'Tis the Season for Chapped Lips

Chapped lips are annoying, painful and unsightly....just what we don't need this busy time of year -- especially with friends and family photo ops!

Here are some reasons why they chap and some easy tips to help:

• Eliminate the obvious offenders -- new products:

lipstick, lip balm, toothpaste...you may be allergic to ingredients.

• Do not lick your lips --- this does not moisturize them.

• Biting lips will also cause more problems.

Lips can chap any time of year due to dehydration.

• It's suggested to drink 2-3 liters of pure water per day.

• Use a humidifier in cold, dry weather.

Lips can scale and crack at the corners when there's a deficiency of vitamin B, essential fatty acids (EFA's) and/or iron. Food is nourishment, and can heal us from the inside out. We suggest you consume organic foods to eliminate the toxic burden that pesticides and herbicides used in conventionally grown produce place on your liver and other organs, and can delay your healing process.

• Some foods high in vitamin B, EFA's and iron are turkey, bananas, strawberries, grapefruit, broccoli, potatoes*, chili peppers, cod liver oil, eggs, oats*, barley*, brazil nuts, dates, sunflower seeds, salmon, beets, etc.

• Blackstrap molasses (very high in iron)

• Carrots, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and whole grains* and legumes*.

Soothe lips externally.

• Daily topical applications of aloe vera gel

• Coconut oil

• Rubbing a cucumber on the affected area has also been reported to be beneficial.

(*omit if paleo)

So hydrate yourself, eat well and pucker up -- You just might find yourself under the mistletoe!

OC