Natural Anti Ageing Therapy Tips for a Younger Looking You

 

There is just no stopping the aging process. You may be in your late twenties or early thirties now but you may already notice that you don’t look as youthful as you were say, five or ten years ago. Sooner or later, you’ll be in your forties and fifties and you’ll be wondering what has happened to your skin. While you may not be able to stop aging, you may still be able to slow it down. All you need is to learn more about anti aging therapy.

 

While some people may look towards expensive surgical procedures to avoid looking their age, there are natural methods where you don’t have to break your bank account to look young. And like all natural remedies and treatments, the results don’t happen overnight. But when made a habit and followed religiously, natural anti aging therapy can be very effective and will not only make you look younger, but make you feel younger as well.Here are some natural anti aging therapy tips that you can follow to care for your skin, mind, and your overall wellness:

• Avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Chemicals found in cigarettes are known to speed up the aging process and counter any anti aging treatments that you may undergo. This goes the same with the toxins introduced by alcohol. If you constantly consume alcohol, your liver will not be able to cope up with the cleansing process harming your whole system.

• Keep your body well hydrated. We all know this too well. Experts recommend that we have at least eight glasses of water each day. As our body is largely composed of water, being dehydrated will prevent us from getting the nutrients we need. Plus, water flushes out the toxins inside our body. This is one of the most important aspects in keeping ourselves looking and feeling young.

• Eat right. You don’t need to starve yourself; a good diet will include eating in the right portions something from every major food group. Just consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fibers, and eat less of fatty foods. Having the right diet will allow your body to have the maximum amount of nutrients that it will need while cutting down on the damaging and toxin filled dishes.

• Introduce a daily exercise regimen. If not daily, at least three times a week. Exercise will not only build up your immune system, make your resistance stronger, build your muscles, but it will also cleanse out your body as you sweat out toxins.

• Free yourself from stress. Stress makes the body “release” chemicals and these chemicals will cause your body to work in overdrive. As you experience more stress, these chemicals will always be secreted and this will damage your organs and the whole system. Look for different ways to relax, like meditation, yoga, doing Akashi readings, and most of all, have enough sleep, at least eight hours each day to rest your mind and body.

Categories: aging, aging process, aging therapy, anti, anti aging, body, Natural, natural anti, therapy tips

8 Anti-Ageing Experts Share Their Personal Care Tips

Have you ever experienced anti-ageing wellness envy? You shamelessly stare at your hairdresser, dermatologist, or dentist and think, How the heck does she pull it off? What’s the secret to her great hair, pore-free complexion, or flawless teeth? Well, read on to find out how the beauty industry’s top experts take care of their own wellbeing, so you can better take care of yours.

 

1. Open Sesame: According to Lisa Hedley, founder and creative director of the Mayflower Inn and Spa, ‘First thing every morning, I massage organic sesame oil from the health-food store all over my body. Working it in wakes me up and really gets my blood circulating. Plus, the oil hydrates my skin, giving it a healthy glow. Then I jump in the shower—the oil naturally cleans away dead skin cells.’

 

2. Go Fish: ‘Anti-inflammatories are the best anti-agers out there,’ asserts Arlene Noodleman, MD, medical director of the Age Defy Dermatology and Wellness Centre. ‘From improving heart and immune functions to helping hair grow and skin look supple, they truly do wonders. I take three 500 milligram capsules of omega-3 fish oil in the morning and at night. I look for labels that say, “molecularly distilled for purity,” which means pesticide-free.’

 

3. Java Stripped: ‘I avoid stained teeth by drinking my coffee quickly,’ says cosmetic dentist Elisa Mello, DDS. ‘If you sip it over the course of an hour, it keeps coating and recoating. The same goes for other staining liquids, like tea and dark juices.’

 

4. Turn the Base Down Low: Joanna Schlip, celebrity makeup artist for Physician’s Formula, notes, ‘I’ve stopped using foundation every day, because it settles into wrinkles and makes them more noticeable. I start with a concealer just where I need it (under-eye area, blemishes, etc.) and follow it with an all-over application of tinted moisturiser.’

 

5. Simple Plan: Karen M. Horton, MD, plastic surgeon and reconstructive microsurgeon at the Women’s Plastic Surgery Centre, details, ‘Because I’m a plastic surgeon, companies send me so many skin-care samples—and some of them have 10 different steps! But I’m realistic, so there’s no way I’m going to sign up for some huge beauty system that costs hundreds of dollars and requires a commitment that I’m not willing to make. Honestly, here’s my daily skin-care routine: I go home, wash my face with a drugstore cleanser, put on a moisturiser, and fall into bed. I find that this simple regimen works well for me.’

