By: Dr. Phil Wazny

Tonight while enjoying the “cooler” Arizona summer evening in our backyard with my family, I unfortunately became the victim of a couple mosquito bites. You’ve probably been on the sharp end of these pesky critters that can pack a pretty itchy punch. Not fun. It got me thinking again about the various options out there to avoid getting bit and I thought you might be interested.

Since moving to Arizona, I’m pleased to report that I can count the number of bites I’ve had on two hands; however, during my time in Honduras as a Peace Corps volunteer, I wasn’t so lucky. It was there that I learned to respect the ferociousness of mosquitoes, where stories buzzed around my village that small children were carried away by swarms of mosquitoes. I lost count after a few thousand, but the number of bites I endured was intensely itchy and at times pretty unsightly. Peace Corps issued us the infamous 30% N,N-Dimethyl-meta-toulamide. As an aside, I can proudly say that was my 19-month-old’s first word! She’s got a knack for science it seems.

Kidding aside, it’s also known as DEET, and 30% is the highest concentration one can get on the market. It came in a black bottle with big letters on it warning us to “rinse off the skin as soon as possible.” Yikes! Appropriately worried for our safety, friends and family back in the US sent us many different remedies to ward off the bugs. From Skin-So-Soft, to homeopathic remedies, to advice to chow down of as much garlic as possible (which does seem to help some), I tried it all. Most of it seemed to taunt the mosquitoes more than anything else, but recently there has been more research done to provide better options and debunk some of the folk remedies out there.

The difficulty with this research, however, is that we are still not exactly sure what causes mosquitoes to target us in the first place and therefore it’s more challenging to create effective deterrent methods. Some research shows that over-excretion of cholesterol metabolites through our skin (regardless of your cholesterol levels–your genetics directs this process) increases your chances of being caught in a mosquito’s crosshairs. Other studies suggest that simply breathing and exhaling carbon dioxide is the culprit, while some scientists believe it is our body’s heat that mosquitoes sense. To make matters worse, there are over 175 different known species of mosquito in the United States, each with a slightly different genetic pattern and as a result, a different susceptibility to remedies.

By far the most studied chemical to repel mosquitoes is DEET. It was developed by the US Army in the late 1940s following World War II and first used on people in the 1950s. Most over-the-counter products these days contain various concentrations of DEET and with a relatively long track record, the Environmental Protection Agency and American Academy of Pediatrics claim there are little if any side effects with its usage. However, there are few studies suggesting it may cause insomnia, mood changes and possibly cognitive dysfunction. I do not recommend its usage on children and encourage adults to limit DEET exposure for as short a time as possible.

Newer mainstream approaches are various chemicals including picaridin (marketed as Cutter Advanced—as effective as DEET and possibly less toxic, but studies are still being done) and IR3535 (marketed as Skin-So-Soft—studies show it is not very effective and I personally did not see it work very well in Honduras). The newest chemical is metofluthrin or DeckMate Mosquito Repellent that is not applied to the skin but instead embedded in either a paper format that you leave in outdoor areas or in a small battery-powered fan that you clip on to your belt to release the repellent. The jury is still out on its effectiveness and safety. I would avoid it at this time until we know more about it.

One safe and proven-to-be-effective alternative includes oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is available under the Repel brand name. It should not be used on infants as their sensitive skin can easily be irritated. Another study done in the 1960s demonstrated that vitamin B1 (thiamine) creates a skin odor that female mosquitoes (male mosquitoes do not bite) find repulsive. There have been subsequent studies done to examine thiamine’s effectiveness and none have been able to reproduce the success seen in the 1960 study. As a water-soluble vitamin, I don’t see a problem trying various amounts of thiamine, just promise to not curse my name when you’re swatting at mosquitoes on your neck if it doesn’t work.

A few new promising alternatives include various balms that contain citronella, lemongrass, rosemary and geranium as active ingredients. I recommend applying them to all exposed skin areas but especially to high-frequency bite and vascular areas like the back of the knees and the front of the elbows.

Finally, if you can avoid being outdoors during the dusk and dawn hours, your risk of being pounced on by mosquitoes will dramatically decrease as these are the most active times for the bugs. Because there are so many varieties of mosquitoes and we all differ in our genetic predispositions to being bit, it will certainly take a little trial and error to find a remedy that works for you.

