I have a lot of goals and ideas for MTCAM and one of them was to get an all encompassing beauty line of nontoxic yet feel good products for my patients... One that was up to my standards, does not include chemicals or toxins in any way, actually works (feels good on the skin, face, hair, etc.) and something accessible to everyone where you don't have to join anything and can buy as much or little as you want. Beautycounter fits all those categories.
First and foremost did you know that in America only 11 chemicals are banned from cosmetics (the last one was banned by the FDA in 1938. Do you know how many chemicals have been produced since 1938?!?!)... while over 1,300 are banned in Europe! This was actually unbelievable and simply unfathomable to me. It should not be surprising but still is an eye opener. I work with nutrition and supplements all day long so its hard for me to keep up to par on the cosmetic world. I do my best reading and researching when I can but honestly most of my time is spent researching on what we put in our bodies not ON our bodies even though it is just as important.
Beautycounter has incredibly high standards and stringent protocols. They do not release something until it has been under much scrutiny and actually works (unlike other 'nontoxic' body lotions that leave white streaks all over you because they won't absorb properly). But most importantly their products do not contain the 11 chemicals banned in the US, the 1,300 banned in Europe as well as others. The 1,300 chemicals that are banned in Europe are known to be linked to cancer and endocrine issues (aka disrupt hormones in the body causing a whole host of other issues). None of their products contain heavy metals (over 95% of lipsticks have lead in them... not good).
FACT: It is legal for the US cosmetic companies to use known carcinogens and reproductive toxins in products marketed to pregnant women and babies. Scary and incredibly sad.
I can go on and on with the lack of standards for cosmetic regulation and quality control. How our bodies are burdened with chemicals day in and day out and we continue to expect our liver to function (which is our major detoxing organ). How little kids are exposed to these same toxins causing hormonal issues at a young age. Why skin cancer rates are drastically increasing. (We aren't getting any more sun than hundreds of years ago yet there is more skin cancer than before...)
Okay I am off my soap box now and I am sure I will get back on it sometime. :) I just want you to be aware that everything that you put on your body gets absorbed into your body. The skin is our largest organ and it is something that gets overlooked all the time (and I am guilty of not talking about it that much at the office). So first and foremost we can start putting chemical and toxin free, quality products (that smell and feel good) on our bodies, faces and hair. Its worth the switch even if you do it gradually (and these products will last you awhile... it is not anything you have to order each month because you go through it so quickly.)
Click HERE to go to the website and check out/order products. You don't have to sign up, get a membership, or even be my patient to get the products (and $5 flat rate shipping... its great!). I will have products available at the office at the same price so you don't save or loose any money getting them one way or the other. I will have them in the office if you want to feel and try them out.
If you are going to begin somewhere start with full body products like the body wash and body lotion (I LOVE the lotion) because it is a larger surface area than just your face. If you are wanting other great products I love the hydrating face creams (AM and PM) as well as both of the facial cream cleansers. The shampoo and conditioner are great and I have tried sooooo many from expensive to cheap to other 'non toxic' and even toxic ones. My hair is very picky, will dry out really easily and get bad dead ends but has been so smooth and soft with Beautycounter's shampoo and conditioner. It did take my hair probably 3 days to get use to the switch though. (In case you care or are wondering... I use the body lotion, face lotions (AM and PM), shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face cleanser and face exfoliating cleanser, and rose water spray... that's more of a luxury item. Next on my list... Lip shine!!)
Other products they offer... sun screen (great for these 20 degree days right?), sugar scrubs, kids shampoo/conditioner/body wash (coming soon!!), lipsticks and gloss (with NO lead... obviously), body and face oils, and makeup coming beginning of next year. I will put features of different products on here but I just wanted to give you a nice little idea of the products they carry. Check it out. Try it out. Let me know what you think... and I am pretty sure you won't be let down and your body will be much happier and healthier because of it.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me (drcarolynmaxfield@gmail.com) or call the office! We will be glad to help :)
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Funny Video... Kids Reactions to taking away Halloween Candy!