 

6. Ditch the Sweet Tooth: ‘The number-one ingredient that I avoid in my diet is processed sugar,’ says Ava Shamban, MD, dermatologist and owner of the Laser Institute for Dermatology and Skin care. ‘The reason: It speeds up the ageing process by binding to and eventually weakening the collagen in your skin, which can lead to premature wrinkles and sagging. I eat lots of vegetables and fruits every day—and I steer clear of Twinkies at all costs!’

 

7…and Scrub It On Instead: ‘In the shower, I lather my hands with a mild cleanser, add a handful of white sugar, and slather it all over my face and body,’ celebrity makeup artist Carmindy reveals. ‘It makes my skin so smooth and creates a great canvas for makeup.’

 

8. All-Night Hair Care: Laura Hittleman, corporate director of beauty services at Canyon Ranch, admits, ‘At night, I straighten my hair with a flat iron and put it up in a loose ponytail right above my forehead—it’s not cute, but I don’t care—and wear it like that all night. When I take it down in the morning, it has such a youthful bounce to it.’

Categories: anti, anti ageing, care, celebrity makeup, makeup artist, nbsp, omega-3 fish oil, plastic surgeon, sesame oil, skin, skin care, white sugar

Anti-Ageing Foods To Add To Your Diet Now

We all know by now that antioxidants are fantastic in helping create an inner anti-ageing regime, to prime us for a healthier, longer and better looking life – both inside and outside. But do you know where to get these antioxidants from? There are certain foods which are better than others in packing our diets with these age fighters – here is a list of the best ingredients to add to your diet and why you should be eating more of them.

Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens

You have probably been told to eat your greens by your parents since you were a child, but there’s a good reason for this. These vegetables are loaded with nutrients, from calcium and folate to vitamin C, to support bone health, protect against cognitive decline and help to prevent eye problems which are associated with age. More significantly, studies show that they can also provide anti-cancer properties. Vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale and Swiss chard all count towards.

Apricots

A peach-like fruit, the apricot may seem humble but you may be surprised to learn that it’s packed with anti-ageing ingredients. The orange colour they possess comes from carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants which prevent heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and protect against cancer. The carotenoid beta-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A to contribute towards healthy eyes, skin and hair.

Berries

Berries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruits, with kale and spinach being the only vegetables to match berries in terms of antioxidant levels. Fresh berries have phytochemicals and colour pigments, known as anthocyanins, which have been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers, improve memory function and contribute towards healthy ageing. They also contain quercetin, a flavonol which is both an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen, to protect against heart disease and certain cancers.

Olive Oil

Mediterranean diets use a lot of olive oil, which contains health-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. These not only keep your heart healthy and reduce inflammation, but they also improve your skin circulation and digestion, and lower your cholesterol. All of these factors contribute towards a longer and healthier life.

Wild Alaskan Salmon

Staying on the side of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is rich in these healthy oils which offers a health boost. Selenium levels are high in salmon which protects healthy skin cells by fighting free radicals, which age the skin. Salmon also helps to protect the function of the thyroid, which keeps your weight in check and boosts your overall wellbeing.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are something found in foods so regularly we almost forget the properties they possess. But did you know that they can help to protect against sunburn? Studies show that people who ate tomatoes mixed with olive oil each day had 40 per cent less sunburn than those who consumed just olive oil. This is because tomatoes have lycopene in them, which protects the skin against oxidation that can lead to wrinkles and sun damages.

Raw Almonds

Almonds are loaded with vitamin E, which can be difficult to get from your diet. One small handful is enough to give you half of your daily dose, and this nutrient is great for protecting against ageing. It helps to protect the skin, as well as improving agility and speed as we age.

Avocado

Put them on salads, in sandwiches or as a topping to Mexican cuisine, but be sure to get them into your diet – avocados are packed with healthy fats and are also very high in vitamin E. The result? Shiny hair, glowing skin and a wrinkle-free complexion.

Categories: ageing, anti, anti ageing, anti-ageing, fatty acids, Food, Healthy, heart disease, nutrients, olive oil, Protect, skin

Forget Anti-Depressants – Fight Back With Acupuncture

Depression affects the wellness and wellbeing of millions of people around the globe, many of whom turn to anti-depressants for relief. New research, however, is showing that acupuncture may be a safe and extremely effective alternative to psychiatric drugs for those who are suffering from anxiety or depression.

 

This was carried out by studying functional MRI scans, to find out what effect acupuncture has on the brain, and the chemicals that it secretes such as serotonin and dopamine.

