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Follow this simple trick and give your sinuses and lungs a break from one of nature’s most allergenic animals. They found that a monthly 10 minute soak in warm distilled water was all it took to decrease the allergy potential of the cat.

To bathe your cat using the proven technique, fill a large pan or sink with 2 inches of warm distilled water. Place a heavy towel on the bottom of the sink or pan to give your cat something to ground herself to so that she does not slip. Put the cat in the tub and while talking to her push down on the center of the back.Soap is not necessary. Rinse well and dry…simple as that.

Comment by Dr. Ray Hinish
Okay, truth be told, I am a dog person but with that said I have many cat-lover friends so I wrote this brief review for them. Cats are considered one of the most allergenic pets and unfortunately sometimes you simple must give the cat away to be able to enjoy a life free of cat allergies. Hopefully, for those people who would rather die of their cat allergies than give their little aloof buddies away, you will gain some benefit from this simple ritual. Other things may help such as:

• Cutting the hair of long haired cats
• Vacuuming often
• Using an air purifier
• Always washing your hands after petting your cat

The Breakthrough Discovery

Back in the early nineteen sixties, a navy surgeon, by the name of Dr. Judah Folkman, happened upon a discovery that would revolutionize the way that we view cancer development in the human body. While testing the impact of preserved blood on fast growing tumor cells (a model used to mimic fast growing tissues of wounds) he noticed that cancer cells that would normally ravage the body of a living mouse, could only seem to grow to the size of the tip of a ball point pen in a Petri dish. He wondered why the same tumor cells didn’t replicate with the same level of aggression in a Petri dish as they did in a living creature. After all, he had taken great care to mimic the conditions of living tissue.

After dissecting the large tumors from the living creatures and comparing them to the tiny tumors from his Petri dish experiment, he noticed only one difference between the two tumors; the large tumors from the mice were filled with thousands of tiny networks of blood vessels while the tumor cells from the Petri dish experiment had no such blood supply. From this experiment, he hypothesized that the cancer cells could not develop into a large tumor mass unless and until it had developed a network of small blood vessels called capillaries to feed the cells.  This process of blood vessel development was named “angiogenesis”.  Said another way, if we could prevent cancer cells from developing a blood supply of their own, we could stop cancer growth in its tracks and even cause existing tumors to regress! Furthermore, if tumor cells could not develop a blood supply, they would not be able to metastasize.

Dr. Folkman’s hypothesis and experiment was met with ridicule and rejection from the medical community. In fact, after discussing with a colleague his worry that his research would get picked up and stolen by other researchers, his colleague replied, “You are totally protected against intellectual theft. Nobody will believe you!”

Dr. Folkman continued his experiments, and over the years, his hypothesis went on to be accepted.  His research led to the development of a new class of medication called anti-angiogenesis drugs. Since then, other anti-angiogenesis medications had come to market. Unfortunately, the clinical results were somewhat disappointing; some tumors responded quite well, while others responded partially or not at all.

William Li, founder of The Angiogenesis Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of anti-angiogenesis therapies and lifestyles, believes that the main reason that the medications are not living up to their potential is because we are getting to people too late in the game, after the cancer is fully developed and situated.  He believes that if we can use non-toxic tactics to prevent the small cluster of cancerous cells from forming a blood flow in the first place, we can prevent tumors from developing altogether. This would be what Dr. Folkman calls, “Cancer without disease”.

We All Have Cancer

It is a well-known fact that we all have these microscopic cancer cells throughout our bodies. In fact, research that looked at healthy men and women who had died in car accidents, discovered that 40% of women between the ages of 40-50 have these microscopic tumors within their breasts and 50% of men, between the ages of 50-60, have these micro-tumors in their prostates. It is even more disturbing that virtually 100% of men and women in their 70s have micro-tumors in their thyroid! The only thing preventing these people from developing the disease of cancer is the fact that the tumor cells had not developed a blood flow yet. The question is, “what can we do to prevent those harmless micro-tumors from ever developing a blood flow?” Dr. William Li believes that he has the answer…

Eat to Starve Cancer

The anti-angiogenesis medications, used to treat existing tumors, do not come without side effects. These side effects, although fewer than conventional chemotherapy, would make them inappropriate tools for preventing angiogenesis in micro-tumors. There is good news, however, researchers discovered that nature offers an abundance of natural compounds with potent anti-angiogenesis activity. Best of all, rather than blocking angiogenesis altogether, they normalize it. Disease begins when the growth of blood vessels occur unimpeded by the natural systems of checks and balances within the body. These natural anti-angiogenesis compounds appear to regulate and normalize the angiogenic balance within the body.