If you need a funny video (well its not so funny how addicted kids are to sugar) to watch click the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK-oQfFToVg#t=227. There is so much truth in this video about how addicted our society is to sugar. Adults probably would act the same way if it was socially acceptable. :) I definitely get my fare share of funny looks, wide eyes and raised eyebrows when I talk about eliminating sugars from the diet... but nothing compared to this. Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Homemade Tomato Soup!
There are so many tomato soup recipes out there... so I figured I would try my hand at one of them. It turned out very tasty! If you all have any good soup recipes out there let me know... this is a perfect season for it and I love sharing the ideas with everyone out there!
Ingredients
1 Onion, chopped
1 TBS Coconut Oil
1 TBS Olive Oil
1/2 cup fresh Basil
1-2 tsp Sea Salt and Pepper
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
3 cups of Chicken Stock
5 Tomatoes- Vine (I used 4 large tomatoes... not sure if it made a difference or not)
6 oz Tomato Paste
Instructions
Ingredients
1 Onion, chopped
1 TBS Coconut Oil
1 TBS Olive Oil
1/2 cup fresh Basil
1-2 tsp Sea Salt and Pepper
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
3 cups of Chicken Stock
5 Tomatoes- Vine (I used 4 large tomatoes... not sure if it made a difference or not)
6 oz Tomato Paste
Instructions
- Cut tomatoes into quarter slices and toss with olive oil (I did melted coconut oil), sea salt and pepper
- Roast tomatoes on a baking sheet for 30 minutes on 350 degrees
- With about 5 minutes to go on the tomatoes...melt 1 TBS of coconut oil over medium heat in a large soup pan
- Saute onion and garlic (until onion is translucent)
- Add in your roasted tomatoes and saute for 1 more minute
- Add in 3 cups of chicken stock, the basil (I ripped mine into smaller pieces first), and the tomato paste. Stir until tomato paste is dissolved into the broth
- Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and cover pot
- Let covered pot simmer for about 30 minutes
- Pour soup into a food processor or blender and mix up until nice and smooth
- Last but not least... Enjoy! (And even top with your fresh basil... so tasty!)
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Thankful (Part 1)
In honor of November and the spirit of Thanksgiving I am going to post up every week or so feelings/things/reasons that I am thankful for my office, the patients, the products I work with, etc. I encourage everyone to be grateful for what you have, where you are and appreciate any struggles you have been or are going through. There is always a purpose or reason even though it may not seem like that. By having gratitude in every situation makes things much more manageable and allows you to see the positive in every situation.
Nov 1
I am so extremely grateful that I truly get to do what I love every single day. Each day is full of great patients with the most severe cases to mild ones. Each patient has their own journey... from being at the beginning of the process and just learning to those who have been with me for a long time continuing and maintaining their journey through health. I am soo sooo soo lucky to meet and work with people who keep me inspired to do what I do.
Nov 2
I am very grateful for my supplement tray! It seems silly but oh so true. Each week I just fill that little guy up and take my supplements as I go throughout the day. No need to carry pill bottles around making my purse 10 pounds heavier or gathering up my supplements each morning like I was doing. It is extremely time consuming especially in the morning. Each day I take my little container and away I go! No time spent planning or thinking about what I need to get ready.
Nov 3
I am very grateful for digestive enzymes. Before I started taking them I had the whole host of 'typical' digestive issues. Bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation and diarrhea... the typical IBS stuff. I never went to a MD about it but I have had many patients feel like they have to live with these issues and say 'Oh they said it's just IBS'. There is something you can do!! It's called digestive enzymes. I have 6 different ones in my office and each person does not do well on everyone of them. I specifically do best on one called Food Enzymes by Nature Sunshine. My fiance does best on Zypan by Standard Process. I am thankful for those enzymes and allowing my body to digest food better, get more nutrients out of what I eat and just feel better in general!!
Nov 4
I am very grateful that I get to bring my dog into work each day! How lucky am I?! He hates being by himself and loves to be around people. He gets more love in a day from our patients than probably most dogs do in week. He lives a very happy loved life and I am grateful I can bring him in. He is very therapeutic and healing for most of our patients... including me! It is always great driving when Louie's head is out the window getting fresh air and the car next to me stops and smiles. These little guys have a powerful healing effect and way to make everyone feel better no matter what. I am fortunate to have one of these little fur balls and that he can spread the love to all my patients!