 

Anti-depressants are widely used, and in fact are amongst the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States. A recent study even showed that their use doubled between 1996 and the year 2005. Unfortunately, there are many common side effects to anti-depressants, and they can be quite severe. Some antidepressants can even worsen the symptoms of depression and cause an increased risk of the patient committing suicide. Recent studies have raised questions about the efficacy of certain drugs, with some studies even claiming that they are no more helpful than a placebo, and others showing that they are actually less effective than talking therapy.

 

Acupuncture is most effective in patients who have milder depression, which is also the same group that tend to find anti-depressants less effective. Doctors are now increasingly looking to acupuncture for its ability to help heal these depressive and anxiety disorders.

 

Acupuncture is when long, thin needles are placed in the body in specific locations, which are meant to help improve various different medical conditions.

 

One study was carried out on 151 patients suffering from depression, and they were assigned either to a course of acupuncture therapy or sham acupuncture therapy (where needles were inserted but not into the correct places) and no other intervention. There were 12 acupuncture sessions (real or sham) and the researchers found that those who had any type of acupuncture (traditional or sham) showed an impressive improvement in their symptoms of depression.

Categories: acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, anti, anti-depressants, depressants, depression, nbsp, nbsp acupuncture, needles

Basil: The Secret Ingredient to Keeping Your Youth

When it comes to anti-aging products, you may have all kinds of lotions and potions piled up in your bathroom cabinet and on the nightstand. Anything that claims to look after the wellness and wellbeing of your skin as you get older has got to be worth a try, right? What if we told you that one simple plant could be the key to the youthful glow you have been seeking?

 

Basil is a herb that is commonly used in cooking. It has a sweet and distinctive smell, and is commonly used in pesto, where it is mixed with pine nuts and parmesan cheese to make a delicious accompaniment for pasta.

 

Basil originally comes from Asia’s tropical regions, and nit is absolutely packed with nutrients and antioxidants. For this reason, it has all kinds of different health benefits. Amongst other things, it is known to have fantastic anti-bacterial properties, antimicrobial properties and, most importantly of all for you, anti-aging properties. Not only this, but basil helps to fight against serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and even cancer.

 

Having been used in Ayurvedic medicines for several hundreds of years, the effects of basil have been studied extensively. It is no surprise then, that the latest studies carried out at the College of Pharmacy in Maharashtra in India prove, once again, that basil can help stop the body from aging prematurely.

 

Researchers found that basil worked by protecting the body against the effects of free radicals. Basil contains something called flavonoids, which stopped the free radicals from causing damage to the body. The study showed quite clearly that the herb helped to keep the cells young and intact.

 

As well as the flavonoids, basil contains volatile oils, which help to fight against strains of bacteria called Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and Enterococcus.

Categories: aging, anti, anti aging, Basil, body, Food, Free Radicals, nbsp, nbsp basil

Use White Tea, Witch Hazel and Rose Extract For Health

White tea, witch hazel and rose extract should be at the heart of your anti-aging routine. The effects that these three simple products can have on the wellness and wellbeing of your skin is quite phenomenal, and all of this is backed up by scientific research.

 

A team of researchers at the University of London recently took part in a study in collaboration with Neal’s Yard Remedies to find out the effects of white tea, witch hazel and rose extract on human skin cells, studying their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. During the study it was found that actually all three of these substances are extremely good at both preventing and healing incidences of inflammation.

 

This is important because inflammation causes the vast majority of diseases that can befall the human body, including things like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular problems and arthritis. As inflammation progresses, the diseases develop.

 

The three substances mentioned above were looked at during the study to measure their anti-collagenase, catalase and anti-elastase activity. The researchers then got some human skin cells and added hydrogen peroxide to stimulate inflammation, before adding these extracts to see what happened. The researchers saw that all three of the products were extremely effective at reducing or even preventing the inflammation.

 

An earlier study that was carried out on white tea, green tea, witch hazel and rose extract also confirms the results of this study. It also points out that collagenase and elastase are important enzymes in the aging process, as they are partly responsible for the degeneration of cells. This demonstrates that all of these substances also have powerful anti-aging capacities, especially white tea, as it has the highest levels of both these substances.

 

Another study, done in 2011, also showed that fruit flies who were fed with rose extract had a reduced mortality, showing that this flower extract could help you to live longer.

Categories: anti, anti aging, human skin, inflammation nbsp, rose, rose extract, skin cells, tea, tea witch, white tea, witch, witch hazel

What Are the Best Herbs to Help Boost Your Immunity?

Herbs can be part of a healthy diet and using them wisely can boost your wellness and wellbeing. If you are aware of your nutrition (including the use of herbs) you should find yourself having to make less visits to the GP than you otherwise would, as your immune system will be boosted and healthy.

 

Echinacea is one of the well-known ones, and is great for boosting your immune system. You can either take Echinacea tablets or there is a tea that you can drink, as well as tea blends.

