Suddenly seeing clumps of hair in the shower, while brushing or on the floor can be ALARMING however, it is important to understand that you shed approx. 80-100 hair strands a day - naturally!

But there is a thing such as 'Hair Loss' too. Hair loss is multi-factorial with a list of causes.

Read this and explore for yourself 'which' elements MAY be playing a role, and also to be reassured that there are WAYS to address it.

• Stress… to the body caused by overwhelm, worry, overwork, frustration, resentment, irritation, disappointment, resignation (loss of hope), despair, sadness, fear, anger, grief and the list goes on!! It can also occur due to a sudden shock or trauma (PTSD), illness/infection or surgery, childbirth, separation/divorce, job change, sudden weight loss or gain and inflammation. ALL of these take a HUGE (and DAILY) toll on the body, affecting hormone production, which can result in temporary (and ongoing) hair loss as ‘these’ feelings and emotions impact both hair structure and hair growth. In fact, it has a name...'telogen effluvium'... which is temporary hair loss and results in excessive shedding of 'telogen' hair (given its name due to shape of root).

  When your body is stressed (from the big or small things) the adrenal glands secrete glucocorticosteroids. Glucocorticosteroids BLOCK hair growth, but not hair growth induction, they block hair formation. These steroids block the expression of hair-forming genes, but do not interfere with the signal(s) that initiates those genes, thus addressing your stress can result in initiating hair growth.

  Another example of how stress affects hair… DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands and it helps in the production of other hormones such as Testosterone and Estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and decline with age. Each time cortisol is produced (mainly released at times of stress) DHEA is ALSO produced. These two hormones are almost coupled together, and can't have one without the other. So the more stress you are holding onto or going through, the more DHEA production. High DHEA levels cause hair-loss and other symptoms such as irregular periods, long menstrual cycles, irritability, mood swings, depression, oily skin/acne, excessive growth of dark or coarse hair on the face, chest and back and difficulty losing weight. It can be the root cause of hair loss because this hormone weakens the hair and follicles.

  Sometimes you don't put two and two together because hair loss can happen weeks and months after the event (even up to 6-mths later). The good news is that new hair WILL grow again but ONLY if you use your ‘Stress Relief and Management’ techniques and deal with them once and for all.

• Nutritional Deficiencies… Poor diet, unbalanced diet, crash or yoyo dieting or high protein diets, drinking too much coffee, too much alcohol… are all factors that can result in hair loss. The effects are generally not evident until 6mths to a year, even years later. Nutritional deprivation or deficiency of proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals can lead to abnormalities of the hair structure and result in hair loss. However, now there is no need to worry because on the GRP you are getting ALL the nutrients, Protein, Healthy Fats, Fibre (complex carbs), Vitamins A, B (especially Biotin*), C, D** & E and Micro-nutrients such as Iodine, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Calcium, Magnesium and Selenium just to name a few. All needed for healthy hair! So, diet wise… you are probably for the first time, in a long time, getting all the nutrients you need.

• Hair products and Styling… Many hair products contain surfactants, chemicals, preservatives that weaken the hair shaft and stress the hair causing hair loss and hair breakage. Also excessive hair styling, heating appliances and hair colours (especially those who get blonde colours e.g. bleach, or chemical super-lightening colour treatments) weaken the hair shaft and which results in the hair snapping and hair loss. You need to think of your scalp the same way as the skin on your face. Would you apply the same treatment you give to your hair, to your face? When the hair fibre (keratin fibre) is produced it will never self-repair and you can destroy the cuticle (protective coating) with excessive washing, use of hair products and hair styling. Creating a viscous cycle of making it more prone to breakage, loss of moisture etc. Thus you apply more hair products to get shiny full hair!!

• Medications… such as Antibiotics, Chemotherapy, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. Ibuprofen, Oral contraceptives, Blood pressure lowering meds, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Anti-depressants etc can also cause hair loss. Interestingly… hair loss may not become evident for several months after starting (or finishing) these medications. So, you may not put two and two together.

• Poor Thyroid function… If you have Thyroid issues this can be a cause. But you’re in the right place to maintain gut health and autoimmune support through food.

