Previous studies have shown that psoriasis can be a risk factor for heart attack, mostly for young patients with severe forms of the disease. The connection is the inflammation—psoriasis causes inflammation, and inflammation can cause heart attacks.

“Several hospital-based studies have indicated that psoriasis is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases,” said Joel M. Galdfand, M.D., lead author of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (October 2006).¹

Just how much psoriasis increased risk, however, has remained unknown. A recent study, however, found that patients with severe psoriasis have a 53 percent increased incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) like heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death compared to the general population.² Researchers recommended more aggressive strategies for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis.

What does all this mean? If you have severe psoriasis, talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk of cardiovascular problems. A healthy diet and regular exercise will help, but you may also want to check on your cholesterol levels and make sure your blood pressure is within normal levels. If you smoke, try to stop, and limit your intake of alcohol. If you’re overweight, try to lose a few pounds, as even a 5 to 10 percent loss can help reduce your risk.

Finally, take steps to reduce your levels of inflammation, as that’s where the trouble starts. Omega-3 fatty acids are great for this. Increase your intake of fatty fish like salmon and sardines along with flaxseed and nuts, and consider taking a regular fish oil supplement. Avoid inflammatory fatty foods and above all, think heart healthy!

Do you have severe psoriasis? Have you talked to your doctor about your risk of cardiovascular disease? Please share your story.

Source

1. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. “Penn Researchers Find Psoriasis Patients At Increased Risk For Heart Attack.” ScienceDaily, 13 Oct. 2006. Web. 8 Sep. 2011.

2. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. “Severe psoriasis linked to major adverse cardiovascular events.” ScienceDaily, 27 Jun. 2011. Web. 8 Sep. 2011.

Photo courtesy Mamta Motiyani via Flickr.com.

Hillary Peterson and Marie Veronique Nadeau of “Marie Veronique Organics.”

Question: What do you get when you combine a former chemistry teacher with a passion for safe and responsible skin-care products, with a marketing guru and two-time cancer survivor committed to living a healthy lifestyle?

Answer: A company committed to making non-toxic products safe enough for all skin types—and a story that shows we can have beautiful skin without paying for it with our health.

“I had a melanoma ten years ago,” says Hillary Peterson, CEO of Marie Veronique Organics. “I also had thyroid cancer fifteen years ago. With those two occurrences in mind, I was really thinking about how I could live my healthiest life. My focus on that took on a new meaning for me.”

Having already adopted healthy-eating habits and meditation, Hillary was taking steps to make her body more resistant to cancer growth. “Before, I might have had an Oreo cookie every now and then,” she says, “but now there is no way I would eat a partially hydrogenated anything.”

Hillary started buying more local, fair-trade, and organic foods, but it was only later that she started thinking about her personal-care products. “I never imagined the lotion I’d used for years was primarily made with petroleum products, or that my sunscreens were made with harmful chemicals that have been linked with cancer. I never understood that what you put on your skin goes into your body and into your bloodstream. It was a big shift in my learning.”

Hillary describes herself as a “frustrated consumer,” as she was finding it really difficult to purchase truly safe products. “Doing whatever you can to have an optimally functioning immune system makes a lot of sense. Everyone says these products don’t do anything, but no one has tested for the cumulative load. If you use lotions with petroleum products for 30 years, in addition to eating partially hydrogenated oils, how much can the body take?”

Finally, she connected with the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Database and found that Marie Veronique Organics seemed to be one of the safer brands. “She was in my area, so I called her up.” Marie, having started her company with homemade formulations in her own kitchen, was already making products free of petroleum-based products, nanoparticles, and other toxic ingredients. She and Hillary hit it off immediately. “We had an amazing conversation,” Hillary says. “I talked to her about my experience and my frustration, and she told me about her philosophy—if something isn’t safe, she doesn’t use it—and that’s very rare to find these days.”

Within a short time, Hillary was working with Marie to help grow the company. “We wanted to provide only what would be safe and effective for customers,” Hillary says. “We hung a sign that my daughter made in the office. It says, ‘Is it safe for children?’ In other words, anything we make needs to be safe for even very vulnerable populations.”

