Learn what causes osteoporosis and what we can do to prevent it in the following tips from our experts:

Osteoporosis – The Real Cause

Osteoporosis is one of many names given the deterioration in your bones, which makes bones more fragile and therefore more easily break. As time goes on, bones that have not received increased nutrition, eventually deteriorate, just as any other organ of the body. Unfortunately, there is no real help offered any patient who suffers from osteoporosis, other than more drugs, fake calcium tablets or worse, replacing bone with metal.

But did you know there is an actual cause of osteoporosis? No, not your genes; it is the same cause of arthritis, too — Toxic Buildup! YES, Toxic Buildup leads to all deterioration of bones and joint movement. This is tantamount to adding poison to water then watering flowers with it — eventually all will die! Your bones are exactly the same. Only real food with real nutrition can clean out this Toxic Buildup and put bone density back, and do it swiftly.

D. Wayne, PhD., Best-Selling Author, Natural Healing

Dietary Approach to Strong Bones

• Eat plenty of vegetables, especially leafy greens (which are rich in calcium). Five to seven portions daily and include parsley, roots, and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage. They are rich in magnesium, which are essential in bone formation and calcium utilization.

• Cook with stocks made with vegetables and a stick of kombu seaweed, or with fish, chicken or beef bones and a tablespoon of vinegar to liberate the minerals.

• Eat a moderate amount of sunflower and pumpkin seeds for the minerals and natural fats

• Include a modest amount of whole grains for the fiber and complex carbohydrates

• Eat beans and moderate amount of naturally raised animal foods for protein

• Use butter, extra virgin olive, flaxseed, and unrefined sesame oils for essential fatty acids.

• Avoid foods that create acidic blood pH – such as dairy, meat, and soda. When the body needs to balance blood pH, it will draw calcium from the bones – this can reduce bone density. Phosphorous from soda also compete with calcium for absorption.

Ling Wong, Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Coach, Thoughts For Foods Holistic Health

Learn what foods you should reduce or eliminate from your daily meal plan to help manage your menopause symptoms.

Decrease Simple Sugars

Decrease the amount of simple sugars in your diet and replace with fiberous foods.  Notice if you are still eating meals and snacks that gave you comfort and joy as a child, instead seek out books and recipes that cater to healthy aging and eating.

Celia Westberry, CEO, www.EatYounger.com

Avoid Nightshade Veggies

Eliminating any processed sugar and even natural sugars, except fruit, as well as nightshade vegetables, have helped alleviate my hot flashes. Nightshade vegetables have belladonna, a substance that builds up in the system over time and can cause not only more hot flashes, but joint pain as well. Avoiding them, except on rare occasion, has helped deter these. They are: peppers of any kind, including black pepper and cayenne, jalapenos and red or green peppers; potatoes; eggplant; and unfortunately for us Italian food-lovers, tomatoes. Even avoiding gluten has helped me with hormones.

Debbie Johnson, Author of Fun with GF/LG Food

Debbie Johnson, author of Fun with Gluten Free Food, has provided us with the following sweet, low-sugar, gluten free recipe to enjoy. Debbie explains, “a mostly raw-food dessert, this is a favorite among my friends!”

Sweet and Safe Golden Chalice CAROB – COCONUT TRUFFLES

Serves: 3 -5 people

Soak organic Almonds in purified Water overnight to bring out the full nutritional value in this desert. Rinse well and grind in blender. For organic Raisin Sauce, soak organic Raisins overnight in just enough Water to cover them by about 1/2 inch. The next day, blend until it becomes a Sauce. For organic Coconut, grind 4 oz. dried organic Coconut finely in a clean coffee grinder or other food processor. A blender may work as well. Set aside 2 ounces for coating.

Ingredients:

1 cup organic Unsweetened Coconut, dry, shredded kind
2 Tbsps. organic Carob Powder –either raw or roasted
2 tsps. organic Roasted Chicory root, finely ground (optional – gives more of a chocolatey flavor) -use blender or coffee grinder if necessary
1/8 tsp. Himalayan or Celtic Sea Salt
½ cup soaked, chopped organic Almonds (soak 16 hours, rinse every 8 hours)
1 tablespoon hand-pressed virgin Coconut Oil, melted
¼ cup organic Raisin Sauce (see recipe in paragraph above or p. 38)
1 tablespoon organic Unsalted Almond Butter
¼ tsp. organic Almond Extract or Flavor (Celiacs may not tolerate extract)
I tsp. organic Vanilla Extract or Flavor (Celiacs may not tolerate extract)
¼ tsp. Sweet Leaf Stevia (or more to taste)

Directions:

1. Even though Coconut is shredded, grind finely in dedicated coffee grinder (not used for coffee).

2. Blend all dry ingredients except ¼ cup ground Coconut together in small bowl. Add remaining ingredients and blend well.