Angiogenesis is Essential to Health

Once we reach adulthood, it is generally accepted that blood vessels stop growing. There are three situations, however, that seem to defy this rule: menstruation, pregnancy and injury/wounds. During menstruation, pregnancy, and injury, the body produces protein chemicals that act as fertilizer for blood vessels; this stimulates the growth of new capillaries. When we injure ourselves, blood vessels grow beneath the scab to bring nutrients and oxygen to the damaged area in order to repair the damage. After the wound has healed, the body produces anti-angiogenesis compounds that stop the growth and prune back the blood vessels if needed. This process is tightly controlled; when angiogenesis is not well controlled, many diseases can arise.

Angiogenesis Gone Haywire

There are two ways that angiogenesis can become problematic; you can either have too few or too many blood vessels growing in a particular area of the body. In the case where there is too little angiogenesis, you see diseases such as:

• Wounds that won’t heal
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Neuropathy
• Hair loss
• Erectile Dysfunction

In cases where there is too much angiogenesis, you see diseases such as:

• Cancer
• Blindness
• Psoriasis
• Endometriosis
• Obesity
• Rosacea
• Alzheimers

Cancer – The Ultimate Disease of Excess Angiogenesis

Although there are many diseases that can be connected to angiogenesis, abnormal blood vessel growth is a hallmark of all solid tumors. It is an accepted theory that one key to controlling cancer growth, especially metastatic and aggressive cancer, is to shut down the process of angiogenesis within the diseased tissue without affecting the healthy tissue.

Cancer’s Weakness

Generally speaking, blood vessels are stable and resilient tissues. Blood vessels found in tumors, however, appear to be built in a hurry. Their structure and architecture is disorganized and fragile, which makes them more susceptible to anti-angiogenesis therapies than normal tissues. This weakness may prove to be one of the greatest advantages that we have over this deadly foe.

Nature’s Advantage

When the scientists discovered the presence of proteins that promote angiogenesis, they realized that nature, with all of its systems of checks and balances, must also make proteins that inhibit angiogenesis. They first discovered these compounds in the urine of mice, which were resistant to cancer; they named this compound angiostatin. They then began to find compounds with similar activity in the foods that we eat, such as fruits, vegetables and tealeaves. Researchers have made great strides in defining which foods appear to have the most potent anti-angiogenesis activity. A non-exaustive list is provide below:

1. Green Tea
2. Strawberries
3. Blackberries
4. Blueberries
5. Raspberries
6. Oranges
7. Grapefruits
8. Lemons
9. Apples
10. Pineapples
11. Cherries
12. Red grapes
13. Red wine
14. Bok Choy
15. Soybean
16. Ginseng
17. Maitake
18. Licorice
19. Turmeric
20. Nutmeg
21. Artichoke
22. Lavender
23. Pumpkin
24. Sea Cucumber
25. Tuna
26. Parsley
27. Garlic
28. Tomato
29. Olive Oil
30. Grape Seed
31. Dark Chocolate

Of these foods, the ones that appear to have the most potent anti-angiogenesis activity include (in order of potency):

1. Soy extract
2. Artichoke
3. Parsley
4. Berries
5. Soy
6. Garlic
7. Red grapes
8. Brassica
9. Citrus
10. Lavender
11. Green tea
12. Glucosamine
13. Turmeric
14. Tea

(Lists taken from a lecture by Dr. Li during a TED conference)

Power Resides in the Synergy

According to Dictionary.com, “Synergy” is defined as “The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.” In a study on the anti-angiogenesis activity of tea, researchers tested the ability of three different types of tea to inhibit blood vessel growth. In this study, they determined that they all had anti-angiogenesis activity, however, of the three, Earl Grey appeared to be the most potent. The researchers then decided to combine the two weaker teas and test the anti-angiogenesis activity of the mixture. They discovered that the combination of the two weaker teas resulted in more inhibition of blood vessel growth than the stronger Earl Grey tea. According to Dr. Li, this shows the presence of what is called “Nutritional Synergy” meaning, smaller quantities of many different nutrients and phytochemicals is likely superior to high quantities of fewer nutrients.