 

Oregano works as a strong, natural antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal agent, and so is considered one of the most powerful herbs. You can cook with oregano, of course (spaghetti Bolognese is always nicer with a sprinkle of oregano) but you can also put a drop of oregano essential oil into a foot spa every day (unless you are pregnant or breast feeding).

 

Garlic can be used in all kinds of different dishes, and it has a really strong ability to enhance your immune system. Recent studies have shown that garlic also has benefits for the heart, and contains anti-microbial and antineoplastic properties which make it well worth ingesting on a regular basis.

 

Bright yellow turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, and it contains curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant. It also has stomach soothing and antibacterial properties. You can try taking turmeric capsules or drinking turmeric tea or turmeric milk, or of course you can cook with the spice.

 

Reishi mushroom is an oriental herb, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help to strengthen your immune system and has even been known to fight against cancer. Some people think of this as the ‘elixir of immortality’ as it is thought to protect your immune system from bacteria, viruses, pollution, chemicals, toxicity and molds, all at the same time.

Categories: anti, anti-inflammatory, Boost, herb, herbs, immune, nbsp, turmeric

Anti Depressants V/S Diet and Nutrition- What’s Better?

The mental and emotional wellness of Americans is a serious issue, as recent figures show us that up to half of all Americans are taking some form of prescribed anti-depressant drug. Although anti-depressants have an important role to play in improving the wellbeing of those with depression, doctors are advised not to overlook another very important thing that can help to seriously improve the outlooks of those with depression, and that is diet and nutrition.

 

Anti-depressants are commonly prescribed, and in many cases they are necessary, however, there are cases where other options should be explored either as well as or instead of the drugs. All too often, anti-depressants are seen as a quick fix, but in reality the problem has even deeper roots. Much as you cannot get rid of weeds from your garden without doing a bit of digging, you often cannot get rid of depression with doing a bit of digging to find the root cause. Anti-depressants don’t do this – they simply treat the symptoms of the problem.

 

Physical health has a really strong link to emotional health, and depression can frequently be linked to a physical issue, which a change of diet and nutrition could significantly improve. Paying attention to following a healthy and nutritious diet can help to boost your metabolism, balance out all your hormones and build up a resistance to depression, right at the roots.

 

Diets that are high in protein but low in fat are particularly good. Protein is food for the brain, and when you feed your brain it will work more effectively. Avoid fatty meat and go for things like salmon, nuts, tuna, legumes and soy for your protein. Steer clear of any food treated with steroids – such as some dairy products – as these can trigger depressive episodes. You should also make sure that you get a diet that is rich in omega-3 oils which help to reduce inflammation in the whole body – including in the brain.

Categories: anti, anti-depressants, depressants, depression, diet, nbsp, nutrition

Chicory and Ostrich: Anti-Ageing Foods You’ve Never Heard Of

From the day we arrived on the planet, we’ve been trying to stay here as long as possible. Sure, you want to look and feel younger, but the pursuit of the fountain of youth also applies to other areas of your wellbeing; preventing age-related diseases. One way to get your wellness in shape is through your diet, and so many of us turn to well-known anti-ageing foods like blueberries and dark leafy greens. However, there are some less familiar foods that can help you delay the ageing process, so let us clue you in on these secret anti-agers.

 

Chicory: You may not have heard of chicory, but, trust us on this, it’s an anti-ageing food that you need to know about. You can use the pale yellow leaves in salads, or else mix dried chicory roots in with your herbal coffees. The reason why chicory is so amazing is that it contains more vitamin A and beta carotene than any other salad green, which can help to boost your immune system and protect your eyes against age-related problems. Plus, chicory provides insulin, which may be instrumental in preventing the formation of cancer tumours.

 

Ostrich Meat: While you may not find this in your local corner shop, it’s worth seeking out ostrich meat the next time you get a craving for a juicy steak. While having all the glorious taste of red meat, ostrich contains all the benefits of white meat – being a great source of iron, zinc and selenium. Plus, it’s lower in saturated fat than chicken.

 

Tea: Drinking a cup of tea doesn’t only get you going in the morning or provide the perfect break-time beverage; it also slows down the ageing process and makes you feel incredible – as any Brit will attest to. Studies have shown that there is eight to ten times more polyphenols in tea than there are in fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants fight the good fight against the cell-damaging free radicals in your body that promote the ageing process. If that wasn’t enough, tea may help to rev your metabolism, kick your weight loss into gear, slow the growth of tumours, give you glowing and gorgeous skin and protect your mind from Parkinson’s disease. Research has also suggested that tea increases your bone density, which helps guard you against age-related weak and brittle bone disorders like osteoporosis. In addition, it is thought that tea protects you from breast, lung and digestive cancers, and, while all tea comes from the same camellia tea plant, the black variety also contains flavonoids which protect you against heart disease – time to stick the kettle on then!