• Pregnancy/Post-Pregnancy/Lactation… Hormonal changes during pregnancy can stimulate the ‘growth’ phase of hair. Then after birth the ‘resting’ phase is stimulated and this can result in excess hair shedding. It can seem ‘extreme’ as huge masses come out when shampooing hair, but it can be a normal part of the process of becoming a mother. (One of the downsides that no-one talks about!!). Is not unusual and the hair growth cycle often corrects itself 12 months after birth. However, if it doesn’t then it is an idea to speak to your doctor to check your Thyroid and Iron levels as these can be affected by pregnancy/childbirth.

• Perimenopause/Menopause… result in hormone levels declining (estrogen and progesterone) and androgens increasing. This results not only in slower hair growth but with hair follicles shrinking as a result, hair loss and hair thinning too. Around 50% of women experience this. Now do NOT stress about this as the body adjusts, then hair loss slows then stops. Stressing will cause further hair loss - so don’t stress about it!

• Tying hair up… and it has a name… ‘Traction Alopecia’… basically hair loss that is caused by repeatedly pulling your hair. If you often have your hair in a ponytail/bun or braids/plats the repeated pulling and tugging at the hair shaft can result in hair loss. Good news is that once you stop doing this then hair will begin to grow again!

• Heating appliances… blow dryers, styling wands/tongs, heating curlers weaken hair to the point that breaks the hair shaft, so hair can snap or fall out.

• Genetics... Hereditary-pattern baldness happens to both men and women and is probably one of the most common cause of hair loss. However, it is important to note that both ‘Male’ and ‘Female’ pattern hair loss is a genetic sensitivity to your body’s hormones. Hormone, or Genetic, testing is highly recommended to pinpoint but early intervention is key while the hair follicles can be rejuvenated with reducing inflammation, addressing nutrients, stress reduction strategies etc. all of which are critically important to building a hair fibre. Hair follicles are highly metabolic and require a nutrient rich blood flow. On that note nutritionally restrictive diets contribute to hair loss.

  • In men, DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is the main culprit, and what is inherited is the sensitivity to this hormone. DHT causes the follicles to miniaturize and weaken over time in a very specific hair loss pattern with receding hair lines, thinning in the crown etc.’

  • In women, DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) or Androgen issues which can occur in conditions such as PCOS and also during perimenopause , can also have androgen effects on the hair. However, the hair thinning usually starts with a diffuse thinning of hair in the front, or a widening part line, and if left untreated receding hair line.

    A little about these hormones… “Androgens are endogenous steroid hormones. They contain dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the most potent hormone among the androgens and is considered a pure androgen as it cannot convert into estrogen”. DHT is produced mainly in the liver, only small amounts are in the systemic circulation and Cholesterol is the precursor molecule for DHT synthesis

• Hormones… referred to as Female Patterned Hair Loss (FPHL) where hair follicles become short, thin and non-pigmented with a shortened growing phase. This results in thinning of hair usually over the top of the head with the hair line intact. However, some women experience thinning all over their scalp. Some proposed explanations for FPHL is the role of Androgens in the body. Androgens - testosterone and androstenedione - play a role in male traits and reproductive activity and are present in both males and females. The change in androgens can be a result of poor diet, high insulin levels and no exercise. Hormone testing should be undertaken before taking medication.

• Low B12 levels… as it is assists in the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen to hair follicles. Interestingly, B12 also plays a role in hair colour too. Low B12 is multi-causative. You can find more information on B12 in the Food Module’s Gut Health Library.

• Low Ferritin levels… In a study looking at male and female pattern baldness, low ferritin levels were associated. It is thought that the body 'borrows' iron from hair follicles thus leading to weakened hair. Low ferritin levels too are multi-causative. You can find more information on Iron in the Food Module’s Gut Health Library.

• Low Vitamin D… have been linked to alopecia (hair loss) [40] and having adequate levels of Vitamin D can significantly enhance hair growth. Low levels of Vitamin D are multi-factorial. It is low in inflammatory states, in acute stress and critical illness the conversion of 25(OH)D to 1,25(OH)2D is heightened to maintain calcium homeostasis. You should never self-prescribe Vitamin D as it is fat-soluble and stored in the body. ALWAYS test levels first and examine the ‘cause’ of the low Vitamin D. Best sources of Vitamin D are from the sun. It is advised to sun-bathe for 10-15 mins, 3 times a week before 10am and after 4pm. Expose the areas that are not normally exposed to the sun such as your bottom, breasts, stomach or inner arms. You can find more information on Vitamin D in the Food Module’s Gut Health Library.