3. Roll into balls, sizing as you wish (we used golf-ball size at the restaurant) then roll in last 2 oz. of finely ground organic Coconut. It looks and feels almost like powdered sugar, but it is much better for you!

To learn more helpful tips that will guide you through your menopause and perimenopause years, check out Ann’s book, Dear Menopause, Bring It On!

How can we be sure to maintain strong bone health?  Learn from our experts the do’s and don’ts of naturally treating Osteoporosis.

Maintaining Strong Bones without Dairy

Dairy, although rich in calcium, may not be the best way to maintain bone health. We need to understand that there are many components that are in play in building and maintaining strong bones. Here are some reasons why dairy may not be your best answer:

• There are more fractures in regions that consume milk products (US, Great Britain, Canada, Northern Europe), than in those that don’t (traditional Africa, China).

• The extensive Nurses Study at Harvard, which followed 78,000 nurses for more than 12 years, found that those who drink two or more glasses of milk per day have twice the risk of hip fracture than those who drink a glass a week or less.

• Dairy causes blood pH to become acidic. When the body needs to balance blood pH, it will draw calcium from the bones, further reducing bone density.

• Calcium in dairy may not be the most bio-available, meaning that the body may not be able to utilize all the ingested amount.

• Many people are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzymes to digest the sugar found in dairy. This makes dairy not a viable source of calcium for these people.

Ling Wong, Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Coach, Thoughts For Foods Holistic Health

Non-Dairy Foods High In Calcium

So, if you’re avoiding dairy, what are some other alternative food choices that are high in calcium and promote strong bone health?  Here is a brief list of 10 non-dairy foods that are naturally high in calcium.

Sesame Seeds
Spinach
Kale
Almonds
Oranges
Broccoli
Flax Seeds
Blackstrap Molasses
Collard Greens
Papaya

Natural Ways to Treat Osteoporosis

My favorite nutritional supplements for treating osteoporosis are Strontium Citrate and Vitamin K. I find these therapeutic natural agents quite effective. Discuss with your physician the proper dosage. Avoid Vitamin K if you are taking blood thinners.

Gregg Schneider, DDS, Nutritional Dentist, Dr. Gregg Schneider

Learn what foods you can eat to bid adieu to hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

Ground Flax Seed for Hot Flashes and Regularity

Flax seeds contain lignans which regulate hormones and fiber for proper colon health. Ground flax can be added to baked goods, salads, cereal, yogurt etc.

Dr Gregg Schneider, DDS, Nutritional Dentist, Gregg Schneider, DDS

Support Hormone Balance with Food

Incorporate fermented foods into the diet by consuming foods such as kefir, yogurt, miso or sauerkraut. These foods support hormone elimination. Add ground flaxseeds to smoothies or yogurt. The benefit of fiber helps with constipation and the lignans help ease hot flashes. Flaxseed oil does not have the same benefits.

Karen Roth, Holistic Nutritionist, Karen Roth Nutrition

Kale is Super Food for Menopause

The first time I tried Kale was in a salad, it was absolutly delicious! I got home and called my friend to find out more about this amazing salad. What I learned, Kale is from the cabbage family, which I don’t often eat cabbage due to stomach problems. But, my body loves Kale.

It is the most versatile vegetable I have ever eaten. I love it raw in salads, but you can also stir fry it or use it in soups, you can even juice it; the skies the limit with this hardy leafy vegetable. But there is one secert when eating it raw in a salad. Let it stand for at least an hour before serving, meaning put all your fruits, nuts, cheese and dressing in the salad, mix with lots of love; let chill 1 hour, then serve. Even the next day it is going to be even better. OH! mama, you will thank me later.

Now for those of us that are of menopause age, do a little research of your own. Just google, “what is kale”! You are going to love this new found Super Food. You can buy Kale pre-cut in bags in most grocery stores. Try it yourself and see what it does for you… Here’s to NO more Hot flashes!

Peggy J, Owner, Branded J Collections

Following is a list of foods you can include in your diet to help regulate hormone levels.

Healthy Meals During Menopause for Ever-changing Metabolism

Insomnia, hot flashes, weight gain, and fatigue are just some of the many symptoms women go through when they are dealing with menopause. For some women, the notion of what to eat can become challenging and confusing because of your body’s drastic changes. Most women don’t realize that certain healthy meals can actually offset your body’s hormonal changes that cause you to gain weight during menopause. You may be aging, but that doesn’t mean you have to gain another pound. Here are some of the best healthy foods you can eat when it comes to staying healthy and happy during menopause.

Increase Calcium Intake:

Once you start going through menopause, your need for calcium will also increase. Since your body is producing less estrogen, your bones hold less amounts of calcium, so you need to replenish what you lack. At this point in your life, you need at least 1200mg of calcium per day in order to stay healthy during menopause. By having a glass of low-fat milk, and eating a cup of non-fat yogurt, you should be getting about 1,100 mg of calcium, which means you only need a little more to make up the difference.

Beat the Bloat:

To beat the bloat, you should eat foods that are lower in sodium and carbohydrates but still eat foods that contain whole grains. Eating heart healthy foods like vegetables and whole grains will help with your bloating during your menopausal time, by giving you the fiber you need to relive your symptoms and to keep you healthy.

Dr. Caroline Cederquist, Founding Physician, BistroMD

Foods That Heighten Female Hormone Levels

Soy products contain isoflavones which are similar to human estrogens. Foods harboring soy products include tofu, soy milk, and soy beans. They raise estrogen levels which raise the levels of other homones.

Broccoli contains glucosinolates which play a role in the metabilism of estrogen.

Sugar in its mulitple variations stimulates insulin. Insulin causes other hormones to kick in that increase energy available to the cells. Nutrients in the form of vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, affects calcium and phosphate metabolism strengthening bones and connective tissues.

Our old friend the multiple vitamin with minierals contain nutrients that further stimulate hormone production.

Mark Davis, MD, President, Healthnets Review Services

Learn why it is important to include this step in our beauty regimen so our glands don’t go into over-production, causing our skin to be even more oily.

Take Every Step

Yes!  You have to moisturizer oily skin, but you can incorporate other skin care products to balance the oil out. A lot of women dont realize that there are other steps they could take to get rid of that oily appearance on their skin. It first starts with a good facial cleanser and I really happen to like Cleansing Oils.

A moisturizer is the key that will mattify the oils. Try using a moisturizer that has a gel consistency.  It will absorb excess oil to refine the skin for a matte, yet radiant, complexion.

The last step is to tone the skin. Toning the skin sets it and will purify the skin, making pores instantly appear tightened and minimized.

Josephine Fusco, Makeup Artist and Skincare Expert, Makeup by Josephine

What Ingredients are Best for Oily Skin?

Yes, if people truly have oily skin and have no evidence of skin irritation then I recommend moisturizing oily skin. If someone’s skin is dry or irritated, I recommend a product with hyalaronic acid as the main ingredient which is a hydrator as it doesn’t increase oiliness and feels healing.

Dr. Amy Taub, Dermatologist, Advanced Dermatology, Lincolnshire, IL

Don’t over-do it this spring with heavy application.  Keep things light and simple using the following makeup tips from our expert contributors and professional makeup artists that will keep your skin looking natural and youthful.

Keep It Light and Breezy

The best way to look fresh – and younger! – is to use as little product as you can get away with. You want people to see your skin and let whatever color cosmetics you choose (such as a bright lip, or a smoky eye) take center stage. So, repeat after me: heavy coverage is out, soft is in!

For starters, don’t take the word “foundation” too literally. You don’t have to plaster your entire face with base. Once you’ve found a good color match, apply only where you need coverage and let your healthy skin shine through! If you already stick to sheer products like tinted moisturizers, you’ve got that “covered” – but if not? Make your own! A full-coverage liquid or cream foundation can be thinned with moisturizer until you achieve the perfect level of coverage. Start with a very light application and build up to the amount of coverage you need, where you need it.

Got a bit of redness? Start with a sheer layer of a green or yellow color correcting primer to neutralize the flush, and then apply your skintone shade on top. Use a translucent powder to set.

Over-plucked brows will age your face just as fast as cakey makeup will. Your eyebrows provide the frame for your beautiful face, and their shape is very important, but don’t overdo it: a natural brow is far more youthful and flattering than a thin, heavily plucked one! Your best bet is to get a professional brow shaping from an esthetician, and then maintain their shape. Before you pluck out any hairs, brush your brows straight up and carefully trim the tips that reach above your brow – you may find that you don’t have to pluck as many as you thought. This will keep your brows from becoming too sparse.

Liz Washer, Professional Makeup Artist, Makeup Artistry by Liz

Spring Makeup: Clean and Crisp with a Twist

We love natural makeup, but this Spring, the eyes can go more intense with a little more liner around the eyes. Try a dark brown or black pencil and a lighter brown or violet shadow blended over it. Use an all over eye shadow in peach for fair, matte gold for medium or orange for deeper skin tone. Use a liquid eyeliner on the top lid only.

Cheek color is peachy or pink. Lips can be sheer but keep it very simple. Use colors without frost or lots of gloss. Intense eyes and a natural clean face will say “I’m natural and fashion forward!”

Diana Solomon, Makeup Artist

Bacteria is hiding in places we don’t even consider. Pillow cases and Makeup bags are large culprits for housing bacteria. So, make sure you are taking good care of your skin by using the following acne help tips from our experts!

Splish, Splash!

Before you decide you must use the strongest treatment for acne, try a gentle approach. Start with an acne soap like Sea Mud Soap or Beta Wash. Fill the basin with warm water, lather your skin and splash your face 30 times with soapy water. Then rinse. Now, your face should not have moisturizer, just a toner especially after working out.

Diana Solomon, Makeup Artist/licensed Esthetician

Airbrush Makeup for Clear, Natural Looking Skin

Many brands of makeup containing oils, silicone, paraben, and powered minerals, in some cases will actually make pores larger. These makeup ingredients are rubbed into the skin, thus clogging pores which in many cases cause acne. Additionally, using dirty sponges, powder pads and brushes will not only contaminate your makeup, it can spread bacteria onto your skin potentially causing irritation and breakouts. With airbrush makeup no brushes, sponges or fingers are used to apply the makeup making it the most sanitary, bacteria free method of makeup application.

Dina Ousley, Founder & President, Dinair Airbrush Makeup

All women have a little “romantic female” inside. And age certainly may diminish this somewhat – but does not extinguish our desire to be a female and be appreciated as such. We want to be seen as desirable and youthful as long as possible!

Knowing your best colors and clothing personality will aide you in dressing your best self.  Following are 7 simple tips that will help take the already beautiful you to the next level:

1.  The best cosmetic for any woman is finding joy in her life.

2.  A confident smile may be the sexist thing you can own – and it is free!

3.  Anything “buttoned” is sexy because it may be “unbuttoned” in a man’s imagination. A soft fabric that shows your natural assets – whether it is your legs or bust is always attractive. Of course, v-necks are great if they look good on you. Show as much skin as you feel is truly you!

4.  If you have a beautiful face, show that off with your shiniest, best color near your face and make sure your cosmetics are perfectly done, and not overdone.

5.  A hairstyle that is not overly “fixed” but loose and flowing is attractive to most men.

6.  A demeanor that is approachable is very important. Remember, many men may not be as confident as they appear and might actually be afraid to approach a super confident woman.

7.  Be yourself – but venture out a bit with silky, soft clothing if this is not your norm. And let your body language show that you are open to conversation and maybe a bit more!

Love of life is contagious and a true interest in others will make you the life of the party!

Tica Tallent, Author, What is Beautiful: Secrets From a Personal Shopper

Learn what causes aging on our hands and how to make a habit out of taking care of our most valuable tools.

Causes of Skin Aging on the Hands

UV exposure causes at least 90% of the wrinkles, lines and age/sun spots on hands. That’s why the sun-exposed areas, including the backs of the hands, are highly susceptible to damage. Generally, the hands and the face are the only body parts that are constantly exposed to UV rays and environmental damage. Hands are especially vulnerable to UV damage while driving in the car, but most women don’t apply sunscreen just to drive. Although UVB rays (which cause burning) do not penetrate the windshield, UVA rays (which cause skin aging) reach the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. When melanin-producing cells, called melanocytes, are damaged, age spots begin to form.

Additionally, unlike most of the body (unfortunately), hands have a very thin fat layer, which normally plumps the skin. In the absence of this fat, the veins become much more prominent. Now, do you need any more reason to show your hands a little TLC?

The following measures can be taken to treat and protect the delicate skin of the hands:

• Use products with retinol to increase skin’s natural collagen production, increase cellular turnover, thicken the skin, and lighten age spots.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 20 or higher to protect against future sun damage.
• Keep a tube of SPF hand lotion like Oraser Daily Hand Repair SPF 20 in the car, and apply it at the first opportunity to hands and wrists.
• Use at-home exfoliation treatments to dissolve dead skin cells and polish the surface to reveal smoother skin. • Intense moisturization is critical for the hands, cuticles and nails. At nighttime, a barrier repair lotion will prevent moisture loss.

Dr. Zein Obagi, Creator, ZO Skin Health, ZO Skin Health

Finger Tips

Make applying your moisturizer convenient and a habit by placing products at your finger tips:

• Apply hand cream and cuticle cream after showering and bathing, as it will help seal in moisture.
• Keep a hand cream dispenser by your kitchen and bath sink so that you learn to apply immediately after hand-washing.
• Apply hand and cuticle cream right before bed, when our bodies are rejuvenating.

Becky Sturm, CEO/Founder, StormSister Spatique