 

Eggs: You never know where you stand with eggs. In the past they have been vilified for their high cholesterol content, but now the tides seem to be turning, and ushering in a new era of egg-cellent health benefits (sorry). In order to stay young, your body needs energy and the ability to be active and fit. Luckily, eggs can provide your body with the protein and B vitamins it needs to accomplish this. In terms of other anti-ageing properties, eggs seem to be especially promising in the antioxidants arena, being packed with lutein and zeaxanthin. These are the antioxidants that may delay symptoms of aging like cataracts. Plus, in some eggs you might find added omega-3 fatty acid DHA which improves the functioning of your heart and brain functioning. If you’re still worried about eggs’ dark past, hopefully the JAMA recommendation that healthy adults can safely consume up to seven eggs per week will turn those concerns sunny side up.

Categories: age related, ageing, ageing foods, ageing process, anti, anti ageing, Chicory, Eggs, Ostrich Meat

Could These Simple Food Habits be Putting Years on You?

Have you ever heard the saying, ‘you are what you eat’? Put simply, this means that everything that you eat has an impact on the wellness and wellbeing of your body, and this includes the way that your body looks. One of the best anti-aging methods is simply to be aware that the food you eat could be making you look older (and that there is food out there that can actually make you look younger!)

 

Consuming too much full-fat dairy produce or red meat is one of the biggest problems when it comes to looking and feeling older. A study carried out in 2012 by the Brigham Women’s Hospital found that the saturated fats found in red meat and dairy produce can cause the brain to age at a faster rate than other types of fat. This study looked into the dietary habits of around 6,200 women who were over 65, and found that those who had the highest intake of saturated fat also scored the worst on cognitive tests. The good news is that if you want to slow down the aging of the brain, you can actively take in monounsaturated fats such as avocado oil and olive oil.

 

Using too much salt is also a big no no when it comes to anti aging. A little salt is a good thing, and should never be avoided altogether, but too much salt dehydrates the body, causing kidney disease and high blood pressure, and it can also be linked to low cognitive health and low physical activity.

 

Having a sweet tooth is also, unfortunately, a red flag when it comes to anti aging. Sugar has a damaging effect on collagen, and this leads to the sagging of your skin and to wrinkles appealing. Whilst a cake or two here and there won’t do any damage, many people consume far too much sugar and should cut down if they want their skin to stay youthful.

Categories: aging, anti, anti aging, body, dairy produce, Food, nbsp, red meat, Salt, years

Simple, Everyday Products That Take Years off Your Age

Not all of us can afford expensive beauty products, and so it’s natural to think that anti-aging is just something that is out of your price range. What you may not know, however, is that some of the best beauty products can be made from things that you already have in your bathroom and kitchen cupboards.

 

Not only are the products that you can make at home better for your wellness and wellbeing, but they also don’t contain all those ‘mystery’ ingredients that you will see listed on the side of cosmetics, which you don’t know what they are or what possible effect they could have on you now or in the future.

 

For example, you most likely have aspirin in your house right now. Did you know that the anti-inflammatory properties that aspirin has makes them great for your skin. They contain salicylic acid, too, which is often used in acne treatments. What to do when using aspirin on the skin is dissolve two or three tablets in a very small amount of water, to make a thick paste. Crush the aspirin and then apply the crushed aspirin and water paste directly to each spot and then leave them overnight.

 

Believe it or not, coffee grounds can also be a great way to help fight cellulite. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits, and can lessen the circulation around the body and make an unattractive ‘orange peel’ look. Most anti-cellulite creams contain caffeine as their active ingredient. Instead of shelling out on these, simply but the used grounds from your coffee grinder into a box with a few tablespoons of olive oil. When you hare having a shower next, massage the mixture into your troublesome cellulite areas – the exfoliation and the caffeine will help to get your blood flowing and clear the cellulite.

Categories: aging, anti, aspirin, beauty products, Cellulite, nbsp, products, young

How to Prevent Diseases with an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

In recent years, you may have heard mention of “anti-inflammatory” and “antioxidant” with regards to nutrition and wellness, but is this just another diet fad? Not according to Karen Lamphere, MS, CN, as she believes that anti-inflammatory foods aren’t just helpful for looking trim; they can guard your wellbeing against a whole host of diseases and health conditions, including IBS, arthritis, asthma, allergies, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. So, how can you include more anti-inflammatory goodness in your diet?