• Low Vitamin B7 (Biotin) ... The body’s daily requirements for B7 is 25-30µg (mcg) a day (for Female/Male 19-70yrs old). You may have not met your body’s requirements before, but you are definitely meeting them now with the GRP as the best source of Biotin is in plants as they are ‘free-bound’. While it can be found in animal products, it is ‘protein-bound’, and more difficult for the body to absorb. Also if you’ve had ‘egg mayonnaise’ or raw eggs in smoothies etc. then be aware that ‘avidin’ ,a glycoprotein in raw egg whites, binds tightly to dietary biotin and prevents biotin's absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In the GRP you’re regularly getting amazing Biotin sources such as…. Hazelnuts (1 handful) = 21mcg, Nutritional yeast (2 tbsp) = 20mcg, Soy beans/Edamame (½ cup) = 19mcg, Pecans (1 handful) = 18mcg, Peanut butter (20g) = 18mcg, Almonds (1 handful) = 16mcg, Broad beans (½ cup) = 16mcg, Chickpeas (½ cup) = 11mcg, Walnuts (1 handful) = 9mcg, Espresso coffee (1 shot) = 9mcg, Oats (40g) = 8mcg, Peas (½ cup) = 7mcg, Tofu (200g) = 7mcg, Avocado (1 whole) = 6-18mcg, Mushrooms (1 cup) = 5mcg, Sweet Potatoes (1 cup cooked) = 5mcg, Rice (½ cup) = 3.5mcg, Hemp seeds (1 tbsp) = 2.7mcg, Sunflower seeds (1 handful) = 2.6mcg, Strawberries (½ cup) = 1.7mcg, Banana (1 whole) = 1mcg, Broccoli (½ cup) = 0.4mcg,Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, and isn’t stored in the body for long, so needs to be replenished daily. And since bacteria in your gut can produce biotin… the more you feed them a variety of fibre, the more Biotin they produce for you. Alcohol consumption and poor nutrition result in low Biotin levels. And when cells are biotin-deficient they have an increased susceptibility to oxidative damage in response to stress. In regard to supplements... "No clinical trials have shown efficacy in treating hair loss with biotin supplementation in the absence of deficiency. Despite this, biotin is found in multiple supplements marketed to consumers for hair loss"

• Low Zinc… You may have not met your body’s requirements before… but you definitely are now with the GRP. However if you are undergoing prolonged stress it will deplete zinc concentrations in the blood because the body rapidly uses up zinc in times of stress. It is essential to deal with stressors (past and present)or your Zinc will continue to be used. You can find more information on Zinc in the Food Module’s Gut Health Library.

• Low Protein or poor protein absorption… protein is essential for hair growth, reason being is that hair follicles are mostly 'protein' (keratin) in structure. Malabsorption of protein is one of biggest reasons for hair loss as is stress. Protein catabolism (degradation/breakdown) is one of the body’s responses to stress. Those in the Western World, with a healthy diet, get more than enough protein, so the amount is not the issue. The absorption and assimilation and degradation is THE issue. You may have not met your bod’s requirements before… but you definitely are now NOT just with the protein supplied in your Food Prescription and are practicing Digestive Dominoes to support proper absorption and assimilation AND learning how to use your Stress ARM so that proteins aren’t degraded. You are getting supplied the 'amino acids' (protein sub-units) namely histidine and methionine which are needed for hair growth. Histidine from grains, nuts, seeds and many vegetables. Methionine from brazil nuts, tofu, quinoa and beans (kidney, navy, black, pinto) to name a few. Avoid protein supplements as 'high' protein diets cause hair loss. In fact, high protein diets have been linked to hair that snaps off, straw-like dry hair, lifeless and brittle hair that lacks shine and lustre. You can find more information on Protein in the Food Module’s Gut Health Library.

