How to Filter the Water for Your Entire Home

“The Importance of Home Water Filters”

By Dr. Nicole Sundene

Have you ever wished you could filter more than just the water you drink?

I mean there are shower water filters out there too but that still doesn’t decrease the amount of pollutants and chlorine your children, pets, and clothing are exposed to. Chlorine free is especially important for anyone with asthma, skin problems, multiple chemical sensitivity or “perfume allergy,” and those with newborn babies and young children.

We are bathing in chlorine, cooking with chlorine, washing our already dry hands in chlorine, and constantly inhaling the chlorine fumes in our homes that derive from our shower water, kitchen, and laundry rooms. The things we do to get clean are ironically making us “dirty” on the inside. Chlorine not only gives the liver an extra workout, but it also ages our cells making for a shorter over-all lifespan and youthful appearance.

A while ago an environmental medicine professor at my school highly recommended just filtering the water straight from the main source. I mean it sounds a bit expensive and extreme, but when you think about all the other stuff we spend our money on in the name of health and beauty, we should seriously consider purifying the water we drink and the steamy fumes from our showers, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Actually what could be simpler?

Even if your municipal water is free of every other possible contaminant, it is still full of chlorine, and chlorine ages us. Reducing chlorine is an important part of my anti-aging program.

I was checking our new kitchen table partner AquaSauna the other day and was excited to see that they carry entire home water filters!

Of course you can just filter your kitchen sink tap water (which I always recommend filling up your own recycled glass bottles instead of drinking bottled water). And of course you can filter your shower water which you should do because one shower equals the total chlorine of drinking eight glasses of municipal tap water. But the best thing most home owners, parents, and pet lovers can do is just filter it straight at the source. Is that not a dream come true? Clean chlorine free water throughout your entire house? How liberating! Especially since one system is supposed to last for 3 years or 300, 000 gallons–I think it also saves the headache of having to keep up with all the replacing all the various water filters in your home.

I had heard initially that these ingenious systems run around $3000 dollars to have this set up but according to Aquasauna’s page it really is only $799 plus the price of installation (okay I know many plumbers charge more than heart surgeons especially on a holiday, but I doubt this is anywhere near a full day project for a plumber.)

These home water filters are also on sale right now, so you will receive a 20% discount as noted on the Whole House Water Filter page.

Our list of trusted list of resources on the kitchen table home page has been updated with Aquasauna’s links for your shopping convenience.

Of course our partnership with Aquasauna donates a small percentage of sales to kitchen table, so it may seem rather shameless to talk about the stuff over there that I really like, but if you have been looking for a great home water filter for a while, I would recommend checking out Aquasana.

I find their prices to be really reasonable, and the quality and customer service to be exceptional. As a naturopathic physician, people are always asking me for product recommendations. so I will start with this as my first official recommendation –after about a year of writing at the kitchen table and trying to avoid making specific recommendations.

We research and choose our partnerships here at the kitchen table for quality, safety, efficacy, and environmentalism. We always hold that which we recommend to the highest of standards, and our goal is to make healthy living affordable for everyone.

With a 90 day no hassle return policy you really don’t have to worry if you will like what you purchase over at Aquasauna.

If you ever have a problem with a product I recommend here at the kitchen table I would like to know right away. I strive to research the best and most affordable options for whole food and chemical free living, and we like to thank our sponsors by occasionally recommending our favorite stuff they keep in stock and reward our readers with useful sales, education and resources.

Of course you are welcome to shop anywhere you like, but if you do choose to purchase something through one of our well researched recommendations we simply thank you for helping keep kitchen table a constantly updated free natural medicine publication.

Dr. Nicole Sundene

Editor-in-chief of Kitchen Table Medicine

Read more: Anti-Aging Tips, Anti-Aging Program

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Natural Psoriasis Treatments

What natural medicines do you recommend for psoriasis?

The scaly silvery plaques of psoriasis that typically affect the elbows, knees, scalp, and other actively moving or injured regions can be unbelievably frustrating to manage and treat with natural or conventional therapies.

Conventional treatments work to reduce itching, inflammation, and inhibit skin overgrowth. Natural medicines also work to address those factors as well as identifying and treating causes of health imbalance that makes an individual more susceptible to the development of psoriasis.

In my opinion, most cases of psoriasis just need a thorough diet and lifestyle clean up. Most patients with psoriasis have terrible eating and lifestyle habits, and will easily improve with naturopathic care. Harsh medication such as corticosteroids and methotrexate should be avoided when at all possible as the side effects of these drugs are far worse than the symptoms of psoriasis that they are being used to treat.