 

1. Include healthy, anti-inflammatory proteins: Lamphere notes, ‘There is a difference in the saturated fat and omega-3 fat content in grain-fed versus grass-fed beef, with the latter being a more healthful choice for an anti-inflammation diet. In addition, organic pasteurized eggs have a better anti-inflammatory fatty acid profile than factory-farmed eggs.’

 

2. Reduce your intake of unhealthy fats: Omega-6 fats, trans fats and saturated fats promote inflammation in your body. Lamphere explains that omega-6 fats ‘are inflammatory because they are metabolised into hormone-like compounds that actually promote inflammation.’ These fats are found in oils; corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut and soybean.  Lamphere adds, ‘Another fat that is highly inflammatory in trans fat. This fat is found in processed or fast foods, especially those that are fried. It is best to avoid trans fat entirely.’

 

3. Increase your intake of monounsaturated oils: According to Lamphere, ‘Most people eating a Western diet high in processed food or fast food consume a lot of omega-6 fats – and not enough of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats – and it is this imbalance between the two that promotes inflammation.’ Aim to include more omega-3 fats in your diet through extra-virgin olive oil, fatty fish, fish oil, walnuts and walnut oil, flax and flax-seed oil, and hemp-seed and hemp-seed oil.

 

4. Lessen your intake of unhealthy carbs: Foods that are high on the glycaemic index – white flours and sugars, for example – can exacerbate your inflammatory conditions. Lamphere comments, ‘These foods elevate insulin and glucose levels, which raise levels of pro-inflammatory messengers.’

 

5. Get as many fruits and vegetables in your diet as you can: Blueberries, strawberries, and dark leafy greens are top picks for an anti-inflammatory diet, as these are the produce with the highest content of antioxidants. Lamphere adds, ‘Fruits and vegetables high antioxidants are important, especially onions, garlic, peppers and dark leafy greens. These are high in inflammation-fighting carotenoids, vitamin K and vitamin E.’

 

6. Cook with anti-inflammatory herbs and spices: Not only do herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, cayenne, garlic and onions help to add more flavour to your dish, they can also help you combat diseases. ‘Turmeric, oregano, rosemary, ginger and green tea contain bioflavonoids and polyphenols that reduce inflammation and limit free radical production,’ Lamphere asserts. ‘Some of the most potent anti-inflammatory vegetables are peppers and the spices derived from them, such as cayenne pepper. All chilli peppers include capsaicin (the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it has), which is a potent inhibitor of substance P – a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes.’

 

6. Clear your diet of foods that cause sensitivities: Some people can eat whatever they like, but you may be sensitive or even allergic to certain foods without even realising. Lamphere recommends trying an elimination diet to determine which foods are causing you problems. She urges, ‘Many people are intolerant to the proteins in wheat and dairy, and this can initiate an inflammatory cascade that starts in the gut but can have far-reaching [systemic] effects.’

 

7. Relax: Stress is a huge cause of inflammation so it’s important to find relaxation techniques that work for you. Plus, the likelihood is that your new anti-inflammatory diet will help you to feel better anyway, which can lead to a pleasant cycle of helping you to deal more effectively with daily stressors.

Categories: anti, anti-inflammatory, fruits and vegetables, hemp seed, herbs and spices, Inflammatory, inflammatory diet, lamphere adds, leafy greens, monounsaturated oils, promote inflammation

Can Testosterone Work as an Anti-Ageing Hormone?

Testosterone has many benefits for men, one of which is being touted as the fountain of youth for its anti-ageing properties. Men say that it helps them to build muscle and lose weight, as well as providing energy, but can it really work? In America, testosterone therapy prescriptions are increasing significantly compared to just ten years ago. The study reported that 50 percent of men who opted for this therapy had lower than normal levels of the hormone. However, 25 percent didn’t even have their testosterone levels tested before starting the treatment. Australia has seen similar results, with men looking to long-lasting injections and gels as a way of getting their hormone fix. In fact, studies show that the latest pharmaceutical figures indicate that the number of men using testosterone injections has more than doubled. Doctors advise that this is wasteful and misguided, providing no rational evidence to support the prescriptions. They further state that it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and can accelerate prostate disease.

While the reports indicate that this is a frivolous anti-ageing scheme, there are legitimate reasons for men to use testosterone. Men suffering with androgen deficiencies or a condition known as Kinefelter syndrome will use it as a form of treatment, However, there has been no increase in the number of men with those conditions, meaning that more and more people are using it simply for the energy boost and weight loss benefits. It is being promoted as an andro-pause for ‘male menopause’ or for male sexual dysfunction. The growing overuse of this hormone could be for use as an anti-ageing tonic or as a way to boost a man’s performance in the bedroom. There are clinical trials being carried out as to the uses of testosterone as a possible treatment for obesity and diabetes – however, the results of these are yet to be published.

