GlobalHealthc.com

Archive for January, 2011

No matter what else you do, the best results for acne are achieved if your skin and underlying tissue is fully supported nutritionally. This is to fight and prevent the infections in the pores (pus), to decrease the inflammation (sore, red, swollen areas) and have better healing and repair (reducing scars).

GENERAL DIETARY GUIDELINES

Firstly, remove foods that have poor nutrition and those that increase the oiliness of skin. This means cut out all refined sugars, saturated fats and processed foods. Yes, that means fast foods, packet foods and softdrinks. Even bakery food has trans fatty acids that work against you.

This may seem difficult at first, but remember these 3 things -

1. It has very high rewards

2. It gets easy pretty quickly and

3. It costs much less than anything else you try.

Healthy food choices are still very convenient, think about ready-made sandwiches, sushi rolls, salads, fruit and water.

FOOD SENSITIVITY

Almost all acne is hormonally related, this is why it is worst during teenage years, but for some women with hormonal imbalances, acne can continue through much of their child-bearing years.

If acne appears in your late twenties however, it is probably due to a food sensitivity so check that out with a naturopath or physician. Usually it is salicylates that are a problem. These are a naturally-occurring group of chemicals which are very similar to aspirin, so the simple test is if aspirin makes your symptoms worse, then you would probably do well on a low-salicylate diet. This involves way too many foods to include here but the information is easy to find.

DIGESTIVE SUPPORT

You might be eating the right things (fresh, whole foods) but not actually extracting all the nutrients from them. Digestive enzymes are important and some people need to take them as a supplement. This needs to be diagnosed and prescribed by a naturopath or physician. A simple thing that everyone can do is to take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with meals. Either take it straight, or in a small amount of water, or even as a mixture of vinegar/honey/water. It really makes a difference to digestion, metabolism and detoxification.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Zinc

Across the board, one of the most fundamental nutrients for health; Zinc is involved in over 80 different enzyme systems! Among its many functions, Zinc is important for skin health by facilitating immune function and wound healing. It has been reported as being severely out of balance in at least 50% of acne patients.

Zinc can be found in beef, ginger, liver, oysters, sunflower and pumpkin seeds as well as whole grains. But supplementation may also be required so it is a good idea to be tested. Zinc supplementation to adequate levels has been shown to be as effective as antibiotic therapy (tetracycline).

Vitamin A

Acne patients are often advised to increase Vitamin A rich foods such as cod liver oil, carrots, apricots and green leafy vegetables (especially spinach) but it also appears that there may be a defect in Vitamin A metabolism that contributes to the acne problem. In some people, even though they have adequate intake, the metabolites of Vitamin A are not reaching the skin tissue. This is why supplementation with specific oral Vitamin A (nutritional or medical) and Vitamin A creams has an effect on severe acne. You must be under the care of a specialist dermatologist and/or naturopath as Vitamin A has toxicity precautions. Prescriptions need to take into account the dosage required and contra-indications. With creams, the age and type of skin (oily or dry) will determine whether a cream or gel is best suited.

Vitamin A increases resistance to infection, is involved in steroid hormone synthesis and mucopolysaccharide (MPS) synthesis. MPS can be applied topically using fresh aloe vera gel to normalise the skin surface by helping to “unplug” the pores and also enhance healing to reduce scars.

B Vitamins

A multi-vitamin containing all the B group is highly recommended for two reasons. Firstly to counter the effects of stress on the nervous system. Secondly, B vitamins all work together, so providing a basic platform is very important before adding extra doses of any of the single B vitamins. The most significant of the B group for acne are:

B12 general metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates

maintenance of skin cells

B5 - with co-enzyme A is involved in many reactions important to the skin

deficiency of B5 results in buildup of fat droplets in the sebaceous glands

B6 - for women with Folic Acid is important for pre-menstrual acne

for men affects the uptake and sensitivity to testosterone

B2 – specific for acne rosacea which is often seen in middle aged women

Antioxidants

Vitamin E, Selenium and Vitamin C work as antioxidants to reduce free radical damage, detoxify and increase immune function. This seems to be more significant for males than females due to differing sex hormone profiles.

Essential Fatty Acids

Our bodies need fat but we need the good kind! Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important for reducing inflammation. There are many types in many foods, but supplements are often used Omega 3 fish oils, evening primrose oil (EPO) gamma linolenic acid (GLA) etc.

As people realize that there is a dearth of information in the world to study, the study of the world becomes more specialized in order for information to be manageably processed for particular purposes. The study of medicine, for example, brought forth a specialization in sports medicine. The study of sports and also of nutrition was further compartmentalized into sports nutrition.

Sports nutrition as a higher education course has been attracting interest among younger generations. As the world population turns to sports for physical health as well as entertainment, sports nutrition attracts a lot of attention and revenues and people specializing in increasing sports performance are very much in demand.

Sports Nutrition education focuses on understanding how the body functions during exercise and sport. Maximizing athletic potential and minimizing health risks associated with sporting activity are two of the main topics of study in Sports Nutrition Education.