Marie’s other passion of aging gracefully meant she was creating products that actually worked. “There’s this perception that in order to get results you need chemicals,” Hillary says, “but we provide another option for people.”

According to Marie, it’s all about increasing your defenses, protecting from the sun, and repairing cellular damage—in other words, giving the body what it needs to naturally produce healthy, young-looking skin. “When you have a product loaded with powerful and fresh antioxidants,” Marie says, “it can make a huge difference. And if you have enough hyaluronic acid in your skin, it gives it that plump look and can counteract aging. When you nourish your face—like when you nourish your body—it really does respond.”

In the end, Marie says, while chemicals often contribute to skin breakdown, natural products support the health of skin, resulting in a more younger-looking appearance. “It’s like the difference between chemicals in your food and natural food. Natural stuff works better—it gives your body the wherewithal to heal itself. The body does wonders as long as it’s got enough to work with.”

Hillary—now in remission for 10 years—is thrilled to be investing her time and energies into a company that cancer fighters and survivors can feel good about. “It means a lot for me as a cancer survivor to go to work everyday and grow a business that helps people live the healthiest possible lifestyle.”

If you’d like to try Marie Veronique Organics, please visit their web site.

“’Brillo pad’ skin arrived on my face within days of starting Tamoxifen,” says fighter Verite Reily Collins. “This was nasty, dry skin that made my face rough, sore, red and wrinkly. Rushing to the hospital, I managed to find the elusive oncology nurse. She peeled strips of skin off my arms, saying, ‘You do have a problem, but I don’t know what you can do.”

Unfortunately, many cancer patients experience this problem. New drugs that are sometimes more effective against tumors can also come with new and more severe skin reactions, like rashes and dermatitis. Some oncologists don’t know what to offer in terms of solutions, so they often refer you to a dermatologist, but again, not all dermatologists are necessarily skilled in handling skin problems caused by cancer treatments. (Unless the individual has training in oncology esthetics.)

What can you do? First, be aware that cancer treatments can cause skin reactions, and ask your doctor ahead of time what to expect. Second, learn to treat your skin differently. Apply moisturizer when your skin is damp to reduce irritation from touch. Find moisturizers that are toxin-free and extra gentle, like Otopia Organic Purity Moisturizing and Soothing Cream for Newborns, or one of the Eminence Organic moisturizers. If your skin breaks out in a rash, do not use harsh, acne products. The reaction is not acne and acne creams will only make the situation worse. See our post for more natural solutions. Finally, choose mild cleansing formulas, like Terressentials Fragrance-Free, or Love to Know Organic. If you’re recommended to a dermatologist, ask for his/her credentials in oncology skin care.

The good news is that oncology nurses are becoming more alert to the problem, and many are getting training on how to better deal with skin side effects. Oncology Nursing News reports that, “The topic of cutaneous reactions to cancer therapy is much on the minds of oncology nurses these days. It was the focus on an instructional session and a satellite symposium at the ONS 33rd Annual Congress.” You may be fortunate with your nurse—ask her about your skin reactions and see if he/she can help.

Did you have an oncologist who couldn’t help with your skin-care side effects? What did you do?

Photo courtesy roidinc via Flickr.com.

So, based on what we know so far, it makes sense for most women to try to reduce their exposure to estrogen. However, just how to do that seems to be getting more complicated. Most of us know that hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause has been discouraged by health organizations because of studies linking it with an increased risk of breast cancer. And the debate continues on birth control pills, as to whether or not today’s low-estrogen formulas do anything to raise risk. (Some studies have shown a slight increased risk, others have shown no change in risk, while multiple studies have shown birth control to decrease risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.) However, we don’t expect to have to worry about estrogen exposure from food, plastic containers, or skin-care products. Unfortunately, that is the reality of today, and women wanting to reduce their risk will want to become more aware of what they’re putting in and around their bodies.

First, we have the estrogens found in food, or in plants used as foods. These are usually called “phytoestrogens,” and are found in soybeans and tofu (which is why these foods are often recommended for post-menopausal women who are low on natural estrogen), and in some whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, unlike synthetic forms of estrogen, these natural forms seem to help reduce the risk of breast cancer, mostly because they act like estrogen in the body, but are less potent, and so are thought to help women avoid estrogen-related disease.