Categories: ageing, anti, anti ageing, hormone, men, Testosterone, treatment

How to Have a Positive Outlook on Ageing – and Live Longer!

The problem with the term “anti-ageing” is that it implies a sense of fear, and even anger, towards the ageing process. Everyone gets old, and everyone fears the idea of getting old. You want to feel energetic, vital and healthy, but ageing sounds like the opposite of that wellness ideal. This may be why the global anti-ageing industry is expected to exceed $290 billion by the year 2015 – we hate the thought of ageing, and will do anything to stop it.

 

According to Dr Aubrey de Grey, a biomedical gerontologist (study of old age) from Cambridge, who is one of the leading figures in the field of ageing, your body is like a machine or a car. It tolerates a certain amount of damage, and can be repaired every once in a while, but the damage accumulates over the years and it ceases to function as it once was. Basically, you are designed to have an expiry date – but that date is not set in stone.

 

Last year, researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York undertook a study, published in the journal Nature, which found the answer to delaying the ageing process in a chemical in your body called NF-kB. You produce this chemical in the hypothalamus of your brain, which is where you also regulate your hormones, emotions and food intake. When NF-kB started to become more active in mice, the animals started to show signs of ageing. When the chemical was suppressed, on the other hand, the mice started to act more youthful.

 

However, research shows that having a positive outlook on ageing can extend life by up to 7.5 years. So, all that age fear-mongering from the anti-ageing beauty industry and the media is actually undoing all the good work that their products might achieve for your wellbeing. In his book The Blue Zones, Dan Buettner observed behaviours and habits from people who lived past 100 years, and yet still remained to be vibrant and live an active life. Here are the keys to living longer (and happier) that he discovered:

 

1. Keep ties with families and the community

2. Maintain a strong sense of purpose

3. Consume a densely vegetarian diet

4. Maintain a positive outlook on life

Categories: ageing, ageing process, anti, anti ageing, chemical, fear, nbsp, NF-kB, positive, positive outlook

Keep Your Face Looking Young With This Natural Facelift

It’s natural to care about anti-aging and to want to look young for as long as possible. Unfortunately, the preoccupation with looking young has escalated beyond all recognition, and people are now willing to go to even greater extremes, risking their wellness and well-being in a quest to hang onto eternal youth.

 

Since ancient times, women have been obsessed with anti-aging, with Cleopatra going so far as to bathe in asses milk, and Elizabethan women slowly poisoning themselves to death by using lead and arsenic as part of their beauty regimes. Today, women are also going to great lengths, and usually this involves intrusive appointments such as plastic surgery and Botox, alongside the usual anti-aging creams.

 

The anti-aging market is worth around 291.9 Billion in the states, as more and more people strive to be young for as long as possible. The good news is that there is really no need to go in for serious or intrusive treatments. Many people are now looking for safer or more environmentally conscious ways of helping them look younger, and this is where the natural and holistic field of medicine really comes into its own.

 

Natural anti-aging products are gaining popularity, especially as reports emerge that some seemingly minor medical procedures, such as microdermabrasion, can actually cause long-term damage to the face and leave the skin thinner than ever before.

 

Instead, people are now opting for techniques such as natural face lifts, which are carried out through massage. This safe and non-invasive technique does not use any products so is suitable for the most sensitive of skins. Therapists tend to work on one half of the face at a time, so that they can then show patients how the treatment is progressing, holding up a mirror to show them how one half of their face looks firm and toned while the other half still requires treatment.

Categories: aging, anti, anti aging, face, lift, look younger, Natural, people, young

Could You Fight Ageing with an Australian Bush Plum?

An Australian bush fruit contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could slow the ageing process. This is according to researchers at Southern Cross University, who believe the Davidson’s plum, found in rainforests in the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales, may hold the key to anti-ageing wellness.

As a result, local researchers have been commissioned to start human trials into the plum’s effectiveness by vitamin company Blackmores and Australian manufacturer Native Extracts. For two weeks, roughly 40 participants will take an 100ml dose of a water-based plum extract every day, which is the equivalent of eating four Davidson’s plums on a daily basis. Commonly known as the Mullumbimby plum, the fruit had been a staple diet to indigenous Australians for years.

According to Professor Stephen Myers, from the university’s Southern Cross Plant Science department, this is an exciting opportunity to investigate the wellbeing benefits of the bush food. ‘Davidson’s plum has a long history of use as a food, both by indigenous people and early settlers in Australia, and is now grown commercially for human consumption in jam, wine, ice-cream and sauces,’ he said.