• Fungal infections… scalp ringworm, can result in hair loss. The scalp can get itchy and may become red and scaly, While most common in children, it can occur in Adults, although rare. Antifungals can assist.

• Lichen Planopilaris… is a type of alopecia. This occurs when the immune system attacks the cells of the skin or mucous membranes. This can result in areas of the scalp becoming dry, and flaky and cause hair to fall out in clumps. More common in women than men, the scalp can become painful and white/red burning bumps can appear. Treatment aims to reduce hair loss, control the symptoms, and stop the scarring process. Regrowth can only be expected if the elimination of the inflammation is treated. Medications may improve the condition in some individuals but a complete response is rare. Improvement, when it occurs, may take 6 to 9 months or even longer.

• Microbiome… the Microbiome of the scalp and the Gut Microbiome are critical to a creating and maintaining a healthy head of hair.

  • Dysbiosis… a microbial imbalance – which can result in hair loss and poor scalp condition too. Scalp inflammation, caused by dysbiosis, can dysregulate the hair follicle and thus hair growth.

• Beneficial Gut Flora help to harvest nutrients from your food and produce micro-nutrients such as such as biotin (vitamin B7). A lack of biotin can result in skin conditions and hair loss and Antibiotics play a role in this. In fact, a study showed that antibiotics destroyed the balance of bacteria in the gut and increased a type of bacteria, Lactobacillus murinus. As this bacterium can’t produce biotin it causes a biotin deficiency which leads to hair loss. [39]

• Around 80% of your immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract (termed ‘GALT’: Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue). When you have dysbiosis it can be over-stimulated and increase the production of antibodies. These can attack the thyroid and the health of the scalp… of which hair is attached to.

• Pathogenic bacteria (from dysbiosis) release endotoxins that damage the gut’s mucosal lining i.e. Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut). Essentially, it damages the wall of the small intestine where digestion and absorption occurs. Less absorption of nutrients = nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies can result in inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and hair loss. In fact, in the human body, hair growth is considered to be the third most metabolically-active cell reproduction process.

So as you can see there are many factors involved in hair loss.

Eating nutrient rich fibre filled food is critical for hormone health, hair follicle health, scalp health - your skin (scalp) and Gut Microbiome.

However YOUR lifestyle is a major factor in hair loss and if you want to restore hair growth you need to be regularly and consistently implementing your Resonant breathing, Yin Yoga, Barefoot walk, Stretch-Decompress-Hydrate, Digestive Dominoes, Optimal Sleep practices, Stress relief and Stress Management techniques

But, in the meantime, while you are waiting for your hair to improve while implementing your 'Food' and Lifestyle’ prescriptions… these steps can help…

• Get your hair cut short. A great time for a completely different hairstyle for the new 'you' that is emerging.

• Switch to a gentle safe natural chemical free shampoo. Shampoo bars are excellent as they don’t have the ‘added water’ of regular shampoos nor do they contain ‘detergent’ that regular shampoos contain. Bonus is that you don’t need conditioner as the shampoo bars can also condition the hair.

• AVOID hair colouring products and hair styling products (gels, sprays, mousse etc) as they leave a layer of residue that can clog and damage hair follicles, which can ultimately lead to more hair loss. They also dry the hair causing the hair shaft to ‘snap’ resulting in more hair loss.

• Do NOT wash hair daily, or even every second or third day, as the detergents (surfactants) used in your liquid shampoo can further damage the hair. Also the constant massaging of the shampoo into your hair can result in hair snapping or breaking instead of gradually falling out. Ideally, wash hair every 4-days, allowing the natural scalp oils to nourish your hair and scalp. Those that advise you to…”Ideally wash your hair everyday”… are those that sell shampoo, conditioners and styling aids!!

• When drying hair GENTLY pat hair with a towel, especially a small hair towel made from microfibre that absorbs water readily. Vigorous rubbing with a towel increases hair breakage and loss.

• Do NOT use a blow dryer, straightening irons, heating tongs, curlers etc. as they cause thermal damage to the hair shaft making it prone to breakage and hair loss.

• Gently comb the hair, AVOID using a brush as it pulls at hair and can cause further breakage.

• Get a professional gentle head massage or ask your partner or friend… it is super relaxing (good for to reduce the effects of stress) and it can help stimulate blood flow in the scalp which supports hair growth.

