Are You Loosing Too Much Hair?

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Linda

We all want thick luscious hair!  

Well if you implement some of these suggestions, your hair will be growing back in no time!

  • Majority of men and women are affected by hair loss at some stage in their lives
  • Men lose hair at a faster rate than women
  • Hair is in a constant cycle – growth / rests / renews itself
  • 100,000 hairs on the average head
  • Colour, curl, thickness, length – genetic factors.
  • Hair is dead, except for the root also known as the bulb, which is anchored to the base of the hair follicle.

How much hair should we be losing each day?

  • Natural to lose some hair each day…. 30 – 100 hairs on average

What are the Different Types of Alopecia?

Permanent = when the root is damaged

Temporary = can fix

1. Male Pattern Baldness (androgenic alopecia)

2. Female Pattern Baldness (androgenic alopecia)

3. Diffuse Hair Loss in Women

4. Temporary shedding of hair eg

* Traction alopecia – ponytails, plaits, buns (around scalp)

* Nervous conditions – people pull on hair + chew (similar to nail biting)

* Rough handling – brushing too hard, hot curlers, over-bleaching

5.  Alopecia Areata (Bald PATCHES)

What are the main CAUSES of hair loss?

1. Hormonal

2. Genetics

3. Ringworm infection (fungal)

4. Chemotherapy

5. Shock / stress and anxiety

6. Nutritional deficiencies – vegetarians/ b12/ Fe

7. Other diseases

8. Illness, surgery (anasthetics) and infections (Bali belly)

9.Pregnancy, childbirth, post pregnancy

10. Menopause & peri-menopause

11. Contraceptive Pill

12. Crash diets

13. Anorexia

12. Medications & drugs eg steroids

Tests for Hair Loss

There are around 8 different tests that need to be done to ascertain the cause of individual hair loss and alopecia.

Herbs for Hair Loss

There are 4 specific herbal medicines used to slow the loss of hair and also to prevent hair loss in men and women.

These are western herbs which need to be prescribed by your naturopath.

Hair Loss Diet – Alopecia Diet

Besides a high protein diet, there are TARGET foods that are critical to eat which will prevent and slow down hair loss.

Vitamins and Minerals for Hair Loss

Besides the B Group vitamins there are around 5 other very important vitamins and minerals. Ask your naturopath to go through them with you.

How long does regrowth take in women?

Approximately within 3-6 months the hair will be regrowing at a good rate.

Lifestyle factors

Drugs/ medications / vaccinations / stress / dyes and bleaches all need to be taken into consideration

For more info see “The Skin Program” Book at www.lindaparker.com.au/products

Posted in Allergies, Alopecia, Detox, Hair Loss, Liver problems, Skin care, anti-dandruff | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eczema is Itchy!

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Linda

ECZEMA  – Atopic Dermatitis

  • Eczema is an intensely itchy, inflammatory skin condition
  • The skin is dry, red and thickened
  • There may be lumps, papules, scaling and weeping blisters or thick plaques
  • Commonly found behind the knees, elbows, wrists and face.
  • Can occur at any age and is common in infants, affecting 3 – 7% of the population at some point.
  • Mostly Eczema is caused by some kind of allergy (80% of patients), but can also be caused by stress and immune abnormalities
  • Food sensitivity IgG tests are a must to have done to identify cause
  • Some common foods causing eczema include nuts, wheat, dairy and oranges

Luckily natural treatment using natural remedies such as herbal remedies  and vitamins along with changes in diet and stress,  can improve and eliminate Eczema totally

For more information go to www.lindaparker.com.au/products/books

Posted in Allergies, Eczema & Psoriasis, Skin care, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Linda’s Chicken Soup Recipe