Nov 5
I am thankful for coconut oil. You can cook everything in it and not worry about your food getting toxic or rancid, use as amazing nontoxic makeup remover, and eat it each day for so many health benefits. Its anti-fungal, bacterial and viral so it works wonders with your immune system helping it kill off invaders. It is also perfect food for your brain and nervous system.
Over the past weekend I was getting sick and my neck and shoulders were extremely tight... much more than I have ever had before. I knew I had to be fighting off something. I simply did a oil pull (where you swish coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes) to pull out toxins and kill off invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Within 20 minutes my muscles were relaxed and it completely fought off anything I was starting to catch. I will write a post in the future specific to this because the more I learn and read the more fascinated I am. Try starting with 10 minutes and work up to 20 (and make sure to spit it in your trashcan when you are done because the oil will harden up when cold in your sink/drain... and that is no good). After you spit it out make sure to rinse your mouth with hot water and spit that out. Rinse a couple times to get all the toxins out. You may notice you it starts to release drainage from your throat and nose... Yay! Get it out of there! If you have questions feel free to call the office. Lori swears by it too!
Nov 1
I am so extremely grateful that I truly get to do what I love every single day. Each day is full of great patients with the most severe cases to mild ones. Each patient has their own journey... from being at the beginning of the process and just learning to those who have been with me for a long time continuing and maintaining their journey through health. I am soo sooo soo lucky to meet and work with people who keep me inspired to do what I do.
Nov 2
I am very grateful for my supplement tray! It seems silly but oh so true. Each week I just fill that little guy up and take my supplements as I go throughout the day. No need to carry pill bottles around making my purse 10 pounds heavier or gathering up my supplements each morning like I was doing. It is extremely time consuming especially in the morning. Each day I take my little container and away I go! No time spent planning or thinking about what I need to get ready.
Nov 3
I am very grateful for digestive enzymes. Before I started taking them I had the whole host of 'typical' digestive issues. Bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation and diarrhea... the typical IBS stuff. I never went to a MD about it but I have had many patients feel like they have to live with these issues and say 'Oh they said it's just IBS'. There is something you can do!! It's called digestive enzymes. I have 6 different ones in my office and each person does not do well on everyone of them. I specifically do best on one called Food Enzymes by Nature Sunshine. My fiance does best on Zypan by Standard Process. I am thankful for those enzymes and allowing my body to digest food better, get more nutrients out of what I eat and just feel better in general!!
Nov 4
I am very grateful that I get to bring my dog into work each day! How lucky am I?! He hates being by himself and loves to be around people. He gets more love in a day from our patients than probably most dogs do in week. He lives a very happy loved life and I am grateful I can bring him in. He is very therapeutic and healing for most of our patients... including me! It is always great driving when Louie's head is out the window getting fresh air and the car next to me stops and smiles. These little guys have a powerful healing effect and way to make everyone feel better no matter what. I am fortunate to have one of these little fur balls and that he can spread the love to all my patients!
Nov 5
I am thankful for coconut oil. You can cook everything in it and not worry about your food getting toxic or rancid, use as amazing nontoxic makeup remover, and eat it each day for so many health benefits. Its anti-fungal, bacterial and viral so it works wonders with your immune system helping it kill off invaders. It is also perfect food for your brain and nervous system.
Over the past weekend I was getting sick and my neck and shoulders were extremely tight... much more than I have ever had before. I knew I had to be fighting off something. I simply did a oil pull (where you swish coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes) to pull out toxins and kill off invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Within 20 minutes my muscles were relaxed and it completely fought off anything I was starting to catch. I will write a post in the future specific to this because the more I learn and read the more fascinated I am. Try starting with 10 minutes and work up to 20 (and make sure to spit it in your trashcan when you are done because the oil will harden up when cold in your sink/drain... and that is no good). After you spit it out make sure to rinse your mouth with hot water and spit that out. Rinse a couple times to get all the toxins out. You may notice you it starts to release drainage from your throat and nose... Yay! Get it out of there! If you have questions feel free to call the office. Lori swears by it too!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Conjunctivitis/Pinkeye... what to do?
Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) is something that is very easily treated all 'naturally' no matter if you are a human, dog or cat. There is no need to 1) suffer with it and 2) run to a doctor to get it treated, get medicated eye drops or even antibiotics. I was talking to my dad on the phone this weekend and he was telling me how their dog Mo's eye was red and seemed infected. What can you do? Silver Shield!! It's such an amazing universal healer. It's antibacterial and antiviral (also antiparasitic). It tastes like water and safe to put in the eyes, ears and nose (as nasal spray) to get the antiseptic properties in each of those areas. Needless to say my parents put a drop of Silver Shield in Mo's eye 2 to 3 times a day and within a day or 2... it was gone! No crazy treatments... just the trusty Silver Shield.
Nature Sunshine's Silver Shield is patented and one of the best colloidal silver's on the market. It is extremely bioavailable (99% actually) meaning it fully gets absorbed in the body and it doesn't go to waste.
Next time you or your loved one gets pinkeye or some sort of eye irritation or infection use Silver Shield. You will not be let down!
Nature Sunshine's Silver Shield is patented and one of the best colloidal silver's on the market. It is extremely bioavailable (99% actually) meaning it fully gets absorbed in the body and it doesn't go to waste.
Next time you or your loved one gets pinkeye or some sort of eye irritation or infection use Silver Shield. You will not be let down!
Mo (and his piercing blue eyes) and Louie
Monday, October 28, 2013
6 More Tips on what do to during Cold/Flu Season!
6 More Tips for cold and flu season!
1) Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil is antibacterial and antiviral (and antifungal)... so make sure you are getting in 3 tablespoons a day to keep your immune system healthy and happy! It is also what Lori and I use as hand sanitizer because of its antimicrobial properties. (And ps. antibacterial soaps kill off good and bad bacteria... sounds like something else?) So lather your hands in coconut oil multiple times a day to keep the sickness away!
2) Tei Fu Essential Oil: This is something we use in a nasal spray but can also be used to help clear and open up sinuses... put a few drops on your fingers and rub under your cheek bones, above your eyebrows and even on your temples if you are getting headaches. It helps to clear up sinuses and get you breathing better. (It can be pretty strong so you can mix it with a little coconut oil before you rub it on your skin.)
3) Tei Fu/Silver Shield Nasal Spray: Using the same Tei Fu essential oil... click the link below for info on how to make an amazing nasal spray to open up your nasal passages and help you breath clear!
http://drcarolynmaxfield.blogspot.com/2013/06/allergies-use-this-great-nasal-spray.html
4) Don't take anything to break your fever... it does your body a disservice if you do. I know having a fever is not the best feeling in the world, especially when your little one is screaming and in pain. No one wants to watch their kids or loved ones suffer. However fevers happen for a reason. Your body naturally raises your body temperature to kill off invaders. The higher temperatures make is unlivable for the bad guys and in turn kills them off. Yes it may take a day or two however it is perfectly normal and healthy and should not be interfered with unless the temperature is above 102 (or honestly even higher). Come in and get tested to see what you have so we can support the body naturally during this time but please do the best you can to not interfere with your bodies natural reaction... I know it is not comfortable at all (and pretty miserable) but your immune system will come out much stronger because of it.
5) Make this terrible tonic. Have it on hand when you are sick and drink as much as you can stand. I actually don't mind the taste because there is honey in it (but my taste buds may be a bit skewed). Try it and let me tell you it works!
http://lindsayleighbentley.com/2012/09/17/terrible-tonic-my-favorite-cold-and-flu-remedy-and-prevention/ (Also this is a great blog to follow if you are looking for great info and tips to stay healthy and live and be well... just like the title of the blog.)
6) Get a lymphatic massage. This helps to drain your sinuses and get the lymphatic tissue moving to help get you feeling better faster. If the lymphatic system is stagnant (think of stagnant water in the pipes of your houses... not a good situation) things get backed up and infections brew. The lymphatic system is a large network that plays a huge role in your immune system (when you get those pea sized painful nodules by your throat, neck or even armpits they are enlarged and fighting off invaders). No matter what it is when you get sick the lymphatic system kicks into gear!
I give my patients simple lymphatic massages all the time that help clear head congestion, chest pressure and colds. Some massage therapists can even do full body ones. Let me know and I'll be glad to help get your lymph pumping and teach you a couple things to do at home!
1) Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil is antibacterial and antiviral (and antifungal)... so make sure you are getting in 3 tablespoons a day to keep your immune system healthy and happy! It is also what Lori and I use as hand sanitizer because of its antimicrobial properties. (And ps. antibacterial soaps kill off good and bad bacteria... sounds like something else?) So lather your hands in coconut oil multiple times a day to keep the sickness away!
2) Tei Fu Essential Oil: This is something we use in a nasal spray but can also be used to help clear and open up sinuses... put a few drops on your fingers and rub under your cheek bones, above your eyebrows and even on your temples if you are getting headaches. It helps to clear up sinuses and get you breathing better. (It can be pretty strong so you can mix it with a little coconut oil before you rub it on your skin.)
3) Tei Fu/Silver Shield Nasal Spray: Using the same Tei Fu essential oil... click the link below for info on how to make an amazing nasal spray to open up your nasal passages and help you breath clear!
http://drcarolynmaxfield.blogspot.com/2013/06/allergies-use-this-great-nasal-spray.html
4) Don't take anything to break your fever... it does your body a disservice if you do. I know having a fever is not the best feeling in the world, especially when your little one is screaming and in pain. No one wants to watch their kids or loved ones suffer. However fevers happen for a reason. Your body naturally raises your body temperature to kill off invaders. The higher temperatures make is unlivable for the bad guys and in turn kills them off. Yes it may take a day or two however it is perfectly normal and healthy and should not be interfered with unless the temperature is above 102 (or honestly even higher). Come in and get tested to see what you have so we can support the body naturally during this time but please do the best you can to not interfere with your bodies natural reaction... I know it is not comfortable at all (and pretty miserable) but your immune system will come out much stronger because of it.
5) Make this terrible tonic. Have it on hand when you are sick and drink as much as you can stand. I actually don't mind the taste because there is honey in it (but my taste buds may be a bit skewed). Try it and let me tell you it works!
http://lindsayleighbentley.com/2012/09/17/terrible-tonic-my-favorite-cold-and-flu-remedy-and-prevention/ (Also this is a great blog to follow if you are looking for great info and tips to stay healthy and live and be well... just like the title of the blog.)
6) Get a lymphatic massage. This helps to drain your sinuses and get the lymphatic tissue moving to help get you feeling better faster. If the lymphatic system is stagnant (think of stagnant water in the pipes of your houses... not a good situation) things get backed up and infections brew. The lymphatic system is a large network that plays a huge role in your immune system (when you get those pea sized painful nodules by your throat, neck or even armpits they are enlarged and fighting off invaders). No matter what it is when you get sick the lymphatic system kicks into gear!
I give my patients simple lymphatic massages all the time that help clear head congestion, chest pressure and colds. Some massage therapists can even do full body ones. Let me know and I'll be glad to help get your lymph pumping and teach you a couple things to do at home!
Friday, October 25, 2013
Pharmaceutical Drug Interactions... Easy to check online!
Although I don't personally prescribe pharmaceutical drugs (nor would I want to) I still have to closely monitor what people are on and any interactions they may have. Hopefully the audience I am talking to is not on any or very few... however we all know people who are on a whole host of them. Medications are something not to take lightly and should be researched for their side effects and interactions.
This is such a great tool and website that anyone can use to check any interactions pharmaceutical medications have with each other. Not only do pharmaceutical drugs have side effects, they can also have interactions with each other which cause another set of issues. The website ranks the interactions as major, moderate, and minor. It is very imperative that a person check this if they are on two or more pharmaceutical drugs.
Go to http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and click agree. From there you can enter in different medications and click check for interactions. It will create a list of interactions between the different meds. Even if you are not my patient please be educated about what you are taking. It is your health and life. Be informed.
This is such a great tool and website that anyone can use to check any interactions pharmaceutical medications have with each other. Not only do pharmaceutical drugs have side effects, they can also have interactions with each other which cause another set of issues. The website ranks the interactions as major, moderate, and minor. It is very imperative that a person check this if they are on two or more pharmaceutical drugs.
Go to http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and click agree. From there you can enter in different medications and click check for interactions. It will create a list of interactions between the different meds. Even if you are not my patient please be educated about what you are taking. It is your health and life. Be informed.
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