Why I Choose Elemente Series?

Definitely, Product Safety is the key

In Elemente Series, all raw materials are tested with Material Safety Data Sheet although this is not required.

All the raw materials are coming from Japan!

Japan's cosmetic regulations are among the strictest in the world. In Japan, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regulates cosmetics, quansi-drugs, pharmaceuticals and medical devices according to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law (PAL) to guarantee their quality, efficacy and safety. 

In Japan, permits are required to manufacture and sell cosmetic, unlike other countries, no regulation and permits required. 

Quansi-drugs 

What are considered as OTC products in other regions may be classified as "quansi-drugs" in Japan. Example of quansi-drugs: skin whitening products, products for dry skin, acne products, anti-dandruff shampoo, hair tonics, hair dyes, etc. 

Quansi drugs are subject to examination for quality, and safety by Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)

For the heavy metal testing, it's most stringent at Japan, as compare to Germany, Japan/USA. 

In Elemente and Nutritional Immunology, I learnt to be wiser consumer. 

Does Advertising term means anything? 

Terms such as hypoallergenic, allergy tested, dermatologist tested - does it means anything? 

How about the word - Natural? 

Usage of safer ingredients

For example, Elemente Toothpaste!

Instead of using Fluoride, Triclosan and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, they use a safer ingredients, such as Hydroxyapatite

Here are some of my Elemete series products which I Love !!! and there are others which I didn't show!

PM me if you would like to try out !

Cheers
Siew Choon
90263064

What are your body's Chemical Burden which you need be aware?

All of us carry chemical burden, the buildup of synthetic chemicals and heavy metals in our bodies.

These chemicals get into our bodies through our skin, air, food and drinks. 

You may use many personal care and household products daily, do you know the safety of ingredients?

If you look at the recent articles published, there are many contamination issues even in big brand by MNC. 

Source: http://www.wsj.com/articles/jury-orders-johnson-johnson-to-pay-55m-in-cancer-suit-over-powder-1462277113

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-11/in-35-pages-buried-at-fda-worries-over-colgate-s-total

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/400-lipstick-brands-contain-lead-fda-says/2012/02/14/gIQAhOyeDR_story.html


Let's look at the table below to understand where you can find the toxic chemicals: 

These chemicals can be found in toothpaste, drinking water, shower gels, body lotions, shampoos, toys, whitening products, detergents, etc etc. 

In fact, most pollution begins in the womb.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released the results of a two year study that found up to 232 different industrial chemicals in the cord blood of 10 babies in the womb. 

Among the common one are:

It's important to equip ourselves to be wise consumer, to use the products which are safe and yet effective.

Read next: Why I choose Elemente series?


Cheers
Siew Choon
90263064

Is Probiotic really safe for your health?

There are many misconceptions when it comes to nutrition, thus although with the advancement of medical and technology, and more variety of dietary supplements, yet the disease rate is increasing still. 

Where is the missing link? 

one of the biggest MISCONCEPTION on nutrition is about Probiotic. 96

Why A Person Take Probiotic? 
- Promoting gut health
- To address leaky gut syndrome
- Constipation
- Bloated and digestive issues
- to have more good bacteria
- to strengthen the immune system
- and may other reasons

Let's look at probiotic in details. 

What does Probiotic made of and Side effect of taking it?

Probiotics are commonly made of bacterias, the most common one are. These are normally active cultures

1. Lactobacillus acidophilus

2. Lactobacillus rhamnosus

3. Lactobacillus gasseri

4. Bifidobacterium bifidum

In our gut system, we have at least 1,000 SPECIES of bacteria, while cultured probiotic contains just a handful of bacterial species, but in large amount. 

When we are taking large amount of 1 single species or few species of bacteria, it will flush away the existing species of good bacteria in our gut, given the limited amount of space. 

End up the number of species of good bacteria in our gut is lesser, it causes more issue in the long run, and worst, we have to rely on this external species in long run.  This is call REPLACEMENT THERAPY

How do we know? Let's look at label to understand more.

    20 billion cfu of 1 single type of bacteria 

3.2 billion, 400 million, 200 million and 200 million of 4 different species of bacteria only

What happen to other species of existing bacteria in our gut when we load in all these billions and millions of bacteria? 

Our gut may end up only filled up with these few species, instead of the existing 1,000 species. Causing more dependency issue, and in the long run, it will affect gut system health. 

Thus, it's important to read label and be a wise consumer!!

Other than this, different individual has different eating habits.

Amy - who regularly eating healthy food such as salad

Cindy - who regularly eating unhealthy food such as fast food

Do you think the bacteria required in the gut system for both Amy and Cindy are the same? 

Definitely not!!