• Using a teeny tiny amount of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil* (size of a flat pea). Dampen fingertips with oil then slide under hair and place balls of fingertips on scalp.

• Using the balls of your fingertips, super-gently massage in a circular motion from the crown to the neck.

• Do for about 10-15 minutes.

*Extra Virgin Olive Oil (organic) contains up to 300 times more Squalene than other vegetable oils. It is a natural moisturizing and anti-inflammatory compound. The sebum (oil) that your sebaceous glands produce contains naturally occurring Squalene which maintains the barrier of your skin so it doesn’t dry out. After the age of 30, the production declines. This treatment is a natural and safe way to treat hair and scalp. It will help to hydrate scalp reducing dry patches and will gently replenish hair strands to protect your hair from further damage.

Note: Just as it takes over 6-mths for 'hair loss' to become apparent, improvement and normalization of the hair growth cycle can take up to 6-9 mths. However, ONLY if you are observing all the food and lifestyle elements involved.

“Herpes labialis, or cold sores, are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and can result in significant irritation, pain, discomfort, and worry. The infection is most often acquired in childhood, but the incidence increases with age. Up to 90% of persons over the age of 50, depending on race, sex, and country, would test seropositive for HSV-1, and an estimated 20 to 40% of adults experience cold sore outbreaks”

The cold sore virus (herpes simplex virus HSV-1) belongs to the same viral group as chicken pox (VZV) and shingles (herpes zoster) and genital herpes (herpes simplex virus – HSV-2) - the family of Alphaherpesviruses. Following a primary infection, HSV-1 establishes a chronic latency (mostly in Trigeminal ganglia) and is reactivated periodically from its latent state from physiological, psychosocial or environmentally derived stressors (triggers) and travels along sensory neurons to the skin and mucousal sites.

The cold sore HSV-1, on oral lips, is mainly spread by saliva either direct or indirect. It is important to note that you CAN get HSV-2 in your mouth if you gave oral sex to someone with HSV-2 on their genitals, and Genital herpes can be caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. Infection with HSV-2 can also lead to (primary) herpes labialis, but this type rarely causes a relapse of the ailment. 

Cold sores (HSV-1) can be transmitted through kissing (oral secretions), sharing a toothbrush, face/hand cloth and utensils (cutlery, chopsticks, cups etc.) It is highly contagious, and strict hygiene measures must be taken so you don’t spread the infection.

Depending on whether this is your first every Cold sore, or a reoccurring one, the signs and symptoms can vary. Generally….

• It starts with the lip (or area around it) having a slight itchy, burning or tingly feeling before any ‘sore’ can be seen.

• Next a small blister(s) appears on the edge of the lip. They can be one or a cluster of small fluid-filled blisters.

• Then the blisters burst leaving the ‘cold sore’ open from which it starts to ooze liquid for several days.

• Finally, it starts to develop a crust and can take a few weeks to completely heal.

Cold sores can reoccur because the ‘virus’ (HSV) lies dormant in nervous tissue until relapse is triggered.

So, what can you do TREAT and PREVENT them…?

TREATMENT… There is no cure for cold sores. However, you can ease the symptoms and reduce the duration.

➡️ Apply VOI ORGANIC FAST-AID CRÈME as it has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic and tissue regenerating properties. It helps to accelerate skin healing and soothes and calms the irritation and itchiness. It also contains ZINC OXIDE, which in clinical studies, has shown to reduce the duration and a reduction in overall severity of signs and symptoms, particularly blistering, soreness, itching, and tingling.

➡️When treated in the first 48-hrs (when you feel a tingle on your lip) '… “studies show that 1-day, high-dose valacyclovir therapy at the first symptom of a cold sore is a safe and effective treatment. Both 1- and 2-day valacyclovir regimens provide clinically and statistically significant benefits over placebo in duration of the episode and time to lesion healing”. It may, when… “taken at the first symptom of a cold sore, reduces the duration of an episode, the time to lesion healing, and the duration of pain and/or discomfort”

➡️ While MANY blog articles suggest increasing Lysine either in supplementation or Lysine rich foods (an amino acid) to prevent the reoccurrence of the virus, there is no valid research that supports this. However, research does indicate that Lysine, an essential amino acid, has the ability to competitively inhibit ‘viral replication’ WHEN concurrently lowering Arginine (another amino acid) levels. Arginine is necessary for uninterrupted virus production. As Lysine and Arginine have an antagonistic relationship, research shows that adjusting their ratio during ‘viral expression’ can help to reduce the severity and length of symptoms.