Good luck and as one last resort if nothing else works, you could harbor a small colony of bats in your attic that ultimately everyone in the neighborhood can benefit from. Supposedly a single bat can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes in an hour!

Dr. Phil Wazny
Expert Naturopath
Integrative Health Care

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Cindy Schneider, MD

Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, PDD-NOS, Aspergers syndrome, attention deficit disorders, and Down syndrome have an unusually high rate of food allergies and sensitivities. Many have found that the identification of food sensitivities through laboratory testing and/or elimination diets has alleviated not only the obvious symptoms of allergy such as chronic nasal congestion, recurrent ear infections, asthma, rashes, and diarrhea, but also the core symptoms of their neurological condition. Multiple food allergies are most likely to occur in individuals with increased intestinal permeability, or a leaky gut, which is often associated with symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distension, or foul-smelling stools. The absence of gastrointestinal complaints does not rule out the possibility of food allergies or sensitivities, however, and should not preclude a dietary trial or formal diagnostic testing.

The most common food allergies in this country include dairy products, wheat, corn, soy, eggs, peanuts, tomatoes, tree nuts, citrus fruits, fish, and shellfish. It is the protein content of these foods and protein fragments called peptides that are most allergenic. Casein, for example, is the major peptide found in all dairy products. Gluten is the primary peptide found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and kamut. Under ordinary circumstances, these peptides would be digested down to their amino acid building blocks, which would then be absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized in various parts of the body for the construction of new proteins such as muscle. If only partially digested, they may not only trigger an immune response, but may also be biologically active. In spite of the diverse nature of the foods of their origin, gluten and casein both contain multiple repeats of certain amino acid chains, some of which are nearly identical to morphine. These compounds are often referred to as gliadomorphins and casomorphins and have been proven to cause a morphine-like response when injected into laboratory animals. Just as a person taking morphine or other opioid drugs would be likely to have impairments in concentration, judgment, motor skills, and cognitive reasoning, individuals unable to digest and metabolize gluten and casein may suffer these drug-like effects from seemingly healthy foods in their diet. Many, in fact, appear to be addicted to these foods and are likely to exclude most other nourishment from their diets. This observation has become known as the opioid excess theory, and a growing body of evidence supports this theory.

While other foods may also be problematic, strict elimination of all gluten and dairy products will lead to significant improvements in the majority of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, attention deficit disorders, and many other conditions. A 3-6 month dietary trial is required to achieve the full benefit of this intervention, as inflammatory changes in the bowel and nervous system will take weeks or months to reverse and allow the process of healing to begin. Even small dietary infractions can reverse this healing process. The elimination of all corn, soy, food dyes, artificial sweeteners, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) is also highly recommended, as these are often problematic as well.

An additional concern is the finding that antibodies directed against milk, gluten, corn, and eggs have the ability to cross react with brain tissue. In other words, if a person is unfortunate enough to be allergic to these foods, yet chooses to consume them, each exposure may stimulate his or her immune system to produce anti-brain antibodies. In the case of autism, several ant-brain antibodies have been identified both in children with autism and in their mothers. It is believed that this is one mechanism that is halted or diminished with the removal of these foods from the diet, leading to significant improvement. Research in the area of autoimmune autism has been a priority at CARE, as it is believed that this signifies an opportunity for both treatment in those already affected and for prevention in future generations of children.

When faced with the request to remove all gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and junk food from their child’s diet, most parents will state that their child eats nothing else and will undoubtedly starve. Many of these children eat very little in the way of fresh fruits and vegetables and quite a few have elected to become vegetarians. In these cases, there is almost certainly inflammation in the bowel. By eating these bland foods, a child initially neutralizes the acid in the stomach and may feel better for a short time. If reflux of this acid is occurring, these foods will also diminish this esophageal pain. Unfortunately, this perpetuates a cycle of inflammation, as the food is only partially digested, peptide fragments enter the bloodstream, the immune system becomes further stimulated to mount a response, and the anti-brain, anti-intestinal wall, and other antibodies are produced in even higher levels. In order to break this cycle and begin the healing process, several supplements will be recommended and a rotational diet will be prescribed. High quality probiotics, which are supplements that contain the strains of bacteria found in healthy individuals, are strongly recommended and are best taken at bedtime in order to optimize benefit. Vitamins such as the active form of folic acid called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and the active form of B12 called methylcobalamin will enhance an individuals ability to make new cells, which is almost universally impaired in these children either due to metabolic weaknesses, inadequate nutrition, and/or malabsorption due to intestinal inflammation. This inflammation is often caused by repeated rounds of antibiotics given for ear infections or other illnesses, food allergies, or yeast overgrowth in the intestine. Multiple interventions will be required to reverse this condition, but recovery is possible.

