyllis A., CNC and James F., M.D. Penguin Putnam, Inc. NY. 2000
Greatlife Magazine. June 2005. Healthy Family: Natural Ways to Keep Everyone Well: Sunburn Soothers, p 38. Stengler, Mark N.D.

The Herbal Extract
Turmeric: Poor Man’s Saffron - Rich in Health Benefits

Turmeric, Curcuma Longa, is a perennial plant native to India and south-east Asia. Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, has been used for centuries as henna and clothing dyes. Turmeric is also the most commonly used herb in Indian cooking, especially curry. It has been symbol of prosperity and a cleansing herb for the whole body in ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric’s many names include: curcuma, gauri, hauldi, you jin, and Indian saffron.

Turmeric is the primary anti-inflammatory herb in ayurvedic medicine. Its main chemical component, curcumin, fights viral infection, free radical cancer cells, and arthritis through its powerful antioxidant action. It is used in the treatment for tendonitis, bursitis, repetitive motion syndrome (such as carpal tunnel), eczema, and endometriosis. Some doctors prefer their patient take a turmeric supplement in replacement of hydrocortisone shots, because it is comparable in ability without the unwanted side effects.

Curcumin causes the death of cancer cells arising from several different types of tissue. In laboratory test, this compound killed cultures of human leukemia cells. It affects skin cancer by counteracting the carcinogenic effects of ultraviolet light. It has been shown to aid in cancer recovery by stimulating the immune system. Curcumin stimulates the production of B cells, which are depleted in people with chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and ovarian cancer.
Because turmeric is a cleansing herb, it aids in the breakdown of gallstones by producing an enzyme that digests sugar and fat, and stops cholesterol from crystallizing into gallstones.

Liberal use of turmeric in the diet has a similar, but less pronounced effect. Turmeric’s effect on sugar and fats may help combat chronic indigestion. Turmeric also helps reverse the effects of liver damage caused by excessive iron consumption. This detoxifying effect keeps alcohol and other toxins from being converted to a harmful form within the liver.

Turmeric is even good for treating Halitosis (bad breath) and periodontal disease. Turmeric acts against gum inflammation by halting the action of the gene that creates gum-irritating chemicals. Curcumin, in turn, “robs” bacteria of sites to grow. Please note that turmeric used for this purpose should not be combined in curry. This deters progress.

Curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body and therefore combinations with bromelain prove to be the most effective. Bromelain aids in the process by breaking down the vital components for better absorption. People with congenital heart disease, obstructive jaundice, acute bilious colic, extremely toxic liver disease, a blood clotting disorder, or if you are pregnant, nursing or trying to conceive, should seek advice from their doctor before using. Side effects are uncommon unless one suffers from the disorders listed above.

Turmeric is an ancient healing herb that has been a part of our ancestral past since its first recorded use in 600 B.C. Why not include a little piece of our natural history in your life!