Students of this course will consider the role of exercise in healthy lifestyles, and in the treatment of various diseases, with emphasis on interaction between nutrition (diet) and physical performance.

Sports Nutrition education also provides the scientific background, specific knowledge and skills to address concepts and controversies relating to sports nutrition, sports physiology and to explore the links between nutrition, physiology, performance and health outcomes through the life cycle.

Sports nutrition education integrates principles of nutrition and exercise physiology and application to exercising individuals. Common topics for discussion include energy expenditure, fuel substrate metabolism, specific nutrient needs, ergogenic aids, hydration, and weight issues for exercising individuals and athletes.

In personal sports and fitness training, for example, the optimum way to get the most out of their workouts and feel their best is by designing an energizing, performance-enhancing nutrition plan, tailored specific needs of their bodies.

Sport Nutrition education includes learning how to enhance client’s workouts and maximize their results with proper nutrition, safe and effective sports supplements, and beneficial vitamins and minerals.

This is a sample module from a university that offers Sports Nutrition in the collegiate level:

Level 1

Studies include an introduction to learning and assessment in higher education and the wider context of your subject.

- Basic Sports Science

- Science for Sport

- Human Physiology

- Data Analysis

- Introduction to Nutrition

- Professional Studies

- Functional Anatomy

Level 2

This level addresses issues related to hire-ability and professional practice.

- Exercise Physiology I

- Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry I

- Human Nutrition

- Research Methods

- Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry II

- Biomechanics, Sport Psychology, Physical Performance Assessment

Level 3

Level 3 further develops your skills in independent problem identification and analysis.

- Exercise Physiology II

- Applied and Environmental Physiology

- Energy Metabolism

- Muscle Structure and Function

- Sensory and Motor Physiology

- Sports Nutrition

In practical terms, students of sports nutrition education learn:

- How nutrients are taken in and how foods are digested and metabolized to provide necessary energy to fuel muscular activity.

- Dietary patterns that maximize performance and prevent disease.

- Research advancements in ergogenic aids.

- Supplementation and the pros and cons of popular diet techniques.

- Sample eating plans showing how to fuel for specific workouts.

- How to distinguish among food, diet, and supplement options and understand which are best and why.

- How to overcome food and weight obsessions.

- How to lose undesired body fat while maintaining energy for exercise.

- Strategies to boost energy, reduce stress, control weight, improve health & enhance workouts.

Employment opportunities

While enrolled in a Sports Nutrition Education program, it is still possible to have relevant employment. Work placement can also be advantageous as it also provides you with the benefits of industry experience.

The degree is excellent preparation for anyone planning a career in the sports and fitness industries such as corporate health and fitness. The program is also good for those particularly considering a specialization in the nutritional aspects of performance enhancement.

The graduate of this course can penetrate family and community services, local or state government agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, institutes of sports, universities and colleges and also personal training. However, the graduate of Sport Nutrition is not qualified to be a dietitian.

Sports Nutrition education also provides a systematic, general, scientific training suitable for a wide assortment of careers. Many students also continue onto a PGCE or Masters course in a related area.

Are you wondering which are the best anti aging treatments and ways to rejuvenate your skin?

What can be done about existing lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin? Traditionally the only solutions available have been painful and expensive cosmetic surgeries, toxin injections, and harsh chemical peels. Each of which has a long list of potentially dangerous side effects.

Recent scientific breakthroughs have allowed for the development of more gentle cosmetic products that can reduce saggy skin as well as facial lines and wrinkles without the risks involved with other more traditional procedures. Probably you are confused with all the different ingredients that we can find in anti aging skin care products, and with so many choices, we don’t even know where to start.

Aging is related to accumulation of damage at the cellular level. Offenders include environment, free radicals, and chemicals. The best way to deal with aging skin is to ensure that you take a proactive approach to skin care and follow a few simple steps to help prevent the early onset of aging and keep your skin hydrated and moisturised.

STEP 1. Use A Preservative Free Paraben Free Skin Care System

The major key in reducing aging skin and restoring youthful lustre is to avoid preservatives in your skin care products. Preservatives, methylparaben in particular, have been shown to increase the damage to skin caused by UV light, thus increasing the aging of skin.

If you want to prevent aging of your skin you really need to be aware of what you are putting on your skin. While many companies claim their products are “all natural” and of the “finest quality,” a close look at the ingredients reveals they contain toxic synthetic preservatives, suspected’ carcinogens, drying alcohols, and synthetic fragrances and dyes. So make an educated decision to use products that contain absolutely no preservatives. A good book to refer to is “The Truth About CosmeticsAnd Some Natural Alternatives” by Haru Naito.

Until recently, most skin care products around the world have contained preservatives that promote skin aging. However, new skin care technology has developed and there are now a few unique skin care ranges on the market that have eliminated preservatives with the goal to support the skin’s state of wellness and protect the skin from premature aging. (www.revolutionaryskincare.info).