Adopting this diet as a family is optimal, both out of respect for the family member whose health is compromised, and out of concern for the nutritional status and health of the entire family. While not required, most family members who make these dietary changes find that they have more energy, better concentration, and fewer health concerns such as arthritis, asthma, eczema, and headaches. By not eating processed, boxed, canned, or fast foods, we dramatically increase the nutritional content of our meals and decrease our exposure to pesticides, food additives, and other chemicals that ultimately put more burden on our liver and kidneys. Whenever possible, organic meats and produce should be consumed rather than conventionally grown foods, as this further reduces our exposure to antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, chemical flavorings, and artificial ingredients that are often detrimental to health in many ways. Our bodies can heal if we give them the tools to do so.

Symptoms of Food Intolerance

• Abdominal pain
• Colic
• Formula intolerance as an infant
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Reflux
• Large volume stools
• Foul-smelling stools
• Self-limited diet high in carbohydrates and often low in protein
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Frequent ear infections/fluid in the ears
• Eczema/rashes
• Irritability/mood swings
• Headaches/migraines
• Hyperactivity
• Abnormal sleep pattern
• Poor concentration
• Dark circles (allergic shiners) under eyes
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune conditions
• Poor endurance

Potential Benefits of a Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diet

• Reduction of gastrointestinal problems and expansion of diet as the gut heals
• Decreased self-injurious behavior
• Increased social interaction
• Decreased self-stimulatory behavior
• Improved sleep pattern
• Increased attention span and ability to concentrate
• Reduction in hyperactivity
• Decreased seizure frequency
• Improved gross motor skills and coordination
• Improvement in rashes, eczema, headaches, abdominal pain, and asthma
• Improvement in nutritional status
• Resolution of mood swings and irritability
• Decrease in autoimmune and inflammatory reactions
• Increased endurance

Initiating a Casein-Free Diet

Eliminate Dairy Products

• Milk, cheese, butter, ice cream
• Yogurt, sour cream, margarine
• Cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese
• Casein, caseinate
• Whey, milk solids, curds
• Lactose, lactalbumin

Learn to Avoid Hidden Sources of Casein

• Medication fillers
• Most soy cheeses
• Hot dogs and lunchmeats
• Flavorings
• Caramel coloring
• Goats milk

? Milk chocolate

Consider Milk Substitutes

• Whole Foods 365 brand rice drink
• Pacific Rice Non-Dairy Drink
• Dari-Free (800) 497-4834 (potato-based)
• Coconut milk
• Almond or hazelnut milk
• Soy Milk: Although casein-free, soy products are not recommended

Caveats

• Rice Dream rice drink contains gluten and should be avoided
• Some brands are high in sugar
• Vanilla flavoring often contains gluten: choose plain rice milk unless verified GF
• Soy and nut allergies are common

Casein-Free Diet: Concerns

• Calcium deficiency: Children need approximately 800 mg of calcium per day, but a combination of calcium, magnesium, and zinc is more likely to meet this requirement with greater benefit and fewer side effects.
• Eliminating dairy in a vegetarian significantly decreases protein intake
• Decreased vitamin A intake
• Withdrawal symptoms are possible, but usually resolve within one week

Recommendations

• Try rice, potato, coconut, or nut milk
• Drink only filtered water, preferably from inert containers.
• Calcium/magnesium/zinc supplements as directed
• Monitor protein intake
• Consult a physician or registered dietician

Initiating a Gluten-Free Diet

Sources of Gluten

• Wheat
• Oats: Cream Hill Estates oatmeal is gluten-free. Most other brands are not.
• Rye
• Barley
• Spelt
• Kamut

Hidden Sources of Gluten

• There are many kinds of wheat: semolina, durum, graham, bulgar, kamut, etc.
• Vanilla and other flavorings (extracted with grain alcohol). GF vanilla is available from selected vendors
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein and hydrolyzed plant proteins
• Malt flavoring
• Cake meal
• Vitamins and medication often contain fillers that are derived from grains
• Waxed fruits
• Some baking powders, rice syrups, and spices
• Raisins are sometimes dusted with flour to prevent sticking
• Processed meats (hot dogs, lunchmeat, sausages) sometimes have cereal fillers
• Soy sauce is derived from wheat
• Caramel coloring
• Grain vinegars (apple and rice vinegars are generally GF)