Please check with your naturopathic physician or family doctor for drug-herb interactions or other contraindications before implementing any of these treatment ideas.

Diet for Psoriasis

• Eliminate all McInflammation.

• Vegan, gluten free diet. Animal fats will increase inflammation as discussed in my “Anti-inflammatory diet”.
• Current conventional postulations regarding the cause of psoriasis indicate a possible genetic error in mitotic control. This means that cells are dividing and replicating faster than they should. Excessive activation of lymphocytes (a form of white blood cells) are thought to be responsible for the short epidermal cell cycle that results in hyperproliferation of skin tissues. Since 70% of our immune system surrounds the gut in GALT (Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue) food allergies or intolerances may be to blame for immune dysfunction triggering the skin overgrowth aspects commonly associated with psoriasis.
• Dairy and wheat intolerance are common triggers for most people with skin conditions, especially psoriasis. A three week trial elimination of both with a re-introduction period individually of first wheat and then dairy is prudent. If wheat and dairy are not a problem I would continue on to a full allergy elimination diet and see if other foods may be resulting in inflammation and resultant immune dysfunction.

Kitchen Remedies for Psoriasis

• Avoid aspartame. Aspartame is not just a “Kitchen Table Villain”, but sensitivity is common in those with itchy skin conditions.
• Liver Support Foods: Most patients will benefit from some gentle detox.
• Liberal use of green leafy vegetables for magnesium content to aid detoxification.
• Anti-inflammatory Smoothie: Dr. Nicole’s Smoothie Recipe drink daily to reduce reactivity to foods you may be allergic or intolerant to, as well as reduce inflammation.
• Cultured Foods: The friendly bacteria in yogurt and other fermented foods are valuable sources of acidophilus and other probiotics needed for healthy gut flora and proper digestion.

Lifestyle Considerations for Psoriasis

• Eliminate stress: a common culprit known to exacerbate symptoms of psoriasis.
• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking and drinking alcohol were shown to increase symptoms.
• Lose weight. Obesity is a risk factor for psoriasis.
• Try to avoid injuring the affected area. Studies also show that skin injuries may make your psoriasis worse, which is why it typically shows up on active areas such as elbows, knees, and eyelids. Sunlight was shown to either make psoriasis better or worse. Drugs that increase psoriasis symptoms are lithium, beta blockers, and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and over the counter analgesics).
• Acupuncture and hypnosis may also be beneficial.
• Use a chlorine shower filter, especially if you have psoriasis on your scalp.

Vitamins for Psoriasis

• Vitamin D oral and topical are effective for psoriasis. The topical drug Dovonex is a prescription preparation using vitamin D. Don’t take more than 1000 IU of oral vitamin D daily without being supervised by a physician for potential life threatening conditions such as hypercalcemia that may occur.
• Vitamin A orally and topically is also helpful for psoriasis. Both vitamins A and D play a role with cell differentiation, the same mechanism that prescription pharmaceuticals play a role with.

Fish Oil for Psoriasis

• Fish oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Cod liver oil also contains both vitamins A and D. I typically recommend 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil with food daily. This can be increased to twice daily.
• Cod liver oil should not be used by pregnant women due to high vitamin A content. Fish oils are not recommended for those with bleeding disorders or using anti-coagulant medicines such as Coumadin. Check with your doctor before using fish oil therapeutically. The omega 3 fats in fish oil are very powerful natural medicine for psoriasis. I would opt for the use of fish oil over flax oil unless the patient has ethical or spiritual concerns regarding the use of animal products. Flax oil may be helpful, but it is not nearly as potent as fish oil, nor has it yet been researched for efficacy with this skin disease.

Herbs for Psoriasis

• Capscasin cream synthesized from cayenne peppers is helpful for reducing pain and controlling itching.
• Topically you could also try some aloe vera gel as well as calendula succus (juice) or cream; as both herbs are particularly soothing to most irritating and itchy skin conditions.
• Detox Herbs. Rather than using herbs mechanistically to fight psoriasis, I would opt instead to use them to “Treat the Cause”. Most people with psoriasis have a large toxic burden on their body, as evidenced by the exacerbations caused by smoking and consuming alcohol. Cleaning up the diet and lifestyle is fundamental, herbs to protect the liver and aid the moving out of toxins such as milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock root, yellow dock root, and turmeric should be helpful for addressing the long term big picture of this disease which typically tends to just worsen over time. For those with digestive upset I would also do a course of gut healing herbs such as slippery elm and marshmallow root to address underlying causes such as food allergies.