In fact a world’s first water-based skincare line has been recently released in Japan, Australia and the US which uses a revolutionary patented water filtration system where fungus and bacteria cannot grow thus eliminating the need for any preservatives. You can receive a free report and skin care brochure at www.preservativefreeskincare.info

STEP 2. Keep Your Skin Clean

Cleanse your skin with a gentle exfoliating cleanser. Make sure you do not leave on make up or allow residue to build up on your skin. This will lead to increased stress on your skin and can cause pores to clog and become infected.

The key here is not to rub, scrape, or be overly abrasive in the process. You will require a gentle cleanser that contains a fine abrasive to get into your skin pores and remove bacteria and soil.

STEP 3. Keep Your Skin Properly Hydrated.

Hydrating aging skin and helping it to retain moisture are the keys to reducing and preventing wrinkles. Water provides hydration to our skin. So you require a skin care line that can provide water to your skin cells and plump them up like a grape rather than shrivelled up and dry like a sultana. Look at the hydration rates of the skin care product you are using and the clinical proven results. Also many skin care products use carriers to take the moisturising ingredients into the cells. You need to ensure that no carrier chemicals are used which can be absorbed into your circulation and can cause serious health issues.

STEP 4. Nourish your skin with healthy ingredients

Nourishing the skin with the proper ingredients is also important.

Use skin care that delivers only healthy nutrients that can protect your skin from premature aging, stress and dryness. Many plants in the world have long been recognized for their therapeutic health benefits. Just make sure the ingredients are natural plant foods or certified organic ingredients. Today many scientific studies demonstrate the numerous benefits of using specific botanicals that provide nourishing properties that assist your body in renewing healthy moisture enhanced skin tissues. This is the foundation of a preservative free skincare product line.

STEP 5. Use A Wrinkle Cream That Is Proven To Work

Wrinkles and spots are normally too deep to be effected by skin care products, but not now with the recent advancement in skin care technology skin cells can be corrected from damage done and create new healthy skin cells.

An anti-wrinkle cream lessens the appearance of your wrinkles, depending on how often you use it, the type and amount of active ingredient in the wrinkle cream and the extent of the wrinkles you want to treat.

Do they work? Consider these points when judging the merits of using a wrinkle cream: Ensure the skin care system you use has been subjected to research and clinical trials to prove their benefit. You’ll likely need to use the wrinkle cream once or twice a day for many weeks before noticing improvements. Remembering that skin cells rejuvenate every 28 days.

STEP 6. Support your skin’s health and prevent premature aging with good quality supplements.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Oxidative stress is the principle cause of aging and premature death. By controlling free radicals, anti-oxidants influence how fast and how well we age. It is virtually impossible to get optimal amount of antioxidants from foods alone. So invest in a good quality antioxidant.

PHYTOSTEROLS

Scientists can tell how old you are physiologically based on the amount of DHEA (primary hormone of the body) in your blood. Levels peak at age 25 years and then decline. Most researchers agree to retard aging DHEA levels must be maintained. In our modern diet our daily intake of hormone modulator is severely depleted. A Phyto Hormone supplement provides your body naturally with the building blocks to maintain and enhance normal hormone production. It will support efficient fat burning, help you look younger, feel younger and potentially live longer.

GLYCONUTRIENTS

Science has now established that certain natural plant sugars are vital for maintaining good health. Glyconutrients play a vital role in disease prevention and immune system restoration. Supplementation with a blend of glyconutrients have been shown to improve the immune system and improve the antioxidant level inside cells. In addition research shows that glyconutrients help with reversing 8 of the biological signs of aging. A good reason to start supplementing your diet with these nutrients.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Make sure you get a good blend of essential fatty acids in your diet. Supplementation with essential fatty acids supports your skin to become softer and smoother. They are necessary to make cells membranes and for many of the important hormones and other chemical messengers that tell your body what to do.

So supplementation with a combination of these nutrients is required for you are wanting to reduce the signs of aging and support your skins health from inside as well as outside.

STEP 7. ADEQUATE REST

Make sure you get enough rest, so that your skin has time to repair itself.

We all know that aging skin can be problematic and sometimes even downright scary. By following the tips listed above and carefully selecting your skin care products, you’ll be one step ahead in the battle against aging skin. We all get old but we don’t have to look that way!

The bottom line is to know the science and ingredients behind the products you use, look at the clinical trials, ensure the company is ethical and practices good manufacturing practices and then stick to doing business with one that has a solid reputation for delivering results. There are countless products on the market but only a handful that are based on legitimate science. These are the ones to add to your daily skin care regiment.

So in summary your Skin Care wish list should include:

1. Preservative Free

2. Anti- Aging

3. Fragrance Free

4. Colorant Free

5. Allergy Tested

6. Suits All Skin Types

7. Non- Comedogenic (not clogging, won’t aggravate acne)

8. No Animal Testing

9. Opthamologist Tested

10. Visible Real Results

Too much in one skin care line. Do your research and you will find that there are limited skin care products that provide all these benefits.

I have outlined a few tips but cannot cover everything for more information be sure to access my free Anti-Aging report by clicking on the link in the author box.