May Be Corn or Wheat

• Modified food starch
• Millet
• Starch
• Cereal fillers

Wheat Alternatives = 1 cup wheat flour

• ½ c ground nuts + ½ c tapioca flour
• Rice/potato/tapioca flour mixtures such as Betty Hagemans

Gluten Free Flour Mix

Combine the following in a canister and measure as you would wheat flour in most recipes:

• 2 cups rice flour
• 2/3 cup tapioca flour
• 1/3 cup sorghum flour
  • Amaranth: Nutty flavor. May use for up to 25% of flour in baked goods. High in protein, calcium, and iron.
  • Arrowroot: Good substitute for cornstarch as a thickening agent in gravies, etc.
  • Bean flours*: Chickpea (garbanzo), garfava, soy, etc. High protein flours with heavy texture and strong flavor. Good thickeners. Not well tolerated due to gas.
  • Buckwheat flour*: Strong flavor. Cross contamination with gluten common.
  • Corn meal*
  • Millet*
  • Nut flours*: May use for up to 25% of flour in baked goods. Grind just before use to prevent meal from becoming rancid.
  • Potato flour: Combine with lighter flours such as tapioca for baking.
  • Potato starch: Similar to cornstarch. Does not work well in breads, but may use in gravies.
  • Quinoa*: High protein flour with a nutty taste.
  • Rice and sweet rice flours: Staples in baking and generally well-tolerated. Mix with other flours such as tapioca.
  • Sorghum: Mixes well with rice flour for general baking needs.
  • Tapioca flour: Use for 25-50% of total flour in baking. Adds light texture, bland taste.
  • Teff*: Best for brownies and pancakes. Does not rise well. Rich in iron and calcium.
  • Testing for gluten sensitivity and celiac disease prior to eliminating gluten
  • False positives and negatives are common in urinary peptide testing in this country
  • Eliminate dairy immediately, add GFCF foods, then eliminate gluten
  • 3-6 month trial of 100% avoidance is advised
  • Test for food allergies 2-3 months after eliminating gluten and casein

Xanthan gum (up to ½ tsp per cup of flour) and guar gum prevent dry, crumbly texture.

Acceptable Gluten Free Flours

*Allergies to these flours are commonly reported. Use sparingly or not at all until bowel symptoms improve.