During an outbreak of a cold sore, or better still noticing the first signs, is the best time to adjust the ratio of Lysine:Arginine foods you are consuming, for a period of 14 days. Eating more of the foods below will supply Lysine (with lower Arginine, ratio wise) and also feed your Gut Microbiome which is essential for a robust functioning immune system.

• As a snack to eat throughout the day… GUACAMOLE... Have with celery and carrot sticks.

• These fruits are good to include for your daily morning and afternoon snacks… Mango, Apples, Apricots, Peachel;kkjs, Plums.

• During your outbreak, choose ONLY raw unsalted pistachios as your nut snack and completely omit the following nuts for 7-days… Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Almonds, Cashews, Brazil nuts and Peanuts.

• Avoid eating seeds such as Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Sesame seeds and Hemp seeds for a period of 7-days.

➡️ Probiotics, especially the Lactobacilli species (particular strains only) can support the immune system. While there is not enough clinical evidence to indicate it can reduce the severity or duration of a cold sore supporting the immune system through the Gut Microbiome with prebiotic foods is beneficial. Feel free to add the following daily to complementary meals… 1-2 tbsp of Coconut Yoghurt, and (if phase appropriate) Kimchi or Sauerkraut with lunch.

➡️ Drink Ginger tea throughout the day , it has an excellent Lysine:Arginine ratio.

➡️ Wash ALL sheets, pillowslips, hand towels and/or face towels in hot water and air dry. Do this regularly so you do NOT spread, self-inoculate or cause a secondary infection.

➡️ Wash your hands every hour. "Herpes simplex virus can be recovered from the skin for up to 2 h after inoculation of the hands with the virus". You may not realise how often you touch your face and thus possibly spread, self-inoculate or cause a secondary infection.

➡️ Soak your toothbrush in boiling water or Hydrogen peroxide after each use and allow to air-dry, in the sun. "Although toothbrushes are rarely considered a potential source of transmission, they may harbor HSV-1 that may shed during regular use"

➡️ Use VOI’s Organic Cleaning-Do-it-All on all door knobs, washbasin tap handles or any surface you may have touched as… "The survival of herpes simplex virus type 1 in tissue culture fluid on doorknobs and washbasin tap handles over a 2 h period was investigated. Infectious virus could be isolated from skin after touching virus-contaminated doorknobs and taps with the middle finger of the right hand at all test times over a 2 h period" . Also use on ANY surface after using (cooking, cleaning, work desk etc) because …"Laboratory studies show that rotavirus, adenovirus, poliovirus, herpes simplex virus and HAV can survive for significant periods on dry surfaces"

PREVENTION

There is no proven preventive measure, but you can implement these strategies to reduce re-occurence...

➡️ Use a lip balm in cold windy weather or when out in the sun try VOI Luscious Organic Lip Balm
➡️ Take notice of what your body is telling you!! Check in on ALL the factors that affect your health… physiological, psychosocial or environmentally derived stressors.
➡️ Stay out of a hot wind, or hot weather. This can be a trigger.
➡️ Relieve stress in the MOMENT. Don’t wait until your mole-hill becomes a mountain. Every day simple measures as Resonant breathing, Barefoot Walking and Yin Yoga go a long way to relieving the effects of stress while you work on a plan to manage them. Stress reduces immune function which can move the virus from the 'dormant' to 'active' state thus causing an outbreak.

Do NOT use Lysine supplements. Apart from absolutely NO conclusive evidence they are effective they can result in an Arginine deficiency which is essential for growth, wound healing and endothelial function. In addition, supplementation with Lysine can be dangerous in individuals with cardiovascular disease, gallstones, asthma, or immune dysfunction (autoimmune disease).

Your skin is actually the body's largest organ and is one of the body's elimination pathways releasing up to 1kg of sweat, water and toxins a day!!