He continued, ‘Laboratory studies have confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plum, suggesting that it may be beneficial in stopping oxidative damage, which is a major cause of cell ageing. We are now testing it in humans to explore this potential.’ The professor added that the researchers will use blood tests to measure the antioxidant levels of participants, as well as tracking whether the plum provides any benefits in mood, fatigue and muscle function.

The native plum tree is considered endangered in the wild, but is widely cultivated on the Tweed. Usually, it is approximately 5m tall and fruits in clusters on the trunk over Christmas. At this time of year, the plums are often harvested for jams but national park Tropical Fruit World was is one of the few places to still have plums still on the tree. Park manager Aymon Gow said he had no idea the tangy plum could be used in anti-ageing, but rather it simply makes for a great ingredient. ‘It’s really sour but it’s a great flavour when used in something sweet like jams,’ he said.

Could You Fight Ageing with an Australian Bush Plum?

Categories: ageing, anti, anti ageing, anti-inflammatory, australia, australian bush, Davidson's Plum, inflammatory properties, plum, Research, southern cross

Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Alternatives to Smoother Skin

In these contemporary times, more and more people are making use of modern technological advancements to improve their appearance and reverse the signs of ageing that can detract from one’s confidence and self-esteem. Although many treatments for wrinkles exist, anti-wrinkle injections have become particularly prevalent. If you are considering getting anti-wrinkle injections to decrease or entirely remove the appearance of wrinkles, you should learn as much about them as possible. In so doing, you can determine if having anti-wrinkle injections is the right method for you to use.

 

To gain a deeper understanding of whether or not anti-wrinkle injections are a safe course of action for the removal of wrinkles, it is important to learn basic facts about them. In short, anti-wrinkle injections are what many consider to be a safe treatment for the emergence of wrinkles generated through muscle movement. Derived from a toxin found in cultured bacteria, anti-wrinkle injections are used in doses small enough to preclude the recipient from having systemic challenges. When the procedure is administered, the anti-wrinkle injections are placed into the muscles that are causing the emergence of wrinkles. (To attest to the safety of these small doses, proponents of anti-wrinkle injections state that much more potent doses are administered to children for the treatment of movement disorders. These large doses are safe, they say.)

 

Once you gain a basic understanding of what anti-wrinkle injections are, it is important that you consider several frequently asked questions about them. One question that people often ask is if the administering of anti-wrinkle injections will cause an individual to lose some or all movement and expression in the face. According to proponents of the procedure, the latest trends in the treatment allow the recipient to retain movement in parts of the face. This amounts to the individual maintaining an animated and refreshed appearance. While anti-wrinkle injections will result in you no longer being able to frown, they will permit that you laugh, smile, and look surprised.

 

Although anti-wrinkle injections have many benefits, there are several drawbacks that may make one want to pursue a more natural form of treatment. For example, anti-wrinkle injections usually last for about 4 months. After that point, the lines begin to return. And while the minimization of wrinkles tends to last longer with each treatment that the recipient has, the perpetual injection of chemicals into the skin can pose problems for individuals who are uncomfortable with needles or simply do not want to continually have a surgical procedure performed.

 

In addition to the fact that anti-wrinkle injections require continual procedures in order to keep the appearance of fine lines minimal, the procedure can engender side effects such as headache, temporary redness, slight nausea, bruising, or swelling. One final drawback of anti-wrinkle injections is the costs. Depending on your personal financial state, you may not be able to afford the prices. A rough estimate for anti-wrinkle injections that will tackle frown lines is $300, and treating the forehead costs $150.

 

In recognizing some of the drawbacks of anti-wrinkle injections, individuals interested in attaining smooth skin may be interested in alternatives such as anti-wrinkle creams. Some of these creams can be very expensive and are often sold over-the-counter, making a prescription and the extra costs entailed by seeing a doctor unnecessary. Anti-wrinkle creams often work through a formula containing Vitamin A, Retinol, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5. These components work within the skin to address the site where the wrinkles develop.

 

Another alternative to anti-wrinkle injections is adopting a healthy diet. As many wellness experts know, the antioxidants in colourful vegetables and fruits preclude unstable molecules from doing damage to healthy cells. This is important because damaged cells generate signs of ageing, including the emergence of wrinkles.

 

Once one considers the viable alternatives to anti-wrinkle injections that exist, the appeal of more natural mediums through which to improve the smoothness of one’s skin increases. By adopting an alternative, one can preclude the emergence of wrinkles without paying exorbitant costs or enduring the side effects of the procedure.

 

This post comes from Dr. Farah Meher-Homji at the Cosmos Clinic, you can also find her on Dr. Farah’s LinkedIn, as well as her ZoomInfo page.

Categories: anti, anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle, anti-wrinkle injections, dr farah, injections, nbsp, skincare, wrinkle, wrinkle creams, wrinkle injections, Wrinkles