So both Amy and Cindy taking in the similar type of probiotic that contains a few species of bacteria, it cause adverse side effects, whereby some may have diarrhea.

Additionally, when patinets suffering from acute pacreatitis (rapid inflammation of the pancreas) were adminstered probiotic, 16% patients died, compared to 6% in control group.

Worse of all, it affect the heart health, making those meat eaters who are consuming probiotic getting more susceptible to form TMAO and artery clogging!

If not Probiotic then how? 

A right method should be letting our gut system to SELF PRODUCE good bacteria by our own, so we won't lead to dependency to external sources.

How to let our body to self produce good bacteria?

Definitely, but taking plant foods for healthy gut system

1. Psyllium Husk
It helps to boast the total amount of fibers in one's daily diet, creating harmonious gut environment
It also helps to relieve abdominal pain and discomfort in patients with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

2.Soy Bean
It improves the intestinal environment. It favors the proliferation of beneficial gut bacterias.

3. Fruits
High antioxidants and phytochemicals reduce the free radicals attacks, and reduce inflammation. They will break down into molecules that positively influence beneficial bacteria in gut system.

As a convenience, I will take the convenience food - Everstay D and Vege Color for the combination of all 3 ingredients above.

From the ingredients, it's all wholesome food without any chemical preservatives, thus a great beverage early in the morning to kick start the day :D

PM or whatsapp if you need more info.

Cheers
Siew Choon
90263064

Can you read the label?

Which one will you choose?

A banana or a banana muffins?

Can you read the ingredients list or labeling?

Is it some chemical name, such as vitamins, niacin, b1, b2, etc? Is it whole food or it's synthetically made ingredients？

What happen if you are eating the chemical on daily basis?

How does it impact your liver, kidney and other parts of organs?

Choose whole food, than chemically added food. 

Cheers
Siew Choon
90263064

What you need to know about Soy

Q: Will phytoestrogens in soy trigger cancer cell growth?

Phytoestrogens from plant foods are highly beneficial to the human body. They fill estrogen receptor sites on cells, keeping animal-derived estrogens from promoting growth of malignant cells. In this way, phytoestrogens help lower the risk of estrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer.

In addition, a study by experts from National University of Singapore, Cancer Research UK, and the US National Cancer Institute concluded that females who consumed high amounts of soy had less dense breast tissue, according to X-ray reports. Hence, compared to females who did not consume large amounts of soy, they were at lower risk of suffering from breast cancer.

Q: What is phytic acid? Will the phytic acid in soy affect health?

Phytic acid is present in the hulls of grains and seeds. It binds easily to elements like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and, in particular, zinc in the intestinal tract. Hence some people think that long-term consumption of soy products will cause a deficiency of trace elements in the human body.

Soy contains moderate amounts of phytic acid. However, soy is rich in calcium and iron that are easily absorbed by the human body. It is also rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which can increase the good bacteria in the intestine and also promote absorption of calcium and magnesium, thereby making up for the metallic elements bound to phytic acid. In addition, the medical community has discovered that phytic acid may prevent colon cancer. Hence phytic acid in soy will not have a major effect on mineral absorption when there is moderate or suitable consumption of soy products coupled with a balanced diet. In fact, phytic acid may be beneficial to health with its anti-cancer effects. If you are still concerned, you can soak soybeans before removing their skin to reduce their phytic acid content.

Q: Will soy cause gout?

Soy contains purines, which are organic compounds that occur naturally in the human body. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines. Excessive amounts of purines in the body will lead to high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can cause gout.

The amount of purine in soy is lower than purine-rich foods (e.g. organ meats) but higher than foods low in purine (e.g. fruits and vegetables). Most purines are removed along with water during the manufacturing process of many soy products. 500g of soybeans can produce 2,500ml of soy milk. Hence the amount of purines in 500ml of soy milk is insignificant. A Japanese study by Yamakita and co-workers of Hyogo College of Medicine concluded that tofu is a safe source of protein for gout patients due to its small and transient effect on plasma urate levels. A 12-year study by Hyon K. Choi and co-workers involving more than 45,000 men found that higher levels of meat and seafood consumption are associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas moderate intake of purine-rich vegetables is not associated with an increased risk of gout.

In addition, estrogens help inhibit formation of uric acid. Soy isoflavones can restore balance to men experiencing irregularities in uric acid elimination due to interference from male hormones, and replenish estrogens in menopausal women, thereby reducing gout incidence. Compared to fish, meat, seafood and freshwater delicacies, soy and soy products are relatively safer and more ideal sources of protein.

Q: Are plant proteins more beneficial to health than animal proteins?

Let's look at the comparison chart. 