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Linda
This traditional chicken soup recipe has been handed down the generations.
  • Excellent for the winter cold!
  • Has antiviral effects
  • Improves hydration and nutrients
  • Helps clear excess nasal mucous
  • Improves energy
Ingredients
1 Free Range Chicken
1 package of chicken wings
3 large onions (chopped)
1 clove of garlic
1 large sweet potato
3 parsnips
2 turnips
12 large carrots
5 sticks of celery
1 handful of parsley
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Method
  • Clean the chicken, place in a large pot of cold water and bring to the boil
  • Chop into small pieces or in a blender all the ingredients then add all of them to the pot
  • Boil for 1 and 1/2 hours with the lid on.
  • Keep checking and remove the fat from the surface, as it accumulates
  • You can choose to remove the chicken (can be used as a side dish) or shred off pieces of flesh and keep in the soup – it is up to you!
Enjoy!
http://www.lindaparker.com.au
Posted in Cold & Flu, diet, recipes | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Braised Okra with Tomatoes Recipe

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Linda

The vegetable OKRA is so good for you in so many ways!

  • Binds cholesterol and toxins, removing them from the body
  • Bulks up the stools, preventing constipation and healing to the bowel walls
  • Good probiotic (helps good bacterias)
  • Normalises blood sugar
  • Reduces and normalises acid in the body (great for arthritis)
  • High in fibre, protein, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A & C and iron!
This Recipe serves 4 people  – Preparation Time: 30 minutes  – Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 kg fresh okra
400g canned tomatoes (pureed)
1/2 cup of olive oil (cold pressed virgin)
1 medium sized onion grated or chopped finely
6 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon of raw sugar
Sea salt and pepper to taste
3 lemon slices, peeled
1 ripe tomato sliced
Method
  • Wash and trim the cone shaped stem ends (careful not to tear the okra)
  • Dip the trimmed end into a little bit of sea salt then place in colander and allow to stand for 1/2 hr.
  • Saute onions in the oil in a shallow pan until transparent
  • Add tomatoes, parsley, sugar, pepper and lemon slices
  • Cover and simmer for 5 -10 minutes
  • Add the okra, stir well with the sauce and place tomato slices on top, sprinkle with some sea salt & pepper
  • Cover and cook on medium high heat until boiling point.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes
  • Add a little water if necessary but don’t overcook the okra
  • Try not to stir the okra during the cooking process as they may break up (delicate little things)
  • To blend just shake the pot a few times
* Enjoy with your favourite meat, chicken or fish or even eat as a vegetarian option main course as they are very high in protein.
* Excellent recipe for IBS, crohns disease, or any inflammatory condition in the body!


http://www.lindaparker.com.au
Posted in Diabetes, IBS, recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top 10 Ways to get “ALL-DAY ENERGY!”

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Linda

Are you Tired ALL the time….or just struggle to get through the day?
Well, try these excellent tips to help improve your energy and overall stamina.

1) Power Breathing – 5 minutes first thing in the morning – then 2 x more during the day. (see the exercises in the book “The Skin Program”. (www.lindaparker.com.au/books)

2) Meditation – 10 minutes each morning and 10 minutes each night.

3) Energy Boost Juice after lunch – 1 Apple, 1 x Orange, 1 tspn Spirulina, 1 tspn Kelp and small piece of Pineapple.

4) Boiled eggs – highest form of protein that providing endurance energy.

5) Almonds – handful each day – another excellent form of protein and essential oils.

6) Sunshine – 5 minutes each day – Extra Vitamin D3 supports
the immune/nervous and skeletal system and is a natural mood booster.

7) Amino Acids – eg Carnitine and Tyrosine as well as Coenzyme Q10 – improve and activate the energy centre of the cell (mitochondria).

8) Goji Berries – 40 mLs of juice daily, speeds up the body’s metabolism
and is a major antioxidant and energy boost.

9) Weight Resistance – daily upper/lower body weights to improve physical strength and endurance (5 mins)

10) Snack on Alkalising fruits and vegetables throughout the day –
reduces the stress hormone Cortisol and increases vitamins and minerals

to improve energy.