Research on Psoriasis

• PMID: 10651693; Psoriasis patients with antibodies to gliadin can be improved by a gluten-free diet. Br J Dermatol. 2000 Jan;142(1):44-51.
• PMID: 12949434; Rapid regression of psoriasis in a celiac patient after gluten-free diet. A case report and review of the literature. Digestion. 2003;68(1):9-12. Epub 2003 Aug 29. Review.
• PMID: 9838718; A review of the epidemiology of psoriasis vulgaris in the community.Australas J Dermatol. 1998 Nov;39(4):225-32. Review.
• PMID: 8977698; Cigarette smoking in men may be a risk factor for increased severity of psoriasis of the extremities. Br J Dermatol. 1996 Nov;135(5):859-60. No abstract available.
• PMID: 15346196; Association between alcohol, smoking and HLA-DQA1*0201 genotype in psoriasis.Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2004 Sep;36(9):597-602.
• PMID: 10396014; A pilot study of hypnosis in the treatment of patients with psoriasis.Psychother Psychosom. 1999;68(4):221-5.
• PMID: 15244317; Calcipotriol cream in the treatment of flexural psoriasis.Int J Tissue React. 2003;25(4):127-30.
• PMID: 15018018; Calcipotriol ointment versus cream in psoriasis vulgaris.Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 2003;23(2-3):47-51.
• PMID: 7688774; A double-blind evaluation of topical capsaicin in pruritic psoriasis.J Am Acad Dermatol. 1993 Sep;29(3):438-42.
• PMID: 10417520; Capsaicin treatment induces histamine release and perfusion changes in psoriatic skin.Br J Dermatol. 1999 Jul;141(1):87-93.
• PMID: 11306830; Phototherapy of psoriasis: comparative experience of different phototherapeutic approaches.Dermatology. 2001;202(2):108-15.
• PMID: 7921757; A double-blind placebo controlled trial of Efamol Marine on skin and joint symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.Br J Rheumatol. 1994 Oct;33(10):954-8.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen table to ask the question!

~ Dr. Nicole Sundene

Naturopathic Physician

www.KitchenTableMedicine.com

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Topical Natural Treaments for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dandruff, Cradle Cap, and Itchy Scalp

Q. What can I use topically for my seborrheic dermatitis?

A. The itchy scalp condition of seborrheic dermatitis, commonly referred to as “dandruff” can be extremely frustrating. The course is typically insidious and tends to worsen over time in adults.

I am not a fan of many topical treatments for skin conditions as a long term plan because it is not “Treating the Cause” of the condition. Long term goals like the improvement of diet and lifestyle are the foundations to any good natural approach to addressing this itchy and frustrating scalp condition.

But, since the question was asked, I will indeed answer it.

The best herbs to use topically for this condition are aloe vera, calendula, grindelia, comfrey, and stellaria to reduce itching. To kill the P. ovale yeast that is typically prevalent with seborrheic dermatitis, you can use anti-fungal herbs such as tea tree oil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender topically in the same manner that prescription pharmaceutical shampoos are used and designed to kill the yeast. A good herbal formula kills the yeast while soothing the itch of the scalp.

The most convenient way to reduce itching on the scalp is with a spray.

Supplies needed from health food store: aloe vera juice, calendula succus (if not available make a very strong calendula tea with the dried herb), tea tree oil, lavender oil, and rosemary oil. In a pinch you can just spray chilled aloe vera juice directly on your scalp as needed throughout the day. Feel free to adjust the following formula as needed.

Dr. NICOLE’S ITCHY SCALP SPRAY

In a twenty ounce spray bottle combine:

• 15 ounces of aloe vera juice (buy food grade).
• 4 ounces of calendula succus (juice) or calendula tea (made VERY strong).
• 15 drops of lavender essential oil.
• 5-10 drops of tea tree oil (start with 5 drops and double if not found to be irritating).
• 5-10 drops of rosemary essential oil (also increase as needed).

Shake the formula each time before using, and store in the refrigerator for the ultimate cooling effect. Spray on your scalp twice daily to kill yeast and reduce itching, or use as needed.

PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS FORMULA ON BABIES!!!