Future of Anti-Angiogenesis Studies

Currently, there is mounting laboratory and animal research that is confirming the anti-angiogenesis activity of foods. Using a special test tube model of blood vessel growth, Dr. Li and his organization is working to map the anti-angiogenic activity of common fruits, vegetables, herbs and teas. The ultimate goal is to form a menu of foods that are likely to inhibit this key step in the growth of abnormal cells into metastatic tumor masses.

One study, published by Harvard Medical School, tested the effect of dietary lycopene (a red pigment found in foods such as tomatoes, berries, etc) on the risk of prostate cancer. They determined that men, who consumed the most lycopene-containing foods, enjoyed the lowest incidence of prostate cancer. The researchers then tested the tumor biopsies for the presence of blood vessels. They discovered that of the men who went on to develop prostate cancer, the more lycopene they consumed, the lower the density of blood vessels in the tumor. This finding suggests that even when lycopene fails to completely inhibit angiogenesis, is appears to slow the growth and potentially decrease the virility of the existing tumor mass.

Obviously, more research needs to be performed to confirm the legitimacy of the laboratory and animal findings. I believe that there is sufficient data, in combination with epidemiological research showing an inverse relationship between fruit/vegetable intake and cancer risk, to start to incorporate larger quantities of the foods, which have anti-angiogenesis activity.

Using These Findings

The rules are simple:

1. Consume many servings of vegetables, fruits, and spices
2. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables; choose them based on color and spectrum
3. Choose fruits that are lower on the glycemic index (lower sugar content)
4. Drink a variety of teas including: green tea, Earl Grey, jasmine and white tea.

Supplements for Prevention of Angiogenesis

Many people have been asking me about herbs and nutritional supplements that may give them a leg up on this issue. Although we do not have research on specific supplements, as they pertain to angiogenesis, I suspect that whole-food, freeze-dried extracts of fruits, vegetables and herbs will provide a spectrum of concentrated anti-angiogenesis compounds. I personally use a variety of whole food fruit, vegetable, mushroom and nutritional extracts for their broad benefits. This research has solidified these products as part of my long-term supplement plan. Below I list the supplements that I feel would provide the greatest anti-angiogenic activity; it should be noted that every one of these food-products offer multiple health benefits, in addition to being great means of protecting against angiogenesis:

1. Berry Greens by New Chapter – There are many whole food formulas on the market, I chose this formula because it is highly concentrated, has a good number of plants with certified anti-angiogenic activity, can be found in either capsules or powder and is readily available. I recommend 6 capsules per day or one tablespoon per day as a supplement to a healthy diet. If you get few fruits and vegetables in the diet, or you have a history or high risk of cancer, I would recommend doubling this dose.
2. PolyResveratrol-SR by Thorne Research – This formula combines resveratrol, pterostilbene, a highly absorbed curcumin, a highly absorbed green tea extract and quercetin. These compounds have anti-aging, anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic activity. The recommended dose is one capsule twice daily (although higher doses may be even more effective).
3. Vitamin D – Aside from vitamin Ds other anti-cancer qualities, it also appears to inhibit angiogenesis. Recommended doses are 2,000-4,000 iu per day.

Conclusion:

Normalizing angiogenesis within the body appears to be a critical step in the maintenance of healthy cells. After listening to a 20-minute lecture by Dr. William Li of the Angiogenesis Foundation, and researching the topic in depth, I am convinced that this may be one of the most important findings in medical history. I look forward to the results of Dr. Li’s research on the anti-angiogenesis activity of various foods and will continue to keep you updated as new research is published on the subject. 