For better protein intake, I will definitely opt for safer option, which is soy protein, as compared to whey protein, cow's milk or others. 

Nutrifresh is the best convenience for me given that it's formulated with principle of Nutritional Immunology, and it's safer, free from all preservatives and chemicals. 

Nutrifresh Ingredient Label

As you can see most ingredient you can read easily, such as Asparagus, Barley, Broccoli, Citrus Peel etc. 

 

Ingredient Label of other protein powder in market

Which normally contain of other synthetic ingredient, such Glycine, L-Glutamine, etc

 

Siew Choon

90263064

Safety Concern of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/chinese-medicines-may-contain-high-levels-toxins-230754907.html

British health regulators have issued a warning that some traditional Chinese medications contain "dangerously high" levels of lead, mercury, and arsenic.

On Tuesday, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned people not to use a number of unlicensed Chinese medicines, including a product called Bak Foong Pills, which are used to treat menstrual pain.

The medicine has been recalled in Hong Kong after it was found to contain up to twice the level of lead permitted by the Hong Kong Government.

Another Chinese medication called Hairegenerator, used for the treatment of hair loss, has also been recalled in Hong Kong after a sample was found to contain 11 times the permitted level of mercury.

The Swedish National Food Agency (SFNA), meanwhile, has found extremely high levels of arsenic in products going by a variety of names, including Niu-Huang Chieh-tu-pein, Divya Kaishore Guggul, and Chandraprabha Vati.

These are used for the treatment of mumps, sore throat, tonsillitis, toothache, skin infections, anorexia, and fever in young children.

"The adulteration of traditional Chinese medicines with heavy metals is a significant international problem and can pose a serious risk to public health," said Richard Woodfield, MHRA's Head of Herbal Policy.

 UK consumers can follow Woodfield's advice: "To help you choose an herbal medicine that is suitable for you, look for a product that has a Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) or product license number on the packaging.

These products have met the acceptable quality and safety standards. – AFP/Relaxnews, August 22, 2013.

As mentioned by Dr Chen during Live of Dr Chen chapters, there are 3 category of plant foods:

1. Poisonous Category (example, Ma Huang)

2. Herbal Categry (Korean Ginseng, TCM)

3. Fruits and Vegetable Category - Given that it's food, it can be consumed on daily basis. 

Commonly, we thought that TCM is better than western medicine, given that it's herbal. However, let's look at one example, Aspirin. Which is used to treat fever, inflammation, joint pain or even heart disease. 

Aspirin could be made from medicational herb call White Willow Bark. In TCM, white whillow bark is also used to help with pain relief, arthritis, reduce inflammation. 

However, why white willow bark from TCM "seems" better? Often, it's due to the concentration whereby in preparing the TCM, it's not as concentrated as western medicine. Thus, the effect is slower and side effect is lesser than western medicine. When we are consuming it, it will burden our kidney as well. 

Cheers

Siew Choon

90263064

Combating haze again

Haze is coming to Singapore again, the PSI hits above 300, the hazardous level. It's the first time hitting this level since July 2013.

Look at the before and after!!

                

When inhaling these air pollutants, it easily cause irritation of nose, throat, our respiratory system. Thus, we may easily have fever, coughing and sneezing.

For those who has existing medical condition, the condition may be worsen as there might be asthma attack, allergies or even cardiovascular problem. All these pollutants may entering our blood stream and causing inflammation within our body.

I am sure we are more well prepared already, compare to 2013. To add on further, here are some of the good tips.

1. Close all the windows, turn on the aircond or air-purifier if you have.

2. Stay indoor if possible

3. Try not turn to medication if you have sneezing, coughing or irritation, as those are just working as suppressant. In contrary, you should be nourishing your immune system, so that you are able to cleanse out the dirt, mucus, phlegm effectively.

In order to nourish your immune system, take more than 15 serving of fruits and vegetables as we are living in a complex and stressful environment. As a convenient, here is what I do, as a convenient.

I will take 

1. Oxyginberry

http://immunesuperfood.blogspot.sg/2014/05/oxyginberry-is-immune-strengthen-food.html

2. Triflora

Triflora contains the five leaf ginseng, which also known as sweet tea vine, which are very effective in detox the heavy metals, preservatives, air pollants and toxin chemicals from our body.

3. Orchestra

Which contains the Ashitaba and Kumazasa. Kumazasa has the powerhouse in cleansing and detoxification, especially for our blood and liver. Thus able to cleanse out the air pollutant easily.

Ashitaba, which containing chalcones, flavonoids, coumarins, chlorophyll, thus able to fight against the free radical damage caused by the air pollutants.

Hope all is well and the haze is going away soon!


Cheers
Siew Choon