Next, we have the environmental estrogens—synthetic chemicals that can act like human estrogen. Research has found that these estrogens can increase cell division and potentially contribute to breast cancer risk. These types of estrogens are found in pesticides, food preservatives like BHT and BHA, compounds used in plastics like bisphenol A and pthalates, food dye Red #3, and formaldehyde (used in making carpets, plywood, and some nail polishes). Science still isn’t sure of the impact of these estrogens, but theorizes that the more exposure one has, the bigger potential for increased risk of cancer.

Finally, we have estrogens showing up in our personal-care products. We’ve already posted about phthalates, parabens, and other hormone-like chemicals. Here’s something new: a recent report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology warns that rejuvenating skin creams often contain estrogen. In fact, 40 percent of those tested contained what researchers are calling significant amounts (up to 0.61%) of estriol or estrone, two potent forms of estrogen. According to skincarerx.org, estrogen is “used in some facial creams designed for dry and lined skin and permitted in creams by the FDA in low dosages.” Estrogen helps the skin retain water, and may improve skin tone on a limited basis—but at what risk? Dr. Lorne Brandes, writing for CTV MedNews Express, warns women who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer to be especially concerned about any product that could raise the level of blood estrogen through the skin. Healthy women, as well, need to be concerned about their overall exposure to estrogens.

How can you tell if your moisturizer contains estrogenic compounds? First, check out our list of ingredients to avoid, and stay away from products that contain parabens, pthalates, chemical sunscreens, and the like. Next—since estrogens aren’t always listed on the label (those in the previous study were not)—buy from reputable companies producing organic and natural products, like jeune d’age, Burt’s Bees, and Pristine Planet, among others. Check your favorite products against the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database for safety.

Have you found a favorite hormone-free skin-care product? Let us know.

Photo courtesy si-art via Flickr.com.

Following are several homemade remedies you can try. Be sure to test each one on a small area of skin first, to prevent any allergic reactions.

Makeup Remover/Dry Cuticles: Try a little olive, sesame, or jojoba oil on a cotton swab, or use one of these recipes. These oils also work great as a finger soak to soften cuticles. For another option, put a third cup of water in a jar, add 3 Tbsp powdered milk, and shake. (Result should be the consistency of cream—if not, add more water or more powder.) Take a washcloth, wet it with warm water, put some of the makeup remover on the cloth, and gently wipe your face.

Puffy Eyes: Apply egg whites underneath eyes, allow them to dry, and then rinse off. Other options include daisy extract, cold milk, or chrysanthemum tea for allergy-related puffiness.

Facial Moisturizer: Rub the inside of an avocado peel on your face, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse dry. Or smash an avocado in a bowl, add a squeeze of lemon, and leave on your face for 20 minutes. Mashed ripe bananas mixed with honey also help moisturize skin. For more facials and moisturizer recipes, see these homemade solutions.

Very Dry Skin: Many natural oils work to soften skin. Try olive, almond, or sesame oil anywhere on your body. Many aromatherapy shops have great natural massage oils that work perfectly. Choose organic varieties like those from Northern Naturals or Mountain Rose Herbs. Another option: combine 5 grapes, 2 tsp lemon or lime juice, and 1 Tbsp castor oil. This mixture will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Cleanser: For a mild, gentle facial cleanser, try this: combine 2 oz. plain yogurt, 2 tsp honey, ¾ tsp wheat-germ oil, 1 oz finely peeled and sliced apple, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1-1/2 Tbsp instant mashed potatoes, and 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil. Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate, and use as needed. The mixture usually lasts from two to three days.

Moisturizing Face Mask: Touted as the easiest product to make at home, recipes abound for moisturizing masks. One of the most popular is oatmeal—simply blend with a little water, spread over skin, wait, then rinse. You can also try blending a handful of almonds, plain full-fat yogurt, and honey until smooth, and applying the resulting paste on your skin. For a tastier option, try the chocolate mask (amazing antioxidant properties!): mix 1 Tbsp cocoa powder, 1 Tbsp heavy cream, 1 tsp cottage cheese, 4 tsp honey, and 1 tsp oatmeal in a blender. Apply to face and leave on 10 minutes, then rinse. Yummy! Find other mask recipes here.

