breast-friendly 2-hydroxyestrone. It con- tains a fiber, lignan, that upon digestion produces two important phytoestrogens capable of stimulating the body’s natural estrogen receptors in cases of estrogen deficiency and blocking both synthetic and natural estrogen when there is excess (as with estrogen-dominant conditions from puberty to menopause). These properties have been confirmed in human clinical studies performed at the University of Toronto’s Department of Nutritional Sciences and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Thus, flaxseed may be considered a source of plant “estrogen” capable of prompting regression of estrogen-sensitive cancers, including those of the breast and prostate. Extremely versatile in culinary applications, combining flaxseed with ground cumin provides a medicinally potent homemade seasoning supporting women’s hormonal health.


Cumin


Cumin—actually a fruit disguised as a spice—has tremendous hormone-mod- ulating properties recently confirmed by findings in Experimental Biology and Medicine. Japanese scientists demonstrated that cumin seeds can inhibit loss of bone density and strength as effectively as estrogen in a female rat model of age-associated osteoporosis. They further found that the cumin seeds did not have estrogen’s weight-promoting and possible carcino- genic effects on the uterus. Imagine the potent hormone- balancing properties of a dinner of steamed rutabaga dressed with ground flaxseeds and cumin with a side of mustard greens with olive oil and pomegranate dressing. It beats a serving of Premarin with a serv- ing of unwanted side effects any day.


Sayer Ji is the founder of GreenMed- Info.com and advisory board member of the National Health Federation. Tania Melkonian is a certified nutritionist and healthy culinary arts educator. Learn more at GreenMedInfo.com.


Hormonal Balance for Gorgeous Skin by Kassandra Kuehl


W


hen hormones are balanced, the result is a clear, radiant complexion. Many of us,


however, are plagued by dull, dry and sagging skin and conspicuous skin markings, or wonder why we suddenly have more acne than we did as teens. When this happens, there’s a good chance that we are grappling with some type of hormonal issue. To better understand what the skin says about hormonal health, read on. Acne


Testosterone dominance is usually the culprit in those pesky blemishes that haunt us well into adulthood. The role of testosterone in acne is twofold: it increas- es sebum production and skin-cell turnover rate, making it easier for blockages to form around the follicle opening. To combat acne, choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin. Dryness


Kassandra Kuehl


Several hormonal factors can contribute to dry, flaky skin. One of the most com- mon is a drop in thyroid hormone production, causing the epidermis to be- come thick and scaly. To keep skin moist, use pure, cold-pressed fatty acids and antioxidant-rich oils. Sagging and Wrinkles


Several studies have highlighted estrogen’s anti-aging effect on the skin. Fall- ing estrogen levels reduce the production of hyaluronic acid, which keeps skin supple and taut. Collagen synthesis also comes to a halt with reduced estrogen levels, further compounding the issue. To keep skin firm and wrinkle-free, use moisture-rich serums containing pure hyaluronic acid. Melasma


Characterized by brown patches of skin on the face, melasma is common in women struggling with estrogen dominance. This is because an abundance of estrogen stimulates the production of melanin, the chemical that gives the skin its pigment. To combat melasma, it is important to wear a natural form of SPF every day and adopt a skin-care regimen designed to control hyperpigmentation. Incorporating a skin-care routine that uses pure, gentle, natural ingredients is an essential element in combating hormonal skin issues. Yet, for a truly powerful approach, some skin-care specialists can combine proper skin care with func- tional lab tests to assess hormonal status and modify dietary and lifestyle choices accordingly.


Kassandra Kuehl is the founder of Kasia Organic Salon, located at 822 W. 50th St., Minneapolis. Kasia Organic Salon is a pioneer of healthy beauty and is an authority on 100 percent natural products and services. For more information, call 612-824-7611 or visit KasiaOrganicSalon.com. See ad on page 9.


You can free yourself from aging by reinterpreting your body and


by grasping the link between belief and biology. ~Deepak Chopra


natural awakenings May 2013 25


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