GFCF Recommendations

Getting Started

• Remove all dairy and casein
• Remove all wheat
• Remove oats, rye, barley, and malt
• Learn to read labels for 100% elimination of offending foods
• Buy organic produce and cook from scratch whenever possible
• Meat, rice, potatoes, fruits and vegetables will be staples of the diet
• Shop the perimeter of the store: avoid canned and processed foods
• Avoid foods packaged in plastic whenever possible
• Rotate foods to avoid the development of further allergies and sensitivities
• Avoid Nutra Sweet, food dyes, MSG, artificial flavorings, and preservatives
• Avoid environmental toxins such as pesticides, perfumes, fluoride, cleaning chemicals, air fresheners and other aerosols
  • Some forms of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
  • Artificial colorings and flavorings
  • Aspartame
  • Some brands of baking powder, bleached flours, and bleached sugar
  • Caramel
  • Corn flour, meal, oil, starch, and syrup
  • Dextrin
  • Dextrose (including some intravenous solutions, i.e., D5LR)
  • Grits and hominy
  • Hydrolyzed protein
  • Maize
  • Maltodextrin
  • Modified food starch
  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • Powdered sugar (used as an anti-caking agent)
  • Xanthan gum: tolerated by many corn-sensitive individuals, but not all
  • Baby powder
  • Glue on envelops and stickers
  • Some lotions, makeup, and deodorants
  • Packaging peanuts (dissolving type)
  • Plastic-appearing food containers (deli items at Wild Oats, for example)
  • Play dough
  • Powdered gloves
  • Some toothpastes
  • Many other foods, medications, and personal hygiene products
  • Autolyzed yeast
  • Bouillon
  • Calcium caseinate and sodium caseinate
  • Gelatin
  • Glutamate/glutamic acid
  • Hydrolyzed protein
  • Textured protein
  • Yeast extract, food or nutrient
  • Watch for vague terms on labels such as flavoring and seasoning
  • Some forms of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
  • Artificial colorings and flavorings
  • Aspartame
  • Some brands of baking powder, bleached flours, and bleached sugar
  • Caramel
  • Corn flour, meal, oil, starch, and syrup
  • Dextrin
  • Dextrose (including some intravenous solutions, i.e., D5LR)
  • Grits and hominy
  • Hydrolyzed protein
  • Maize
  • Maltodextrin
  • Modified food starch
  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • Powdered sugar (used as an anti-caking agent)
  • Xanthan gum: tolerated by many corn-sensitive individuals, but not all
  • Baby powder
  • Glue on envelops and stickers
  • Some lotions, makeup, and deodorants
  • Packaging peanuts (dissolving type)
  • Plastic-appearing food containers (deli items at Wild Oats, for example)
  • Play dough
  • Powdered gloves
  • Some toothpastes
  • Many other foods, medications, and personal hygiene products
  • Autolyzed yeast
  • Bouillon
  • Calcium caseinate and sodium caseinate
  • Gelatin
  • Glutamate/glutamic acid
  • Hydrolyzed protein
  • Textured protein
  • Yeast extract, food or nutrient
  • Watch for vague terms on labels such as flavoring and seasoning
  • Some forms of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
  • Artificial colorings and flavorings
  • Aspartame
  • Some brands of baking powder, bleached flours, and bleached sugar
  • Caramel
  • Corn flour, meal, oil, starch, and syrup
  • Dextrin
  • Dextrose (including some intravenous solutions, i.e., D5LR)
  • Grits and hominy
  • Hydrolyzed protein
  • Maize
  • Maltodextrin
  • Modified food starch
  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • Powdered sugar (used as an anti-caking agent)
  • Xanthan gum: tolerated by many corn-sensitive individuals, but not all
  • Baby powder
  • Glue on envelops and stickers
  • Some lotions, makeup, and deodorants
  • Packaging peanuts (dissolving type)
  • Plastic-appearing food containers (deli items at Wild Oats, for example)
  • Play dough
  • Powdered gloves
  • Some toothpastes
  • Many other foods, medications, and personal hygiene products
  • Autolyzed yeast
  • Bouillon
  • Calcium caseinate and sodium caseinate
  • Gelatin
  • Glutamate/glutamic acid
  • Hydrolyzed protein
  • Textured protein
  • Yeast extract, food or nutrient
  • Watch for vague terms on labels such as flavoring and seasoning

Initiating a Corn-Free Diet

Sources of Corn

• Some forms of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• Artificial colorings and flavorings
• Aspartame
• Some brands of baking powder, bleached flours, and bleached sugar
• Caramel
• Corn flour, meal, oil, starch, and syrup
• Dextrin
• Dextrose (including some intravenous solutions, i.e., D5LR)
• Grits and hominy
• Hydrolyzed protein
• Maize
• Maltodextrin
• Modified food starch
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Powdered sugar (used as an anti-caking agent)
• Xanthan gum: tolerated by many corn-sensitive individuals, but not all

Hidden Sources of Corn

• Baby powder
• Glue on envelops and stickers
• Some lotions, makeup, and deodorants
• Packaging peanuts (dissolving type)
• Plastic-appearing food containers (deli items at Wild Oats, for example)
• Play dough
• Powdered gloves
• Some toothpastes
• Many other foods, medications, and personal hygiene products

Foods Containing MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

• Autolyzed yeast
• Bouillon
• Calcium caseinate and sodium caseinate
• Gelatin
• Glutamate/glutamic acid
• Hydrolyzed protein
• Textured protein
• Yeast extract, food or nutrient
• Watch for vague terms on labels such as flavoring and seasoning

By: Cindy Schneider MD

Dr. Schneider has an integrative medical practice exclusively dedicated to individuals with autism and related neurodevelopment conditions. She has designed and implemented multiple research studies and collaborated with researchers worldwide. Areas of special interest include treatment of the immune, gastrointestinal, and metabolic aspects of autism and the identification of environmental toxins contributing to the autism epidemic. As the mother of two children with autism and a leading authority in the treatment of individuals with autism and related disorders, Dr Schneider provides both a medical and personal assessment of current and promising treatment options.

Dr. Schneider is the Medical Director of care, the Center for Autism Research and Education and the President of its sister organization, the care Foundation, a 501©3 nonprofit organization. The priority of both organizations is the identification of the causes of autism, the formulation of effective treatment protocols, and the prevention of autism in future generations of children.