If the skin is clogged through a build-up of dead skin cells, sebum, or toxins, it puts additional stress on the liver and kidneys.

The action of dry skin brushing GENTLY brushes off dead skin cells which opens up this method of elimination for the body to fully utilize.

Done regularly, dry skin brushing improves circulation, brightens the complexion, and stimulates the lymphatic system - the primary vehicle for elimination. In addition, dry skin brushing eliminates dead skin cells so that the new layer, which is regenerated daily, can come to the surface, making the skin soft and smooth.

Purchase a DRY SKIN BRUSH that has a long handle and natural soft bristles.

How to dry skin brush…

1. Skin brush BEFORE a bath or shower ONLY on dry skin. For optimal results, skin brush every day. Unless of course your skin feels irritated then do every 2-3 days, or start with just once a week.

2. Start at your feet; brush your skin in an upward movement towards your heart. Move up your legs and then brush your back and stomach, again brushing towards your heart. Finally, brush your arms and upper body, using strokes toward the heart. You'll want to brush hard enough so that your skin turns lightly ‘pink’, but not hard enough to cause redness, pain or irritation. Skin may feel tender at first, but if you continue to brush your skin on a regular basis, you will soon feel the benefits.

3. Step into the shower/bath and follow your natural skin hygiene routine.

4. Wash your brush once a week in warm soapy water, and let dry naturally.

Within a few weeks you'll start to notice an improvement in your skin.

Individuals who suffer with Rosacea often have an imbalance in the ratio of good gut flora to bad pathogenic bacteria – this is referred to as dysbiosis. Over time this imbalance creates inflammation and intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut). One of the major issues with intestinal permeability is that it allows bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, creating an inflammatory response and overburdening the liver causing an inflammatory response and toxins circulating in the body.

The gut-skin connection has been implicated in Rosacea with a Danish study (50,000 patients) suffering from Rosacea showing they ALL had a prevalence of ‘gut’ related issues such as … Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, Helicobacter pylori, Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Improving your Gut Microbiome will go a long way into improving Rosacea.

However, it is important to note that there are other factors that account for its prominence or flare ups which include…

▶️ Genetics – you can't change the deck you have been dealt BUT genes can be turned on and off by diet. You have approx. 22,000 Human Genes and OVER 43 million Bacterial Genes. Scientific research is clear --  diets can alter microbial community structure and microbial gene expression. "There is growing concern that recent lifestyle innovations, most notably the high-fat/high sugar 'Western' diet, have altered the genetic composition and metabolic activity of our resident microorganisms (the human gut microbiome) and ... such diet-induced changes to gut-associated microbial communities are now suspected of contributing to growing epidemics of chronic illness in the developed world, including obesity and Inflammatory bowel disease" 
▶️ Hot temperature - Apply cool compresses to the face to bring down the body’s core temperature. NOT freezer packs to the face as that will (ice) burn the skin.
▶️ AVOID Hot showers, hot water on face – NEVER EVER put your face under the direct shower stream as this damages the capillaries just under the skin. Making Rosacea worse. Instead, use a sponge – watch THIS VIDEO in the GRP Hub.
▶️ Hot drinks (coffee, tea) – wait until they are LUKE warm before drinking.
▶️ Sun exposure – Sunscreens can aggravate Rosacea so your first defence should be to ALWAYS wear a LARGE brimmed hat to cover face when in the sun. And if you think it is okay to go ‘hat-free’ because it is a cloudy day – think again – because a minimum of 90% of the UV rays penetrate the clouds. So no matter how cloudy, hazy, or even rainy it is you NEED to wear a hat. Also, sun exposure is the biggest cause of wrinkles!!  If you wish to use a sunscreen read the information in this Gut Health Library first!
▶️ Go easy on Spicy foods such as Chilli, Hot sauces, Cayenne, Pepper etc. Also avoid Cinnamon in large doses (a little is fine) as it contains ‘Cinnamaldehyde’ a trigger for Rosacea. Cinnamaldehyde is also found in tomatoes, citrus and chocolate. While you shouldn’t avoid these foods you should eat them in moderation while you are trying to resolve the issue.
▶️ Alcohol consumption – is a BIG trigger with wine increasing flushing by around 50%. And with the impact it has on intestinal permeability it should be avoided at all costs.
▶️ Physical activity – that heats the body up can result in flushing. Yoga, Swimming (indoor), low intensity walking (with a big hat and no shoes) will greatly assist.
▶️ Feelings of anger or embarrassment - triggers the expansion of blood vessels especially those just below the surface of the skin, which in turn causes the face to go red. So the next time you feel any of these 'emotions' work on calming down using your stress management techniques.
▶️ Chemicals have a detrimental effect not just on the skin but on the microbiome. Whatever you put ON your skin ends up IN your body, and in your bloodstream. Use products that are natural and organic. Also make sure you use VERY SPARINGLY as Rosacea can flare up if cremes/oils are too thick as it heats the surface of the skin. Also the use of essential oils (in products and NOT directly on the skin) have shown to reduce the P. aeruginosa, the bacteria implicated in Rosacea. An excellent product that has been shown to reduce Rosacea is Voi’s Organic Hydrating Mist. 