Finally, around the fifties, a small walnut sized organ called “The Prostate” decides to make its presence known. The size of this little organ slowly begins to grow until it impedes the flow of urine thus leading to such symptoms as: 1) the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, 2) the need to urinate frequently, 3) the “stop and start” phenomena where the urine stream doesn’t flow easily, 4) a weak urine stream, and 5) difficulty beginning the urine stream. Even during the night, men can not hide from the prostate as it causes them to get up numerous times to run to the bathroom. This condition is known as BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia.
In this month’s article we will focus mainly on an herbal and nutritional approach to help shrink the prostate. We will forego a detailed discussion about the conventional approach, instead allowing you to discuss those options with your doctor. I will, however, give you a brief description of the options provided by conventional medicine.

There are two main types of medications used to treat an enlarged prostate. First is Hytrin (or like drugs), which is a blood pressure medication which seems to decrease the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate by relaxing the tone of smooth muscles, including the bladder neck and prostate. As a blood pressure, medication the most common side effects may include dizziness and/or low blood pressure. This medication does nothing to slow or stop the growth of the prostate. Thus, as the years go on, and the prostate continues to grow, the medication can lose its efficacy. The second medication is Proscar (Finasteride). This medication stops the body from changing the hormone testosterone into a form that causes the prostate to grow. Thus, the prostate can shrink and prevent the worsening of the condition. The most common side effect of this medication is erectile dysfunction. The best benefit of this drug appears to happen in men whose prostates are in the worst shape (the most enlarged). It also can take up to 6 months to work. Finally, there is the surgical option. Surgery (often called the Roto-Rooter) is usually reserved for severe cases of enlarged prostate or for those who have not responded well to other treatment. This procedure can be costly and the results are varied, with some people receiving dramatic improvement, some receiving little or no improvement and still others may have worsening symptoms. Side effects of the surgery can be erectile dysfunction and lifelong incontinence. Discuss all of the potential benefits and side effects with your urologist.

Following is a discussion of the natural alternatives to help build a healthy prostate. Clinical trials have found that many of these components alone and in combination can successfully reverse this condition without the side effects and complications found with the prescription medicines or surgery.

Saw Palmetto:
Saw Palmetto is one of the top ten herbs sold last year, and for good reason. In a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, one of medicine’s most reputable journals, researchers analyzed 18 research articles published on Saw Palmetto’s benefits in prostate enlargement. It was found that Saw Palmetto was as effective as Finasteride, one of the prescription medications discussed earlier. Saw Palmetto also stood the test of 16 double-blind placebo controlled studies (studies that test the herb against a sugar pill). The suggested dosage of Saw Palmetto standardized to 80-95% fatty acids is 320 mg per day, usually divided into 2 or 3 doses.

Pygium Africanum:
This herb has been studied extensively and shows significant improvements in symptoms of an enlarged prostate and laboratory measurements. In one study, published in a German journal, 263 men with enlarged prostate were given either Pygium extract or a sugar pill. Compared to the sugar pill, Pygium led to a significant improvement in symptoms such as night-time urination and day-time frequency. In addition, the bladder emptied better and the flow of urine was stronger (Bartlet et al, 1990). A review of 10 studies on Pygium confirmed the results of this study (Andro et al, 1995). The suggested dose of Pygium, standardized to 13% Beta Sitosterol, is 100 mg daily. Stinging Nettle, a different herb, has been shown to work well in conjunction with Pygium and is usually dosed at 300 mg daily.

L-Alanine, L-Glycine and Glutamic Acid:
In the early 1960’s researchers noted that when these three amino acids (building blocks of proteins) were administered at a dose of 400 mg each daily there was partial to complete relief from the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. To my knowledge there has been no more research to study these components. In our clinical experience, formulas that contain these inexpensive amino acids works better then those that do not.

Lycopene:
This is a plant pigment similar to that of beta carotene. It is found in such fruits as tomatoes, watermelon, and strawberries. Recent research demonstrates that lycopene can prevent, and perhaps even treat, prostate cancer. You get the highest concentrations from processed tomato products such as tomato soup, juice, or sauce. Additional supplementation may also be of benefit. There is no true scientific guideline for using lycopene as a supplement, however, we like to see 5 – 10 milligrams in a daily supplement for prevention.