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On average, women gain 10 lbs every decade after age 50 and men lose 10% muscle mass every decade after 45. Most of us aren’t as active at middle age as we were at 20, so our caloric intake needs to be reduced. But when our activity level matches our caloric intake and we still put on the pounds, what else is going on?

Growing older isn’t easy. There are countless products to help us look younger, but what about products that make us FEEL younger? Do you remember learning about mitochondria in science class – the “powerhouse” of the cell? Mitochondria are cellular structures that produce ATP, the energy for all the organs and biochemical processes in your body. ATP gives your muscles energy so you can exercise longer and harder.

Mitochondrial damage increases with age which reduces your ATP production. This is reflected in a compromised metabolism which leads to weight gain, muscle soreness, fatigue, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s. A compromised metabolism further decreases the number of mitochondria you have as well as your body’sability to make more mitochondria.

Here are three supplements that will help increase mitochondria production and efficiency as well as reverse the “wear and tear” of age on your metabolism: Resveratrol, D-Ribose, and ubiquinol.

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1. Resveratrol supports healthy mitochondrial production, allows your body to handle stress effectively and serves as a powerful antioxidant, which leads to a greater overall benefit from exercise. Animal studies on Resveratrol published in Fortune Magazine in 2007, involved mice that were fed high-calorie diets. The mice that were fed high doses of Resveratrol showed the benefits of a healthy, calorie-reduced diet, as well as increased endurance. Resveratrol clearly has a positive impact on obesity by increasing energy and hindering fat storage.

2. D-Ribose is a sugar that is the structural backbone of ATP and directly controls the supply of ATP in our cells. If there are limited building materials, there is limited production of ATP. Dr. Ron Terjung’s research shows that D-Ribose increases the rate of recovery in fatigued muscles by 340-420%! He also noted that small amounts of D-Ribose help the muscle cell preserve energy. This supplement is essential for exercise endurance, energy recovery and muscle contraction.

3. Ubiquinol is the form of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) that the body uses for energy and is essential for optimal ATP production. Aging impairs our body’s ability to convert CoQ10 to ubiquinol and many chronic diseases are associated with low levels of CoQ10 (such as chronic fatigue, congestive heart failure, and Parkinson’s disease.) Studies in 2006 and 2007 showed that ubiquinol enhances energy and stamina 5-fold over your baseline and delays age-related physical decline. Taking ubiquinol supplements directly support your energy production.

Nutritional supplementation is essential to enhance cellular energy production and increase overall energy levels. You may never be 21 again, but you can feel young again!

Ann Lovick, NMD, specializes in comprehensive women’s health care. She focuses on the diseases and conditions that affect women throughout their life, providing natural and effective treatments and prevention strategies. Dr. Lovick is also an educator, football fan, and triathlete. She can be reached at www.MyIntegrativeHealth.com and 480-657-0003.

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Millions of people suffer from eczema. Studies reveal children are the most common demographic affected with up to 20% of all children under the age of two suffering from this ailment. Unfortunately, typical treatments contain steroids and other harmful chemicals not safe for adults to use, much less to be applied on children. Topical steroids have many adverse side effects including thinning of the skin, increased chance of infection, stretch marks, and even glaucoma when used near the eyes. Aside from these issues is the fact that your body quickly builds a tolerance to steroid creams requiring the use of more frequent applications and stronger doses. At this point any attempt to cut down on the steroid application or stop altogether often causes eczema to become more severe.

Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to steroid creams. Our Soothing Calendula Salve is a potent, yet 100% natural, anti-inflammatory. It contains ancient medicinal herbs such as organic calendula and neem oil which dramatically relieve symptoms of eczema. Neem has been used for thousands of years in Egypt and India to cure various skin ailments and has been clinically shown to be just as effective as steroid creams in healing eczema. In addition to these curative ingredients, the Soothing Calendula Salve also contains African shea butter, olive oil and mango butter. These emollient ingredients combine with cold, expeller-pressed essential oils to provide deep, therapeutic moisture and a delicious scent.

These time-tested ingredients are used instead of cheap chemical substitutes because they are proven to work and are completely non-toxic. Nobody, especially children, should have steroids or any other chemicals applied to their skin on a daily basis.

by Sabrina Posillico
Cosmetics Expert and author
Healing Anthropology

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