What Is Gout and What Causes It?

3.      Avoid foods that are high in purines, like red meats (beef, pork and lamb). Eat foods low in purines, such as broccoli, fruits, pasta and rice.

4.      Limit or quit drinking alcoholic beverages.  Clinical studies have shown that alcohol increases uric acid. 

5.      Take vitamin C.  In a 2005 study done at Johns Hopkins University, it was found that 500 mg of vitamin C daily can significantly reduce uric acid levels in the body.

6.      Safflowers is a great supplement that helps get uric acid out of the body quickly.

7.      Omega 3s (fish oil) to take down inflammation and reduce pain.

8.      Take a Vitamin/Mineral Supplement to help normalize systems in the body.  Minerals help to alkalize and activate enzymes, which break down wastes in the body.

9.       Eat more fiber, or take a fiber supplement.  Fiber helps to flush uric acid out of the bloodstream. Foods high in fiber are apples, bananas, raisins and oats. Eat at least three servings daily.

Supplements That Help With Gout:

·         Vitamin C

·         Safflowers

·         Omega 3s (fish oil)

·         Super Supplemental Multi Vitamin & Mineral

·         Fiber

www.mynsp.com/herbbarn

There are a lot of people who are beginning to realize how important it is to shop organic and be careful about what kinds of foods and drinks they are putting in their bodies. They now realize that putting toxic food into your body is not healthy. However, most of these same people are still getting tremendous amounts of toxic chemicals in their bodies from an unknown source, even more than they were getting through their previous diets of processed and chemical laden foods. The source that is often overlooked is personal care products.  It is a fact that we absorb more toxic chemicals through the skin than through our mouths. The skin is the largest organ in the body and has the potential to absorb an even larger amount of  harmful toxins.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org), did research studies on personal care products, and found that over one-third of all personal care products contained at least one cancer causing ingredient.  In a survey they conducted, it was found that more than 25Many skin creams and lotions boast of having "deep moisturizing" qualities. In fact, 57 percent contain penetration-enhancing chemicals--these chemicals push the harmful toxins in the product faster and deeper into your skin and blood. A product survey conducted by the EWG in 2004 revealed that more than 25% of women and 1% of men use at least 15 products daily.  So what happens when lots of these chemicals are used daily?  You do the math.


The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics funded an independent laboratory test on 48 skin care products that are specifically for children, and the findings were astounding.  61% of all products tested contained two cancer causing chemicals in high levels, formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.

The Organic Consumers Association has a great list of the top ten cosmetic ingredients to avoid:





If you are interested in finding out if your shampoo, soap, deodorant, body wash, toothpaste, etc. is full of toxic chemicals, EWG has a great database where you can search products to find out.  This site also has suggestions for safer products that can be used.

Happy April Fools Day 2012!  I did something that was pretty fun for April Fools Day.  I "magically" filled three glasses with water and turned them upside down on the kitchen counter.  When everyone got home, they passed by, did a double take, and then asked me, "How did you do that?"  I smiled and told them that I am not only the "Hippie Herbalist", but I am also the "Magic Hippie."  For some people who are not real in tune with their surroundings, you might have to point the glass or glasses out :)  (See photo below)

Ever wonder what your shampoo, soap, toothpaste and makeup are made from?  Are they safe?  Here is a great way to find out.  Making some small changes could be very beneficial in the long run.

EWG Skin Deep Searchable Cosmetics Database