For more info go to http://www.lindaparker.com.au/

Posted in diet, energy | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CELLULITE! – Top 4 Tips for Reducing Cellulite

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Linda

Women….listen up!   Secretely we all have a bit….but what can we do?

There are 4 very good ways to combat the dreaded Cellulite…

1) Deep Tissue Remedial Massage – helps break up fat tissue,
improving blood circulation to target areas….especially good around the buttocks and thighs.

2) Lymphatic Drainage Massage – a specialised form of massage
that improves the health of the lymphatic system. It is the lymph nodes
that once activated, reduce excess fluid, toxins and waste.
It is a very important system to activate in order to reduce cellulite
and trapped waste in fat tissue.

3) Lymphatic exercises – eg rowing machine, step machine and freestyle

swimming are the best types of exercises to improve the effectiveness
of the lymphatic system and clear away excess fluid and toxins from
adipose tissue (fat tissue). This is because these exercises have a “pumping”
action which activates nodes under the arms and in the groin areas
where the major lymph nodes are located.

4) Herbal Teas – combine the fresh leaves of Cleavers (lymph tonic),
Fennel (stimulant) and Dandelion Leaves (kidney tonic) with a few
small pieces of chopped Ginger Root (circulation stimulant) –
these are all very helpful for slimming, cellulite detoxification
and excess fluid removal.

Won’t take long before you feel toned and sexy again with no more cellulite.

http://www.lindaparker.com.au/

Posted in Cellulite, Exercise, Massage, Weight loss, diet | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Home-Made Natural FACE SCRUB

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Linda

We all want smooth soft skin. We’ve all tried so many FACE SCRUBS!

Well now you can make your own. We’ll use only natural ingredients….it’s cheaper plus
the ingredients will not harm your skin in any way.

Exfoliating dead skin cells results in radiant and youthful looking skin.

Ingredients:

- 2-3 tablespoons of Raw Oats (ground)
- 1-2 tablespoon of Honey
- ¼ teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 drops of Carrot Seed Essential Oil
- 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil
- 2 drops of Damask Rose Essential Oil

Method:

• Crush the oats in a grinder.

• Add the honey and vinegar to form a smooth paste.
• Combine it with the oils to form a paste.

Apply the paste to your face carefully avoiding the eyes.
Rinse off after 15-20 minutes.

This Face Scrub should be done 1 x week and can also be used on the back!
For more Recipes go to “The Skin Program” at www.lindaparker.com.au/books

Posted in Cellulite, Eczema & Psoriasis, Rosacea, Skin care, Uncategorized, acne | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Home-Made Natural Mouth Wash

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Linda

Do You Suffer from BAD BREATH??
One of the most effective remedies for Oral Hygiene, is a good MOUTH WASH.

Many Mouth Washes have harmful chemicals in them that really should NOT be
ingested.

So let’s make our own! This way you’ll know you won’t be swallowing anything that can harm you.

It takes care of certain dental problems, removes bad breath, and keeps the gums healthy.
Make it yourself at home using a few basic items.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of Water
- ¼ cup Plain Soda drink
- 4 drops of Glycerol
- 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel
- 10 drops of Peppermint or Spearmint oil

Method:

• Boil the water.
• Add soda, aloe-vera gel and glycerol to it.
• After it cools, add peppermint oil.
• Mix well and store in an air-tight bottle.

- Boil a small piece of cinnamon stick in a cup of water, cool it and use it as mouthwash

This mouth wash is great for the whole family.
For more recipes go to “The Skin Program” at www.lindaparker.com.au/books

Posted in Bad breath, Halitosis, Hygiene | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Home-Made Natural Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Linda

Dandruff occurs in your scalp due to excessive shedding of skin cells.

The causes can be poor diet, stress, detergent shampoos that contain harsh chemicals, poor circulation, yeast infections, over active oil glands, and more.

The ingredients can all be purchased from the local supermarket & /or health food store.