Although all of these individual ingredients have been demonstrated to be successful when administered alone, our clinical experience shows that there is greater symptomatic relief when given together. Many patients have noted dramatic improvements in the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Usually, the first thing they notice is that they are not waking up as often at night to urinate. They also note an improvement in the flow of urine and the decrease in the frequency of urination during the day. In addition, it is not uncommon, upon re-examination, for the doctor to be impressed by the smaller size of the prostate when they do their annual poking and prodding. We always counsel our patients to give a quality prostate formula a full 3 months before evaluating whether or not it is working, but usually patients are calling us back within 2 weeks reporting an uninterrupted night of sleep, sometimes their first in a long while.

Many physicians feel it is only a matter of time before every man shows up with an enlarged prostate. We feel there are many reasons why this may be true. A lifetime of eating the standard American diet, one based on cooked and processed foods, and one that does not supply adequate amounts of needed nutrients, including zinc, is one of these reasons. But when it comes to the treatment of an enlarged prostate, or BPH, first have it properly diagnosed, and then find the least invasive, least likely to cause side effects way of treating it.

Here’s a fact that most people are not aware of… the skin is the largest organ of the body. People don’t generally think of their skin as an organ at all. The skin has several functions that are vital to survival as well as physical and emotional health. It works to maintain fluid and mineral balance. It also plays a major role in regulating body temperature, which we all experience as perspiration on hot days. Nerve endings enable us to gather information from our environment through pain and thermal receptors that are located on our skin. It also enables us to enjoy the pleasure of touch experienced in a massage or the hug of a close friend. Without the skin, our bodies would not have a barrier to the outside world… it protects us against toxins in the environment and prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the body. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, the skin is an organ of elimination, as are the liver, kidneys and lungs.

The skin is composed of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, the outer layer, is further divided into 4 or 5 layers, depending on location on the body. Generally speaking, skin cells work their way up from the deeper layers to the surface, as they die, only to be sloughed off and replaced by newer cells from underneath. The rate of new skin cell production is directly related to the rate of dead cell loss from the uppermost layer. This is why facial scrubs seem to be effective at promoting younger appearing skin. The dermis is the deepest layer of skin. It contains the various glands and a micro vascular system to help regulate the skin’s function. The sebaceous glands secrete oil, sebum, that keeps the hair supple and skin soft. Sebum protects the skin from heat and water loss. The sweat glands help to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and also regulate heat loss. The dermis also contains hair follicles, sensory nerve endings and a capillary system for bringing nutrients and oxygen to the tissues.

The condition of the skin can be affected by external and internal factors, and this understanding is key to finding the best way to treat various skin disorders. Allopathic medicine views such skin disorders as psoriasis or eczema as isolated conditions of the skin. To the typical “Western” practitioner, these problems are easily treated with topical steroid creams. Often, this approach will help in the short term, but when treatment stops, and even as treatment continues over longer periods of time, the condition comes back, and usually worsens. A holistic approach is to see these skin disorders as “symptoms” of a deeper problem originating in the internal tissues of the body. For instance, one of the functions of the liver is to clear the body of toxins. If the liver is not functioning properly, or becomes stagnant, then toxins build up in the body. The body then attempts to shed the toxins through an alternate root, and the skin is used for that purpose. The outward symptom of this inward problem can manifest as acne, boils, psoriasis, eczema or a variety of other skin “diseases.” Alternately, eczema and psoriasis may be a symptom of a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet, which will be discussed later. Lastly, all of the above mentioned skin maladies may actually be symptoms of emotional stress.

A healthy lifestyle is one important factor for maintaining healthy skin. Stress management is key to many aspects of health. Controlling stress and reducing stressful situations can reduce anxiety and tension related health problems. Exercise is one way to reduce stress and increase blood flow to the tissues. A diet of vitamin A rich foods will promote healthy skin. These foods include yellow-orange foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes, and green foods such as spinach. Drinking plenty of clean water keeps the body from becoming dehydrated. Processed foods should be avoided… these foods lack vitamins and minerals that are necessary for health skin and many also contain partially hydrogenated oils that are not recognized by the body as true fatty acids. The high-refined sugar content found in processed foods also stimulates the skin to produce excess oil, which can aggravate acne and other skin problems.

As previously mentioned, a stagnant liver can result in a variety of skin disorders. One of the best treatments for liver dysfunction, or lack of optimal function, is an herb called Milk Thistle. It has been used for centuries to restore the liver’s ability to detoxify the blood. The main active ingredient in Milk Thistle is silymarin. It protects the liver against toxic chemicals and it increases the production of glutathione, one of the key chemicals that the liver uses to break down toxic chemicals. I like to use a standardized Milk Thistle along with Tumeric and Artichoke to enhance liver function.

There are several other herbs that also work to cleanse the body. Burdock root hasbeen used since the Middle Ages to treat skin disorders. It works by purifying the blood of toxins and enhancing lymph drainage. This cleansing reduces the load of toxins that are excreted from the body through the skin. Dandelion, the menace of gardeners in North America, but a salad ingredient to Europeans, has been used for centuries to treat jaundice. It cleanses the liver and flushes the kidneys. Yellow Dock and Red Clover are two more herbs that cleanse the blood and have been used successfully in the treatment of skin disorders.

In addition to the removal of toxins, the skin needs the proper nutrients to maintain optimal functioning. Essential fatty acids (EFAs), fats that must be obtained from the diet, are often forgotten in this “fat free” society. Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) are also known as omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs. Our bodies cannot produce them. LA deficiency symptoms include eczema, hair loss, liver degeneration, excessive loss of water through the skin, and failure to heal wounds. LNA deficiency symptoms include growth retardation, weakness, and tingling in the extremities.

Having the proper balance of these healthy fats in our diet is vitally important for skin health. Since the 1850s, omega-3 EFA intake has steadily decreased and consumption of omega-6 EFA has skyrocketed. The best way to off set this imbalance is to supplement with omega-3 fats. Flax seed oil is a high quality, cost-effective source of omega-3s. It can be taken in capsule form or as the liquid right off the spoon, or in applesauce, juice, or salad. Heating flax oil will destroy its beneficial properties. I have had patients with 20 year histories of eczema clear their skin completely within 2 months of taking one tablespoonful of flax oil daily! Walnuts are another source of omega-3s. Fish oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are constituents of our cells and are metabolized from omega-3 fats in our bodies.

Vitamins and minerals are necessary for the health of skin. Vitamin C is needed to form collagen and healthy connective tissue that keeps the skin from wrinkling. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from the assaults of environmental toxins and over-exposure to sunlight. Vitamin E fights against free radical damage and slows the aging process. Biotin (vitamin H) is necessary for cell growth and replication. Zinc is needed for the proper healing of wounds and sulfur (the best form to supplement with is MSM) is needed for strong connective tissue. Silica can also be taken to promote healthy skin, hair and nails. Overall, many nutrients play important roles in the function of healthy skin, so instead of grabbing a box of gelatin to improve the skin, a well-balanced multivitamin would be a better choice.

Sun, smoking, environmental toxins and extreme weather conditions also assault the skin on a daily basis. Although the best defense against these is avoidance, thankfully we don’t live in a bubble and there are alternatives. Using a good sun block is important for extended exposure to the sun. A minimum of SPF 15 is required.

For days when the sun gets the better of us, aloe vera is the best remedy. Historically, it has been used to treat burns, whether from the sun, chemicals or fire. It works to fight off infections that can result from invasion through broken skin and also heals the damaged skin and promotes new skin growth. Fresh aloe is the best to use… it is always beneficial to have an aloe plant at home for such occasions. These plants are easy to maintain for those of us that have not-so-green-thumbs

Comfrey has been used historically to treat wounds. It contains a compound called allantoin that promotes cell proliferation and skin repair. Comfrey should not be taken internally because it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to the liver. Because of the possibility of absorption through broken skin, comfrey should not be used topically on open sores.

Calendula and Chamomile are two more herbs used historically to treat skin disorders. Research shows that Calendula has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It has been used historically to heal stubborn wounds and ulcers. Chamomile is a potent anti-inflammatory that is used in Europe for many inflammatory conditions.

It is important to keep in mind that the skin is not an isolated organ. The appearance of the skin can reveal signs of too much sun exposure, stress and internal toxic buildup. The best way to treat a skin condition is through a holistic approach. A well-balanced diet, internal cleansing program, stress reduction, exercise and a moisturizing sunscreen will promote healthy skin and an energetic lifestyle.