Discoloration/Hyperpigmentation (usually after chemotherapy is over): Fade age spots by rubbing papaya or pineapple on the skin. Or, try this: chop an onion, squeeze the juice out (with cheese cloth), then take one part apple cider vinegar and one part of the onion juice, mix together, dab a cotton pad into the solution and apply it to the age spots. Repeat once a day for 6 weeks and see if you notice a gradual improvement.

Dry/Chapped Lips: Mix olive oil and sugar together (equal amounts) and rub gently on lips to exfoliate and make them smooth. For soft lips, apply tomato paste and milk cream. To prepare your own balm, mix 2 tsps coconut oil, lemon juice, 3 drops of lemon oil and 1 tsp bee wax. Warm it on a low flame. After melting, pour into a glass jar.

If you have an effective homemade skin-care idea, tell us about it!

Photo courtesy of you can count on me, via Flickr.com.

There’s nothing like a little garlic bread with an Italian meal, but flavoring food is just one of the many talents this little clove possesses. Scientists and nutritionists have long recommended it to detoxify the body, boost immune defenses, fortify the cardiovascular system, and kill fungi. But did you know that garlic is once again in the spotlight because of its ability to benefit the skin?

“The high sulfur content in garlic makes it able to tone up the skin and make hair more lustrous,” states a recent report by Natural News. “Garlic helps make skin smooth and supple, and strengthens nails.”

Actually, garlic has long had a reputation for curing skin ailments. The Herb Society of America reports that World War I military surgeons who lacked antibiotics used garlic to cleanse wounds, combat infections and protect against gangrene. To this day people use chopped garlic to cure common warts, nail fungus, boils, even reduce acne and acne scarring, simply by rubbing the herb onto the skin a few times a day. (A word to the wise—garlic can burn, so try a little first, and don’t use on compromised skin.) Some products have taken advantage of garlic’s anti-bacterial properties—Eminence Organic Skincare Garlic and Tomato Masque uses garlic to support its anti-blemish, clarifying and healing abilities.

Scientists credit “allicin,” garlic’s main biologically active component, for these beneficial effects. It works just as well from the inside out, so if you can’t use it directly on your skin, try adding more to your diet, or taking about 3 capsules a day. It will kill the bad guys inside you, helping your skin stay healthy.

What about fortifying and nurturing hair? (Chemotherapy not only causes hair loss, but once the hair grows back, makes it more thirsty for nourishment.) Garlic has long been used as a hair-loss remedy. Its ability to remove toxins and stimulate circulation is important to the health of the scalp. The Turkish hair-care brand “Nival” has recently released a shampoo for thinning hair that includes garlic, which they say will stimulate growth and prevent breakage.

Even better news: garlic has proven itself over and over again in cancer studies. The Iowa Women’s Health study found that women who regularly consumed garlic had 35% lower risk of developing colon cancer. A study in China found that smokers with high garlic intake had a lower risk of stomach cancer than smokers with low garlic intake. A series of studies by Pennsylvania State University’s J.A. Milner, and colleagues reported that aged garlic extract significantly prevented breast cancer in both the beginning (initiation) and later (promotion) stages. And the list goes on—28 out of 37 studies have been positive.

On top of that, recent studies are also showing some promise that garlic may help kill cancer cells. A report from the Republic of Korea found that an oil-soluble sulfur compound in garlic inhibited cell proliferation. And according to Indian researchers, ingesting garlic has been found to delay the formation and reduce the size of tumors in the skin.

If you want to prevent cancer, have healthier skin and hair, boost your immune system during treatment, or raise your odds of avoiding a recurrence, add a little more garlic in your life. To get the full benefit, doctors suggest you choose raw, and crush it up. (You can also buy crushed garlic in a jar.) Add to pasta sauces, meats, casseroles, stir fry, salads, and of course, as a topping for breads.

Have you upped your intake of garlic? Have any great home remedies? Let us know!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village