The skin under your eyes is the thinnest at approx. 0.5mm thick. Compared to facial skin at 1.3-1.6mm and body skin ranging from 1-4mm.

The skin under your eyes has few oil glands and a matrix of tiny blood vessels that sit just under the surface of the skin. Light reflected off of these vessels can make them appear darkish grey/blue. Also, blood which is always pumping through these fine capillaries, can sometimes leak into the surrounding areas making the area look darker.

Causative factors for Dark Circles are…

• Genetics play one of the biggest roles in dark circles with it being more common in darker skin types.

• Liver dysfunction. The liver does a good job of detoxifying and ridding the body of toxins however when overloaded with alcohol, coffee, food additives, pesticides, toxic overload from chemicals (cleaning and skincare products) the liver is overburdened and consequently unable to metabolize the nutrients in your food (macro & micro) and it slows down metabolism leading to health issues.

• As we get older, skin thins, and the tiny capillaries become more noticeable giving the skin the dark grey/blue hue.

• Tired and lack of sleep will result in ‘occasional’ dark circles, but experts agree that this has no relation to ongoing dark circles.

• Too much sun exposure can result in increased melanin in the skin making the skin, especially the dermis, appear dark grey/blue.

• Dehydration causes the skin to shrivel, sit flat rather than be plump, highlighting the ‘darkness’ under the eyes.

• Pregnancy and hormonal changes play havoc with the skin and can result in pigmentation and darker skin under the eyes.

• Hay fever, asthma, eczema or food allergies can cause you to rub the eyes and break the delicate capillaries under the skin causing the skin to darken.

• Poor diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies resulting in dark circles. Mineral deficiencies, especially iron, can lead to anaemia causing dark circles.

• Medications can cause blood vessels to dilate and these tiny capillaries look prominent under skin throughout the eyes is very thin.

Measures to implement to lighten, or get rid of (if not genetic) are…

✅ A wide variety of FIBRE improves overall health and assists in improving the Skin and Gut Microbiome.
✅ Use Plant based Organic and Natural skincare with not only reduces the toxic load on the liver but provides naturally occurring vitamins A, B, C & E that improve skin integrity.
✅ Hydrate regularly. It is essential to keep skin, hair and nails moisturized, it also helps the kidneys and liver break down toxins for elimination.
✅ Eliminate or greatly reduce dehydrating foods and drinks such as alcohol, coffee, caffeinated drinks, canned and packaged foods, take-away foods and packaged sauces and salad dressings which are high in sugar and salt and reduce the body’s water levels significantly. But hey, you're learning all of this in the GRP hey?
✅ Apply cucumber slices, potato slices or cooled peppermint tea bags to the eyes for 10-15 minutes. This is just a cosmetic fix as they basically constrict blood vessels so that the area appears lighter. Not a long-term solution, and won’t reverse the condition, but can help you look a little brighter!
✅ If a concern to you, then natural organic mineral concealer can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
✅ Sleep more upright with using two pillows instead of one. It's worth a try, as in some individuals sleeping flat can cause blood to pool under the eyes.
✅ Wear sunglasses and a hat to keep the delicate eye area out of direct sunlight.