Ingredients:

- ¼ cup liquid Castile Soap
- 1 cup Water
- ¼ cup Aloe Vera gel
- 2 tablespoon Plain Vinegar ( or Apple Cider Vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (Sweet Almond, Coconut or Grapeseed oil)
- 1 tablespoon Calendula oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Peppermint leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried Thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried Rosemary leaves
- 3 drops of Eucalyptus oil

Method:

• Bring water to a boil.

• Add the herbs and leave to simmer for 15-20 minutes.

• Strain the herbs and allow the concoction to cool.

• Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Store the shampoo an air-tight jar.

While using, apply a generous amount to wet hair and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing. You could mix a few spoons of vinegar to the water for a final rinse.

Other remedies include:

- Regular use of Aloe Vera gel. Massage it in to your scalp and wash your hair.

- Mix the juice of a lemon with an oil of your choice, preferably coconut, massage it in your scalp and wash of the next day.

- A mixture of olive oil with equal parts of almond oil can be used as a hair mask. Warm the oils for maximum benefit.

There are more ideas in my new book “The Skin Program” www.lindaparker.com.au/books

Home-Made Natural Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Posted in Allergies, Hygiene, acne, anti-dandruff, recipes | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Dogs With Skin Allergies

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Linda
Do you feel helpless watching your dog scratch like crazy?
Main Causes of Itchy Dogs are:

1)  The wrong diet
2)  Fleas
3)  Chemical shampoos, detergents
4)  Fertilizers, pesticide sprays
5)  Household sprays, perfumes etc
6)  A weak immune system (usually due to poor diet)

What is Natural For a Dog to Eat?
  • Raw meaty bones (NEVER COOKED)
  • Raw chicken, lamb, turkey (preferably less beef)
  • Fish eg mackerel, sardines, tuna, salmon
  • Chopped veges (except those listed below under “Foods to Avoid”) or frozen veges
  • Raw free range eggs – 1 egg three times a week
  • Chicken and turkey necks
What about Water?

There should be at least 2 separate “wide” bowls of fresh water available every day.
Water bowls can collect dirt, bugs, mould and bacteria which is harmful to your dog.

What Foods Should I Avoid?
  • Chocolate & sugar = greater risk of cancer in dogs.
  • Grains eg wheat, bread, pasta (major causes of skin eruptions)
  • Canned, processed dog food, treats and dry biscuits
  • Rolled dog meat (up to 60% grains).
  • Yeast eg breads/biscuits/cake
  • Dairy (anything from a cow)
  • Broccoli, turnips, onions, cabbage, potatoes, spinach, cucumbers (hard to digest)
  • Cooked bones (splinter through the intestinal wall)
  • No microwaved foods
  • Food wrapped in aluminium foil.
Why Shouldn’t I Feed my Dog Canned or Processed Foods?

Because the meat they use here would shock you! They use the following:

  • Pet animals from clinics and shelters that have been euthanized (killed!)
  • Road kill animals, zoo animals
  • Diseased or disabled animals
  • Hair, feathers, beaks and hooves of other animals (including horses & birds)
  • Carcasses that contain high levels of drugs and pesticides
  • Also, full of yeasts, grains and carbohydrates that contribute to obese dogs.

Are you turned off yet?  This material is then cooked and as the grease rises to the top, it is removed, along with the liquid. This leaves only the meat and bone meal.
In other words, this type of food is lacking the necessary “live” nutrients essential to good health & skin.

Useful Supplements to Improve a Dogs Immune System & Skin
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Fish oils
  • Spirulina powder
  • Kelp powder
  • Vitamin C powder

Avoid pharmaceutical drugs. Dogs with skin problems or allergies generally don’t respond well to drugs such as antihistamines, cortisone, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
They loose interest in their food, mope around and feel nausea.
These are only a temporary fix, they don’t address the cause of the allergies or skin problem

NB:  Also, vaccinations (which are NOT compulsory) may cause and also lead to immune problems as well as skin rashes and allergies.

For more information or for a consult visit www.lindaparker.com.au

Posted in Allergies, dogs, pets | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments