Peptide Combinations in Skincare

—Which formulations/combinations is your company currently exploring and why (how they work, skincare benefits, etc)?

We love peptides, and the best combination that we have found to work well against wrinkles has been Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline®) with Matrixyl ™3000. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline®) improves wrinkle depth, wrinkle volume and roughness. Matrixyl ™3000 minimizes crow’s feet and laugh lines, and prevents from further damage and wrinkle formation.

—Are delivery systems (into the skin) an issue? How is that addressed in your formulas?
Usually, peptides are best absorbable when used in a water-based serum, with the addition of low-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid. This is the formulation behind SAIAN Active Renewal Serum.

—This topic can easily get confusing for even the most well-versed esthetician: what advice can you give for ways to sort through all their peptide product options, and to interpret labels?
As we all know, ingredients are listed on the label starting with the most prevalent to the least prevalent. It’s important to choose a product which is water-based, and has peptides in the beginning of the ingredient list – this way you can be assured of the amount of peptides in the formula. You may also consult the manufacturer, and ask what percentage of a given peptide is used. Usually, 10% of each peptide is sufficient to give great results, if there is a blend of 3 or 4 peptides in a formula. Our serums have 6 peptides!

—Which peptide/peptide or peptide/other ingredient combos do you think should be avoided and why?
Avoid peptide combinations that are mixed with hydroquinone, parabens, and other toxins that can irritate the skin.

—What do you envision for the future of peptides in skin care?
The future of peptides most likely lies in skin-repairing copper-peptide complex, and in all natural paraben-free combinations.

New YouTube tutorial about SAIAN Neck-Lift product.

New YouTube tutorial about SAIAN Neck-Lift product. 

The original and only SAIAN® Bio-Firming Neck Lift Kit™ is specifically formulated to firm and tone sagging skin, and reduce wrinkles in the neck and chin area. Tightens, stimulates cell circulation, removes toxins, melts away fat and inhibits the formation of fat deposits! The kit includes an extra potent Bio-Firming Neck Crème™, and a unique washable and reusable stretch neck band,which counteract the signs of aging in the neck, chin and décolleté. Natural, vegan, and paraben-free – it’s the perfect addition to anti-aging treatments. Apply Bio Firming Neck Crème to clean skin of the neck and chin 2-3 times daily, using upward motions. Wear the neck band as long as desired after crème application. Can be slept in. Wash the band with shampoo to restore adhering property.Paraben-free, fragrance-free. Neck band is latex-free.

A short tutorial on the ingredients and uses of SAIAN Amino-Lift Leave-On Mask!

Check out my first Video Blog! This is a short tutorial on the ingredients and uses of SAIAN Amino-Lift Leave-On Mask! http://saian.net/product/amino-lift-leave-on-mask/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osw09hHaLrI

Radiation and Our Health

For the past 2 years, I have spent countless hours trying to connect the dots, and find the reason for my mother's sudden illness. She was living an incredibly healthy lifestyle, eating mostly a plant-based, all-organic diet, dancing salsa 3 nights a week, hiking, traveling, singing, lecturing, and enjoying her work as a CEO of a world-famous brand. 

Why do some people get cancer, and what contributes to cancer cells firing? Simply put, cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells. In a healthy body, natural processes control the rate at which cells grow and replace themselves, as well as the body's processes for repairing or replacing damaged tissue. Changes occurring at the cellular level disrupt the control processes, permitting the growth of cancer cells.  A big factor in breaking chemical bonds in atoms and molecules is radiation, that's what makes it such a powerful carcinogen. Radiation causes mutations in the DNA blueprint, and contributes to cancer cells spreading uncontrollably. This became apparent in the early 1900s, when people working around radioactive matter and x-ray equipment began to develop skin cancer. 

We all know about Chernobyl, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but did you realize that we are receiving large amounts of radiation on a daily basis? Everything, from using your microwave to using your cell phone, to airplane travel, and all sorts of medical procedures. All of this adds up in our system, potentially causing us health problems down the road. 

I want to start by giving you some numbers, so that you may adequately compare the amount of radiation received at every exposure. The effects I will talk about are stochastic effects - meaning low-level long-term effects of radiation that pile up and lead to damage. There are also non-stochastic effects that are instantly apparent after a heavy dose of radiation, such as burns and nausea, and usually death within the next 2 months. 

The scientific unit of measurement for radiation dose, commonly referred to as effective dose, is a millisievert (mSv). Because different organs have varying sensitivity to radiation exposure, the actual radiation risk to different parts of the body from an x-ray procedure varies. The term effective dose is used when referring to the radiation risk averaged over the entire body. Here is a chart which reflects

Plainly said, 5 CAT scans in your lifetime, and the chance of cancer is almost certain. This is the reason why x-rays and CAT scans are very important decisions, that shouldn't be taken lightly. Pregnancy is a contraindication for CAT scans and x-rays, because of high risk of mutation and birth defects.

Lastly, I want to talk about mundane radiation we receive from using our phones, laptops, and iPads, and how to reduce it.

Cell phones and other mobile devices emit radiofrequency (RF) waves, a type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (commonly called “cell phone radiation”). When you hold or carry a mobile device close to your head and body, you can absorb over half of the transmitted RF energy.

Cell phone radiation level varies from device to device and is measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). A mobile device’s SAR rating is used to estimate the maximum rate of RF energy absorption by a user’s head and body when using the device. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the exposure limit for the general public to be an SAR level of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). A mobile device’s SAR rating must not exceed 1.6 W/kg in order to receive FCC certification and be sold in the United States. SAR is measured for placement of the phone next to the head and on the body. For example, the iPhone 6 has a Body SAR of 1.14 W/kg and Head SAR of 1.08 W/kg. 

Furthermore, you may not be aware that the current FCC guidelines allow a device to be tested up to 25 mm away from the user’s body. Distance is a key factor in determining the amount of exposure from a device – the intensity of radiation increases rapidly as you get closer to the device. As a result, when you carry your device directly against your body, you may be exposed to radiation levels that exceed the device’s SAR rating and even the FCC exposure limit. For instance, if you place an iPhone 5 in contact with your body, your body exposure may exceed the FCC’s limit by more than 4 times. That’s why all cell phone manufactures include warnings in their user’s manuals to keep the cell phone a certain distance away from your body for safety concern. For example, you can find RF exposure information for Apple devices here. Apple even includes a proximity sensor in its iPhone 5S, 6, 6Plus and iPads to detect the presence of a user’s body and subsequently reduce the device’s transmitted signal in order to comply with the FCC’s RF exposure limit. - Rong Wang, Ph.D.

This is why you need to protect yourself and your loved ones with a case that directs the radiation away from the head and body, and the case I trust is PONG - you can research it here: http://www.pongcase.com. As you know, I am not affiliated with them, but I believe in sharing valuable information with my friends, and I believe in this brand wholeheartedly. Another important piece of advice I'd like to share with you, is to sleep without your electronic devices nearby. Many people choose to sleep with their phone under their pillow, or next to them on a nightstand, and the same for their laptop. Please disconnect yourself from this habit, and not only will you reduce your radiation exposure, but you will get a peaceful night's sleep with no distractions, rings, or notifications. Take good care of your health and your body, and give it some rest!

Let's Discuss Sunscreen!

It’s not surprising that many people, including estheticians have questions about sun products. “How do I choose the right one? What is an SPF? Is sunscreen safe for my children? Should I use a waterproof sunscreen?”

First, let’s take a look at the meaning of SPF?
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) displayed on the sunscreen label ranges from 2 to as high as 50 and refers to the product's ability to screen or block out the sun's harmful rays. For example, if you use a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you can be in the sun 15 times longer that you can without sunscreen before burning. - American Melanoma Foundation

Waterproof products are oil-based, and are highly comedogenic! This means that the pores will be clogged, forming blackheads, comedones, and milia. Imagine all the damage this can cause to an acne client! These sunscreen lotions usually contain very high amounts of chemicals, propylene glycol, mineral oil, and parabens – some of the worst ingredients you can apply to your (or your children’s) skin. The best way to go is definitely with a water-based physical block (Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide) and re-apply every 2-3 hours. Remember, we sweat throughout the day, and waterproof sunscreen just blocks all pore secretions, causing breakouts. It’s much better to choose a light, water-based  sunscreen. Always read the ingredients on the back of the container, anddon't go overboard with a high SPF - it is better to choose a mid-range (physicalblock) SPF and re-apply often!

3 Forms of Exercise to Do Daily

You may have noticed that I speak a lot about health, and am an avid advocate of wholesome organic foods, especially mountains of delicious fresh vegetables and fruits! Organic and natural food is extremely important, and plays a tremendous part in our body's functions, pH balance, weight, hormone levels, digestion, and mood.  Eating right is a step in the right direction, but a systematic lifestyle of healthy nutrition and exercise is the key to longevity and vitality!  There is no one exercise plan that is perfect for everyone, but I believe in 3 key elements of physical activity which strengthen, lengthen, tone, and condition the body, and when practiced often, give the best overall results!

1. Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walks, jogging, dancing, trampoline, bicycle, swimming, and anything else that gets you breathing and oxygenating the body, as well as your blood circulating and moving stagnation. Obesity is a 21st century epidemic in America, and with lack of aerobic exercise, the body can amass a fat padding not only on the outside, but even around the internal organs! All forms of aerobic exercise help to massage the colon, and move waste matter out of the body, therefore detoxifying and cleansing. While we are healthy and strong, we need to adapt to an exercise routine that will build up our endurance, so in the unpredicted case of general anesthesia (GA), the risks of anything going wrong will be minimal. Aerobic exercise is wonderful conditioning for the body - once you get used to this sort of fast paced physical activity, you will never walk up a flight of stairs huffing and puffing ever again! Personally, I never take the elevator - stairs are a great way to get some exercise in during your workday or while running daily errands!

2. Weight training! I hear many opinions on this topic, especially women who are afraid of weight training, thinking that they will look bulky and masculine. Don't fear this for of exercise, because it's a guaranteed method for strengthening muscles, toning flabby areas, and conditioning the body. You don't have to use heavy weights, that is not the most important factor. It's more important to keep correct form, and do these exercises slowly. Never do jerky movements, never strain yourself, and remember to keep your knees softly bent when working with a barbell or free weights. When your muscles are firm, they will hold your internal organs in place, keep your back straight, and burn more calories than fat, even while at rest. Oh, and that's me on the left :) I am not a big fan of bare-midriff selfies, but I am living proof that weight training can keep a lady toned, and still a lovely, curvy size 2. (It may also be all those avocados and quinoa) :)

3. Stretching is incredibly important! I know it may seem useless for most of us to be able to bend over and touch our toes, but believe me, it is essential! Our spine is like a doric column supporting the roof of the Parthenon, except our column (spine) has our spinal cord running through it. Have you been to the chiropractor for an adjustment? He will roll you from side to side, stretch you out, and alleviate any pinching of the nerves that may have occurred in your spine. With regular stretching, you help yourself by allowing the spinal fluid flow freely, reducing the pinched nerves, and lengthening the muscles. Stretching also reduces the buildup of lactic acid in the body, and helps move stagnation. When we get older, with no stretching or weight training, the back can start to collapse forward, forming a hunch which can cause the lungs to collapse and take in a reduced amount of (super-important) oxygen, and the ribcage to press down on the stomach, therefore releasing acid, and causing GERD. A great form of stretching is hatha yoga - it is both enjoyable and beneficial to the body!

Hopefully this advice has been helpful to you, and will get you motivated to incorporate these 3 forms of exercise into your daly routine! I am wishing you health and longevity!

My Article This Month in Dermascope Magazine - All About Serums

Exfoliation - Chemical vs. Physical

Exfoliation is essential for healthy cell turnover and a clear complexion! There are 2 types of exfoliators on the market - physical and chemical. I have put together a little bit of information which will help you decide what method will suit you best! 

The best modern methods for physical exfoliation are scrubs, but they are often too harsh for most women’s faces. Since scrubs contain beads (at times microbeads, that have been banned in some states) they can be irritating, and aggravate rosacea, and couperose.  This type of exfoliation is not recommended for someone with broken capillaries, rosacea, acne (especially cystic acne), eczema, and sunburned skin.

An enzymatic exfoliation is a safe and natural way to clean out the pores,  get rid of oils, slough off the dry and dead skin for a healthy cell turnover.  Fruit enzymes, such as Bromelain  (from pineapple) and Papain (from papaya) eat away at the oils and dry skin, to expose a refreshed, clear complexion. Enzyme masks are generally more gentle and safe than acids, and don’t thin the skin like Retin-A. SAIAN offers an amazing paraben-free Enzyme Mask which lightens the skin, activates cellular function, increases circulation, fades discoloration and leaves the skin feeling and looking fresh, smooth and healthy.

Cranberry-Pistachio Power Greens to the Rescue!

How wonderful would it be to have a heaping green plate if goodness for dinner tonight? Like most people, I wasn't always a big fan of broccoli and Brussel sprouts... but as years passed, I grew fond of these cruciferous greens, and now adore them! I promise, you only need 5 ingredients to make this 15-minute vegan alkaline-forming dish that even the kids will enjoy! My cranberry pistachio power greens will fill you up, and warm your heart! All you need is Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cranberries, pistachios, and some cold-pressed coconut oil. 

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon organic cold-pressed coconut oil

1/4 cup raw pistachios

1/4 cup dried organic cranberries

1 cup organic broccoli florets

1 cup organic shaved Brussel sprouts

Sautée the Brussel sprouts in coconut oil on medium heat, turning with a wooden spatula to prevent burning. I always start with the vegetables that are the most tough, and take longer to caramelize. Add the cranberries and pistachios. The last step is to add the broccoli, because broccoli is tender, and tends to overcook quickly (do this when you see the cranberries get soft)! I don't like brown, soggy broccoli, so I literally just toss it in for a couple of minutes, and turn off the burner. That's it! Your dinner is served - healthy, delicious, and easy to make. I just added a garnish of micro greens, and voila!

Dasha's 15-Minute Sweet Vegan Quinoa Salad

I LOVE QUINOA

Now that we got that straight, here are some reasons why I love it, and why you will, too! 

• Quinoa is high in protein - 16%-20% high quality vegan protein.
• It's Alkaline-forming, which means quinoa doesn't support the spread of candida, yeast, and cancer in the body.
• Low glycemic index means that the amount of carbs supplied by quinoa are burned slowly and equally to avoid spikes and fat storage in the body.
• Low calories! A cup of cooked quinoa has only about 220 kcal. (yay!)
• Gluten-free for those with celiac. 

Quinoa was considered sacred by the Incas- they called it the “mother seed.” 

This is why I love magical, delicious, light and healthy quinoa! Oh... and did I mention that this dish only took me 15 minutes? Looks like you have no excuses now - give this recipe a try, and you will be delighted!

Ingredients:

1 cup organic quinoa (I used organic white quinoa, but you may also use the red variety)

1 large organic carrot

1/2 medium sweet organic onion

1 cup organic mushrooms (about 10 small)

1 teaspoon organic cold-pressed coconut oil

1/4 cup organic unsulfured turkish apricots

1/4 cup organic raisins

cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

I like to be efficient and productive in everything I do, including business, and cooking, so 15 minutes to make a dish sounds just about right!

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly, and put in a pot with 2.5 cups water and a pinch of salt. Quinoa is a bit different from rice, and it needs more water to plump up, but still remain flaky, not clumpy and lumpy. 

At the same time that the water with quinoa is taking to boil, heat up a skillet on low heat, and put in the coconut oil, with onions. Sweat the onions a bit, and then add the carrots and mushrooms. Once that mix has become caramelized, add the raisins and apricots. Keep mixing with a wooden spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.

Once the water with quinoa boils, take off the burner and cover with a lid for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes have passed, you will see that the water has evaporated, and now you are left with just the ready boiled grain! Transfer to a bowl, mix in the rest of the ingredients from the skillet, and let cool. The finishing touch is the fresh cilantro - add it when the salad has cooled down, to keep it nice and fresh!

Sweet, isn't it? Absolutely delicious, healthy, and quick! Enjoy!

10 Facts About Acne

1. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States - it affects nearly 50 million Americans. 
2. Some of the most common causes of acne are: genetics, stress, hormones, medication, oil-based cosmetics, environmental pollution, acidity and candida, intestinal infection, and allergies. 
3. 85% of all Americans have had acne at one point in their lives.
4. The most common age group that is affected by acne is 15-25 year-olds.
5. Active teenagers who play sports are likely to get blemishes from not washing their face after exercising, and from wearing the same helmet/baseball cap daily.
6. Acne treatment products containing Salicylic Acid, and Glycolic Acid are not recommended for use during the daytime, and should only be applied before bed, as to avoid skin hyperpigmentation.
7. At-home extractions are highly discouraged, because they produce permanent scarring. Acne scars are commonly categorized in three groups: Atrophic: shallow for the most part; Boxcar-shaped: scars are those which tend to be larger; Ice pick-shaped: scars are those which are both deep and narrow in appearance.
8. Every study conducted on the psychological impact of acne has shown that it causes a statistically significant increase in anxiety, depression and related mental health problems.
9. Acne may be caused by a deficiency in Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin A, Selenium, Vitamin E, and Omega 3.
10. Acne thrives on sugar and yeast, so the best way to keep those blemishes at bay is by avoiding sweets, dairy and bread.

Transform your appearance with this revolutionary new Eye Serum for dark circles and puffiness

Finally, a one-step serum that focuses on the problems of under-eye puffiness, dark circles, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and poor skin circulation! A reduction of dark circles by 35% after 8 weeks,  a reduction of eye puffiness of 31% in 8 weeks, and improvement of skin texture of 42% in 8 weeks! Simply the best product for dark circles on the market!  SAIAN® Clinical Strength Eye Serum contains REGU®-AGE PF, as well as the highest quality Hyaluronic Acid available on the market today! REGU®-AGE PF is a unique, high-performing, paraben-free complex of specially purified natural rice and soy peptides which work daily to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, giving you a refreshed, youthful appearance!

SAIAN® Clinical Strength Eye Serum contains REGU®-AGE PF, as well as the highest quality Hyaluronic Acid available on the market today! REGU®-AGE PF is a unique, high-performing, paraben-free complex of specially purified natural rice and soy peptides which work daily to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, giving you a refreshed, youthful appearance!

Incredible news from DERMASCOPE Magazine

CONGRATULATIONS to us! Incredible news from DERMASCOPE Magazine - SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care was just nominated for BEST skincare products of the year! 3 of our professional items made the nomination - THREE! Can you imagine that? Quite amazing, and a tremendous honor for our brand. Please help us by voting here: http://www.dermascope.com/aia/ae-awards You have 3 products to choose from - Sunscreen Spray, Makeup Remover, and Neck Creme!

Thank you from the bottom of our heart! - Dasha Saian

My Trip to a Tijuana Orphanage and Info How You Can Help

Dear friends, I would like to share my experience visiting an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, in hopes that it will inspire you to participate, donate, and show your love. I had the privilege of getting introduced to the Corazon de Vida Foundation by my friend, Veronica, who has been on many trips with them in the past, and came along with me and my friend Dana on our first visit! A bit of background - Corazon de Vida helps bridge the gap between orphaned children in Tijuana, Mexico and loving people who come to volunteer, sponsor children, and provide generous donations that make meals, clothing, and education available for these amazing kids. There are few things that can compare to the warmth, sincerity, and beauty of a child's smile, and when I saw these children's smiles, I could hardly believe how happy they were in that moment, surrounded by the rubble of Tijuana's houses. You will see the beautiful photos of the time we had bonding with the kids, but I'd like to start off by showing a couple of photos of Tijuana's landscape, and telling you about my journey.

I woke up at 4am, got dressed, packed my supplies into the trunk of my car, and drove to the arranged location to board a charter bus to Mexico at 5:30am. The bus makes 3 stops before the Mexican border - Los Angeles 5:30am, Irvine 6:15am, and San Diego 8:15am. My friend Gayane and her  sweet children made a shopping trip to help us with supplies that were much-needed at the Casa Hogar Sion orphanage. Some of the things we bought were shampoo, conditioner, dish soap, toilet paper and toothbrushes. Dana brought giant tubs of detergent, and what looked to be a life-time supply of toilet paper. Once we arrived at the border, we cleared the bus, it got x-rayed, and so did our posessions. We went through customs, and were in Tijuana by 10am. Corazon de Vida sponsors and visits 11 orphanages, but this day, we were at the Casa Hogar Sion - the largest, housing 90-100 children. There is a girl's and a boy's house, each has 2 floors with bunk beds. The children don't have personal possessions - there is one great big closet in each house - they wear whatever is clean and fits them. The dorm rooms may be poorly decorated and tight, but they are clean and bright, and so are the little inhabitants who dwell at Casa Sion.

I am a fluent Spanish-speaker, so communicating with the kids in their language was easy for me, but I can tell you without a doubt - there is no language barrier when it comes to love and care. The children are sweet, shy, and talented. Another volunteer brought a conga and you should have heard the great beats all of the kiddos were producing on that drum! Simply tremendous! The beauty in this photo is Rebecca -she's 9 years old and has 10 siblings, all of whom live at the orphanage... This was very hard for me to take in, and was very painful to hear. Some kids here are orphans, with deceased parents, some are left by parents who can't support them financially. Rebecca really touched my heart. She was playing board games with us, and got a fancy pink manicure and glittery makeup that day. I love her smile, I just adore it, she reminded me of myself at that age! There were little babies at the orphanage, barely 3 months old - Veronica held little Luis, who could barely hold his tiny head up, he was so small... It made me sad, but also made me grateful to know that there are good people out there who will adopt him. Hopefully... I met some young ladies who were academic stars! One just got accepted to Dental school, and the other to Veterinary school!  I respect their dedication and hard work on the way to triumph over poverty.

Dana and I didn't waste any time, and jumped in the kitchen at 11am, where we peeled and cut up fruit for a giant fruit salad until 1pm, and then served a mountain of hot rice, broccoli, and chicken to 150 people at lunch. It was a great experience, because we were able to physically help out where we were needed! 

We played, we made food, we ate, we talked, we drew and colored, we bonded, and at 2pm, we boarded the bus back to Los Angeles. It was hard saying goodbye, but I have already signed up for my next trip back to Casa Hogar Sion on December 6th - it's a Holiday trip, and you can sign up using this link

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/bus-2-december-6-2014-cdv-holiday-bus-to-the-casa-hogar-sion-orphanage-tickets-13102643359?aff=efbnen. 

Please donate to the cause using this link! I am hoping to raise at least $500 for the kids by Christmas! I am sure that we can raise that amount and much more if we all pitch in a little (or a lot)! The organizer of the trip, George, pointed out how ripped and destroyed the sofas in the boy's dorm were, and said they desperately needed some leather sofas. I couldn't resist but to offer a pair of mine from the office. They were enjoyed here by clients and staff, but now its time to do some good in Mexico :) I am glad to keep the giving spirit, and I know you will fall in love with these kids, as well. I hope to see you all on my next trip, and remember - open your heart - let love out, let love in :)

 CLICK HERE TO HELP ME RAISE FUNDS FOR THE KIDS
 https://www.crowdrise.com/DashasCasaSionFundraiser/fundraiser/dashasaian

Manifesting Positivity Blog is Now Live on Blogspot!

I'm so excited to announce that my Manifesting Positivity Inspirational Blog is now on Blogspot! Daily inspiration from the Facebook Group http://manifestingpositivity.blogspot.com/ can now be seen here http://manifestingpositivity.blogspot.com/

Thank you again for encouraging me to write daily! I am happy to know that you enjoy my posts and find my sincere advice useful!

Collagen Infusion Training Tutorial Excerpt

Post by SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care.

My Favorite Green Juice Recipe

I am a true believer in our food being our medicine - there is nothing healthier than fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to bring our body to it's best, most healthy state! This amazing juice rapidly delivers nutrients to the blood stream, invigorating your cells, and increasing your circulation! You will absolutely LOVE it! I use basic ingredients, with an addition of dandelion greens and ginger to spice it up, and get your body vibrating with positive aura! Make this juice if you struggle with acne, and want to clear up your complexion - it is all-alkaline, and will suppress inflammation that causes candida and yeast. If you don't use dandelion greens and dandelion root tea, I highly recommend them! This is nature's amazing liver and kidney cleanser, that has been know to alleviate even cirrhosis and hepatitis c. Here's a powerful green juice combination that will start your morning right:

4 pieces of organic celery
1 organic cucumber
1 cup organic spinach
1/2 organic Granny Smith apple
1/4 inch of organic ginger
1/2 bunch of dandelion greens
1/4 bunch of Cilantro

Protecting Yourself from Sneaky Trans Fats

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming approximately 1 million lives annually. Believe it or not, every 33 seconds someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease. This is an alarming statistic, which should be reason enough to encourage more people to eat better, and exercise.

I'm sure you know by now that I don't consume any processed foods, crackers, cereals, canned goods, chips, cookies, or fast food, but I absolutely know how to read a food label! In fact, learning how to read labels was on my nutritional examination, which I passed with flying colors, and I will teach you, as well. 

Trans fat is a specific type of fat that is formed when hydrogen is added to liquid oils to turn them into solid fats. The FDA has released a statement that partially hydrogenated oils are not "generally recognized as safe" for consumption. I am sure you are all aware of the FDA's ban on trans fats, as of November 2013, but did you know companies have found a loophole? Look at this label below, and tell me what you see? 0g Trans Fat, correct? Nope, look again. 

What you may not know, is that the FDA allows companies to list Trans Fat content as 0g if it's under 0.5g, but that's not taking the serving size into consideration. The serving size is 4 cookies, but what if you eat 8 or 12? Look carefully - these cookies can't possibly have 0g of trans fat, because there are hydrogenated vegetable oils listed in the ingredients! Check out this study conducted in 2012, and you will be shocked how many foods have Trans Fats, and the manufacturers don't list them on the package! http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2014/14_0161.htm   I was appalled, and enraged! 

I realize that it is each and every person's responsibility to become educated on all subjects, to protect the health of him/herself, and teach his/her family, because the government will not do it for us, and the food manufacturers won't either. This is why I am advising you to read the ingredients on the packaged food labels, so there is absolutely no confusion regarding Trans Fats. If you see the hydrogenated oils, the product has Trans Fats, even if the label says 0g. Please take care of your health, and help others do the same! 

Dasha's Natural Oncology Protocols for a Healthy, Long Life

Helping people has become a big theme in my life, and I do it with love, and sincerity. This is a hard blog entry to write, but I trust that you will respect my vulnerability, and trust my advice. I want to help you all with your health and quality of life, but if you are currently under the supervision of an oncologist, I don't want you to do anything without consulting your doctor first.

 

A year and a half ago, my mother (best friend, soulmate, business partner, inspiration, motivation, and the most important person in my life) had a seizure, and was rushed to the emergency room. Unconscious, completely unaware of what was going on inside her head... little did she, or any of us know, that she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor the size of an orange, and given 5 weeks to live. 

This was a year and a half ago. 

My mother is alive and well today, and cancer-free!

I give credit to her strong will and exceptional motivation, and the amazing Dr. Badie at City of Hope, who agreed to operate on her, and removed the tumor. The video below about him will give you an idea about this man. He is an angel, and truly the strongest in his field. I am grateful every day for the spontaneous spark of idea in my head that pushed me to seek a second opinion, and move my mother to THIS hospital for treatment. It will be hard getting an appointment with him, but keep trying, don't give up! It took me almost 2 days of repetitive calling to get an OK to bring her over.

After her surgery, mom endured 6 weeks of daily radiation and chemo, and the same day she started this treatment, I put her on a special natural alternative cancer treatment plan. I am not a doctor, but I have studied nutrition, and did very much research after our diagnosis. Although there are many alternative oncology protocols that all work well (Cellect, Amygdalin B17, Gerson system juicing, mistletoe and hydrogen peroxide injections, etc), I have put together a plan which works best for my mom, without causing her discomfort, or interruption of regular medical treatment. I have mom on the Budwig Diet since May 1st.

This method is known to do wonders for people with cancer, even those who have days to live. Here is the recipe:

6 tablespoons of Organic Low fat cottage cheese

3 Tablespoons of Barlean's Fresh Flax Seed oil (unflavored without lignants)

blended together on low with a hand mixer until smooth like whip cream.

Add to that 2 tablespoons of FRESHLY ground flax seeds (you have to do it right away with a coffee mill, not pre-ground) eat this 2x day - morning and evening.

Here is the video how to do it. I also add 1 table spoon of turmeric to it, since turmeric is known to fight brain tumors.

I strongly believe in the power of mushrooms, such as reishi, shitake, maitake, and cordyceps. These supplements from Aloha Medicinals pack a powerful punch against inflammation, and increase immunity. Mom takes 6 in the morning, and 6 in the evening. The product is called Immune-assist Critical Care Formula 500mg of mushrooms. Believe it or not, we had an outbreak of shingles on her face recently, and her immunity was suppressed (+the dreadful chemo that was lowering it). It took us 3 weeks to raise her platelets from 90 to 165!

Nutrition is very important, and as a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, I believe that our bodies will heal ourselves when fed nourishing and balanced meals. I don't believe in processed foods, and I eat a simple diet of fruits and vegetables. To get the most into your system, get a juicer or a vitamix. Mom juices about 3lbs of veggies a day. I'd like you to get the book "The Body Ecology Diet" by Donna Gates. It will teach you how to alkalize your body, and reduce candida and inflammation that causes acne, poor digestion, weight gain, and allergies. She is an inspiration of mine, and an amazing person I adore and look up to! You can purchase this book by clicking on the Body Ecology link below.

As far as supplements, you need 5000IU of Vitamin D3 daily, and 1000mg of Vitamin C as well as 1000mg Calcium with 500mg Magnesium daily! Mom also takes a teaspoon of Organic Bee Pollen, daily, drinks roasted dandelion root tea to help her kidneys and liver function properly, drinks alkaline water from our machine, takes enzymes, and 500mg of bee propolis.

I truly believe that this approach is helping her thrive to this day. She has stood up from the wheelchair (she was wheelchair bound for 4 months), now walks all by herself (even takes the stairs), writes using her weak hand, and does many of the tasks she was able to do in the past!

P.S.Most importantly, I have saved the best formula for last!

Hope + Love = Miracles

Sending my love, and best wishes. Never give up!