Rinse your hair immediately if you experience any burning or worsening of symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve, you may opt to increase or double the drops of essential oil in the formula as long as you are tolerant of them and they do not exacerbate your symptoms. Never apply essential oils without diluting first. The essential oils in this formula are serving as anti-fungal agents, lavender additionally soothes itchy skin conditions.

HOW TO USE YOUR OWN HERBS

If you have rosemary, lavender, and thyme growing in your backyard or kitchen window, you can easily make them in to a herbal tea to use as a hair wash, or additionally infuse them in to olive oil as described in my article on “How to Make Rosemary Oil” and apply that to your head twice daily, allowing it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Topical herbal applications should never burn. If so, rinse immediately. Be careful to not get herbal medicines in your eyes.

TOPICAL TREATMENT FOR CRADLE CAP

NEVER use herbal medicines on your baby unless prescribed by their naturopathic pediatrician. Calendula cream and aloe vera, are most likely safe to use topically on babies, but be extremely cautious with newborns and always ask your pediatrician before treating. The best thing to do for cradle cap is to first wash the babies hair with a gentle baby shampoo, and then apply pure olive oil to the baby’s head. Use a fine comb to remove the flakes, and then rinse out the olive oil. Food allergies in the mother may be causing cradle cap. Reseed your babies gut flora with some probiotics such as bifidus or acidophilus, and try investigating food allergies if the problem is persistent. Breast feeding moms can consume biotin rich foods, as research has shown biotin to be beneficial.

DON’T JUST RELY ON TOPICALS

Although topical treatments are helpful for reducing itchy symptoms, be sure to address the internal causes of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff by reducing junk food in the diet, adding omega 3 oils, reseeding gut flora with the use of acidophilus, reducing stress, and addressing other underlying causes such as food allergies to wheat , dairy, or other foods. For more information on these things you can read my more comprehensive article on “Alternative Medicine for Seborrheic Dermatitis”. Also of benefit would be a chlorine shower filter as chlorine will exacerbate any itchy skin condition.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen table to ask the question!

~Dr. Nicole Sundene

Naturopathic Physician

www.KitchenTableMedicine.com

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Chlorine Shower Filter: Anti-Aging

A simple anti-aging trick is to use a shower water filter.

I cannot more highly recommend the use of shower water filters for reducing chlorine associated aging and accelerated damage to healthy cells.

Chlorine is a toxic gas that destroys the healthy cells in our bodies on contact.Historically, chlorine gas was used as part of chemical warfare!

It is now used in our water to kill pathogens that may make us sick, however a side product of drinking “healthy water” is premature aging of our cells, especially that of our skin and lungs.

Why to use a shower water filter:

• Anti-aging
• Softer, more radiant skin that requires less moisturizers as chlorine is VERY drying
• Great for anyone with chronic skin conditions such as chronic itching, dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis
• Stronger healthier, shinier hair, with less need to touch up your hair coloring
• May reduce aging related hair loss
• Less dandruff
• Healthier lungs, a MUST for anyone with COPD, asthma, or other chronic respiratory ailments
• Reduce the amount of toxins your babies and children are exposed to

Before you spend any more money on health products for the INSIDE of your body, think about what should be done for the OUTSIDE of your body.

Visit Aquasauna to find a great shower water filter.

~ Dr. Nicole Sundene

Naturopathic Physician

www.KitchenTableMedicine.com

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What is Organic Beauty?

Think about it… What is shiny hair? What is glowing skin? What is that sparkle in your eye? All of those things are signs of good health.

True beauty is the healthy light inside of us radiating out.

How can we truly be beautiful if we don’t take care of our health?

According to my favorite teacher, Mary O’Malley, “health is an inside out job”.

Although Mary is referring to mental health, as that is what she specializes in, I believe this “inside out job” applies to our physical health as well.

“Beauty is an inside out job” could also be just as true of a statement, as beauty starts not just with our personalities, but with our health. Read more

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Organic Beauty Salon in Seattle

One of my dearest friends in the world is having a grand opening for her new swanky environmentally green, organic, and VEGAN salon and spa in Seattle!

You are all invited!

I know you probably want to fly in from Oklahoma, Australia, and Sweden to attend this important event, which is why I am giving you three full days notice to get to Seattle!

Joene LaBou is an esthetician and her husband Gary LaBou is a hairdresser.

Together they have created a salon that emphasizes the use of organic, vegan, green and environmental products. Read more

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